Thursday, April 26, 2012

Lots of Colour At The Vermilon River. A Post to SWF.

 The weather has been crazy. We had that heavy snow fall, then sun, and then snow again followed by rain. The snow was not as heavy as the first storm. I'd say that it interfered with our hiking, except Boom and I hike every day. We just call it Boomer's walk. All these photos are from the woods at the back of us, but its all the Vermilon forest, and it all links through various trails. This is called German mountain for some reason. The trail you see is not the one we use as its too steep. The photos were shot just before, and during sunrise. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the slide show.
From a hit and miss beginning the sky brightened. So you'll see bright backgrounds, grey backgrounds and snowy backgrounds. That was what the three days turned out to be.
 Yup, this is the trail we use to gain access to more forest and wetlands. Its more our speed as you can see. In fact the trails seem to run for ever.
The post is long so we're starting with Huegy our crow frolicking in the snow.
 He's a handsome fellow and since its spring everybody, including him, is a little frisky.
The snow was wet and heavy. The Mourning Doves made it look like Christmas.
Mourning Dove.

Close Up Mourning Dove.

Mourning Dove Mid Air collision.

The Dark-eyed Junco's will soon head further north. They're actually sparrows.
Junco In Slate Grey

Dark-eyed Junco

 They like the Redpolls are tough little guys and will forage in the snow for food. Look how deep this one is.
Junco

 I put this shot in as they're far from a plain bird. Look at those wing markings and that tail. which seems long to me.
I had to include the Robin as he's just building nests and toughing out the bad weather.
 Right in the worst of the storm these guys showed up. He's a Purple Finch in full regalia.
Male Purple Finch.

Male Purple Finch.

Male Purple Finch.




The Tree Swallows are back for another season. They're cavity nestors and are looking for suitable homes.


 We can add another sparrow arrival to the group, as the White-throated Sparrows are here now.
 These Black-capped Chickadees were playing around while they searched out nesting materials.


See they got some moss for the nest.

 This one is a real surprise as I think he's an Alder Flycatcher. There's a yellow cast to his tail in other photos.
 The Red Squirrels were active in the sun as well.



 The day was cool, and windy despite the sun, but he uses his tail as a kind of stole.
This was really weird in all the different weather patterns, a butterfly shows up. He's either a Painted or American Lady. A COMMENTOR LATER POINTED OUT THAT THE BUTTERFLY IS A RED ADMIRAL. APPARENTLY 10000 CROSSED INTO ONTARIO DESPITE THE WEATHER.THEY DID SURVIVE AS THEY WERE LATER REPORTED HERE AND FURTHER NORTH. A post to SWF @ http://skyley.blogspot.com/ Camera Critters @ http://camera-critters.blogspot.com/ and Scenic Sunday @ http://scenicsunday.blogspot.com/

I'm going to answer the track question from the previous post as best I can. But let me thank MNR Canada for the wolf and coyote photos first. If you didn't see the original post go to the bottom of the previous post. As far as guesses go, its not a cat, although we have Lynx, bobcats,  and eastern cougars. In cat tracks the claws are retracted when walking. Its not a badger as they're more resident in our western provinces. I think its too big for a fox. But it could be a coyote, or a wolf. The Ontario coyote population is expanding. They're big as there is now apparently some mixing with the wolf, and they're here as I've got pictures of them, but not as good as the ones shown here. Equally so it could be a grey wolf as they're here also. Boom is here because the track was the same size as his paw and he weighs between 85 and ninety pounds. So its a wolf or coyote track.
Red Fox

Grey Wolf.

Coyote.

37 comments:

  1. love the 2nd photo of the sky. and of course your squirrels. the purple finch sure has some bright berry colors!

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  2. Beautiful shots of the birds in the snow. It's weird to see snow this late but I guess when you live that far up north you deal with that. Love those tree swallows. You really caught the bright blue.

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  3. I have never seen a purple finch in my life. What a pretty bird! Love all of your photos and yes, I'm jealous!

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    1. So you still have snow! Thanks for the great hike! I almost felt the atmosphere of the morning air. The birds are very beautiful.
      Thanks for your visit! Have a great weekend.

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  4. wonderful images, i love those big black crows!!

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  5. Love those "cotton wool"-like clouds, and your bird shots are, as always, fabulous Gary. Thanks for sharing. Happy hiking!

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  6. Your photos are super. I love the chickadees, and the purple finch, and the tree swallow is very pretty, but most of all I'm thrilled to see a picture of Boomer. He's just gorgeous. Give him a big hug from his admirer in the west.
    K

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  7. The purple finch is incredible, I've never seen one. Great shots!

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  8. What a collection of critters! Your images are terrific, as always. Love that blue sky and clouds, too.

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  9. Wonderful shots, nice variety.

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  10. Great post, great pics. I admire your patience and skill on so many wonderful bird pics.

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  11. You did get all the beauty every where from lovely skies to beautiful birds, delightful squirrels, Boomer, fox, wolves and coyote and even lovely butterflies! Wonderful captures all, Gary!

    Sylvia

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  12. Beautiful photos, and so enjoyable to watch the progression on the trails and all your different birs. I love the whiteness of the birch woods.

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  13. Terrific captures. I like the mix you present.

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  14. Wow, you really are getting a mix of weather. The sky is gorgeous and your wildlife photographs always make me smile.

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  15. Fine and bright pictures, excellent as always.

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  16. These birds are all so pretty. I've seen a yellow finch but not purple.

    I am checking out my area or maybe the Audobon Society and inquire where I can find birds to photograph.

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  17. The last three are precious, great photos.

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  18. Wow you always have excellent shots. It only made me want to go to natures park and wonder around. Very beautiful inspiration here. Thanks for sharing.

    SWF

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  19. Great collection!! Awesome shots..all of them

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  20. Hi Gary

    Another lovely post. Your purple finch was beautiful they are so much more colourful than our house finches. It was fun to see photos of Huey and Boomer. The photo you showed of the coyote howling was great. Ok I liked everything.

    Guy

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  21. Great collection of critters ... and I love the coyote shot! Well done!

    Irene

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  22. There were many exciting pictures of birds, animals and nature. I liked best the last picture.
    Thanks for sharing them with us!!

    Ottar

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  23. You and Boomer have some excellent adventures!

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  24. It does look like Christmas! Such a rare site for me... no snow here. The wolf is mesmerizing! Thanks for sharing your great gift with us!

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  25. Incredible post! Favorite photos?? #2 (beautiful clouds and blue sky) and the last one (howling coyote). Wow.

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  26. These are wonderful photos! I think the butterfly is a red admiral. We've had a big influx lately. 10,000 or some such. They are worried that they may suffer from our cold weather. So sad.

    Greetings from Cottage Country!

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  27. More fantastic photos- love tagging along on your walks!

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  28. Hi there - another splendid set of pictures - I really like the shot of the path through the birch trees.

    Stewart M - Australia

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  29. We are on a little road trip and I have to come back later when we get home to pay more attention to this wonderful post; just wanted to say a quick thanks for sharing Boomer's walk with us!

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  30. Hi Gary, thanks for visiting my blog.
    To imagine that there is still snow falling in Ontario in the spring! Here in New Jersey, we hardly wore our boots since the weather was mild this winter.
    The trail with all of those gorgeous birch trees looks so peaceful yet with the company of the birds , there must be a lot of singing heard during your walks with Boomer.
    It is the first time I've seen a purple finch as well.
    Have a great weekend , Grace

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  31. Hi Gary, thanks for visiting my blog.
    To imagine that there is still snow falling in Ontario in the spring! Here in New Jersey, we hardly wore our boots since the weather was mild this winter.
    The trail with all of those gorgeous birch trees looks so peaceful yet with the company of the birds , there must be a lot of singing heard during your walks with Boomer.
    It is the first time I've seen a purple finch as well.
    Have a great weekend , Grace

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  32. Lots of good stuff! I like the squirrel with its tail wrapped around it :-)

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  33. I love your amazing collection of creatures. That squirrel with its tail ruffled in the wind is priceless, as are the fox, wolf, and coyote shots. Hard to imagine all that cold!

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