28 January 2020
When we visit Hillside Park we customarily meet at Dearborn Plaza and park off to the side away from the main parking area. In a scene probably seldom seen in many parts of the world, but fairly common in Waterloo Region, a Mennonite horse and buggy was parked alongside the cars.
The horse was securely hitched to the pole of the light standard and seemed unconcerned at the activity going on around it.
We know where an Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) resides and made our way to that section of the park to see if it was sitting at the lip of its hole. Lady Luck was with us and it was there in plain sight, but camouflaged well enough that casual passers by would never see it.
Since for all of us the presence of any owl is akin to a talisman, our day was declared a success whatever else we might see.
Hillside Park is right in the city, but is a very pleasant urban oasis and while the park is shared by cyclists, casual walkers, and the sound of traffic can sometimes be heard, it is nevertheless a wonderful refuge.
This Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) was of impressive girth and reached high into the woodland canopy.
American Robins (Turdus migratorius) spend the winter here with ever increasing regularity and we came across a couple feeding on buckthorn berries.
They were joined by several House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) taking advantage of a sheltered area where the sun created a veritable micro-climate, several degrees higher in temperature than surrounding shaded patches.
Bright sun, still low in the winter sky, was perfect for casting long shadows on the snow.
Francine decided to sit on a log to try for better pictures of an American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea).
She was well rewarded for her efforts with a great shot.
She walked back to the car with a wet rear end, however, - a small price to pay!
We arrived back in the parking lot about an hour and forty-five minutes after we had left and the horse and buggy were still there. Obviously its human companions had serious business to take care of. And so did the horse!
I swear there is a smirk on that horse's face!
Que lindo trabalho.
ReplyDeleteFiquei fã.
Beijinhos de luz.
Megy Maia
The long shadow on the snow, the horse's "business", and the owl - put a broad smile on my face. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, a big smirk on the horse's face. You had a good outing for birds.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a smirk!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen House Finches - they're cute!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, a smirk. Feel sorry for the horse though, wasn't all that warm for standing about, guess that's what he thought of it. Loved the "wol", shades of Christopher Robin, I have lovely "wol" painting done by sinlaw especially for me. I am very fond of them. He used to own one, it was injured and he was given it to look after. It was a barn owl as I recall. There is no such thing as global warming of course, but we are getting American Robins much earlier than usual surely?
ReplyDeleteDavid - oops! Glad that's not my form of transportation! Enjoyed all the bird pix, especially the owl!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures. I do love that little Screech Owl and that lovely horse. Also the great shot of the American Tree Sparrow - definitely worth the effort!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful little birds.
ReplyDeleteCertainly unusual to see a horse and cart in traffic and I definitely see that smirk on the horses face.
Owls are up there with rainbows. Any day with either of them in it is immediately improved.
ReplyDeleteAnd you had a pretty impressive day anyway.
That shot was definitely worth a damp prosterior - thanks to Francine (and to you and the other photographers) from me.
And yes, the horse was definitely smirking. I assume its product is collected and put to good use.
What a fun post today. How wonderful to see that owl, a good omen indeed. Love the other birds. The sparrow shot is magnificent, and well worth a wet backside. Great to see the horse and buggy standing there so patiently, and that animal is definitely having a laugh! We have many horses here, but never seen one with a buggy like that, just parked. Have a great day, and thanks for sharing your world! Valerie
ReplyDeleteI declare myself a fan of Lady Luck! Gorgeous bird! The horse and carriage look exactly like in the black and white movies without sound! If at the window of the carriage there were grates, I would expect to see Buster Keaton as he descends from her with the sheriff!
ReplyDeleteAnd the horse ... had every right to shoot that smile ... your's cars are a thousand times dirtier than his "serious business"!
Yes I can see the skirk ... but if you gotta go, you gotta go - I expect they clear it up. As Duta says the shadow man always fascinates. While your bird shots - the owl, the finch, robin, sparrow and the birch: great girth. Lovely winter shots - rain again today, Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteThe horse was very beautiful. When I grew up horses was a commond sight in the traffic, but not anymore. The Tree Sparrow was very cute too.
Amigo David precioso reportaje con ese encantador y tranquilo Búho oriental y todos los demás pajarillos que nos muestras. La estampa del caballo y el buggy tan acostumbrados vosotros a ver no deja de ser para mí una estampa excepcional y vista siempre en películas pero nunca en la vida real. Definitivamente ese caballo estaba contento con la toma de foto y quiso posar para ella premiando con esa bella sonrisa.
ReplyDeleteUn fuerte abrazo amigo y compadre David.
Hi David.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful there, beautiful birds.
The Owl is very beautiful.
And really I also see the grin on the horse, and if you saw me now on me now too ;-)
Greeting from Patricia.
Ha ha ha, the blinkered horse, I loved it. Horse manure is worth a lot, sell it, ha ha.
ReplyDeleteTänk att det fortfarande finns sådana ekipage i världen! Undrar när den vagnen som dras av hästen har tillverkats? Hur som helst tror jag att den religiösa grupp som äger häst och vagn har en minimal påverkan på vår natur och klimat.
ReplyDeleteDu bor nog på en förträfflig plats David med tanke på ditt stora intresse. Att ha närhet till ett sådant naturområde med vatten och med en storstad som hörs i bakgrunden är verkligen en tillgång. Det anser nog fåglarna också.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteYup - likes a candid camera, does that horse! Lovely sparrows and finches to brighten the day. YAM xx
Le cheval attend longtemps quand même le pauvre.
ReplyDeleteLe hibou est très joli.
Ca a l'air très calme comme parc, il y'a beaucoup de petits oiseaux, c'est sympa.
Bonne journée
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAwesome sighting and photos of the Owl, they are beautiful. Love the shadow shot, the Tree Sparrow and colorful House Finches. I wonder do they leave the horse do-do or clean it up like the dog owners have to clean up after their dogs. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend ahead.
They do clean up, Eileen, often with greater regularity than some dog owners. It is not unusual to step around dog poop in the park, and of course despite the fact that the regulations require dogs to be kept on leash there are those who ignore it. As fir the horse poop it is sometimes gathered up by gardeners before the Mennonites get to it. It is a prized commodity for some!
DeleteThe robins are over-wintering?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the Mennonites, isn't it a bit odd in a way that they live so differently but end up going to similar places as the rest of us?
I suppose, but if they have to buy a hammer or a saw they have to go to the store just as we do.
DeleteBeautiful shoots David!Love thatowl!Is it a tawny owl??We got alot of them here..Some think they are scary to hear at night but I love the sound of both male and female..also the horse very nice..i live close to farms so see them riding in the streets often..I love the smell of horses..Nice post !
ReplyDeleteIt is an Eastern Screech Owl, Anita, as stated above. Tawny Owl is not found in North America,
DeleteThat was a wonderful day in nature. Balm for the spirit.
ReplyDeleteThe horse was smirking.
A horse has gotta do what a horse has gotta do. I wonder if they have more street sweepers in your area, as they have on Mackinac Island where there are no cars. Hmmm. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a beautiful site for your venture and some nice sightings. What a lovely day -- we haven't had skies like that in ages!
A horse has to go when it needs to regardless. I often remember riding a hose in a class where the judges are scrutinising both horse and rider and suddenly the horse stops mid-stream to do its thing. One of those natural things and good for the garden 😊
ReplyDeleteOwls are a master at camouflage. Lovely clear photo. Have a good day, Diane
Even happens to humans once in a while.
DeleteThe parked horse is unique!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the horse and buggy would have made me happy but to then see the owl would be amazing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos David, I love the owl. Your header is also very nice. I think it is very cold in your country, we have rain. Greetings caroline
ReplyDeleteI agree - the horse has a smirk on its face. Surprised at your hint to Diane that you too have to do a dump in a car park from time to time! ;-}
ReplyDeleteOf course, you have wowed me with the Eastern Screech Owl. However, the whole session looks as if it was magical with a stroll in fabulous winter scenery - and those House Finches are gorgeous. I'm impressed by Francine's shot of the American Tree Sparrow too.
Lindsay's improving nicely, and took herself out for half an hour today.
My best wishes to you both - - - Richard
This is a wonderful contribution and the horse is really grinning!
ReplyDeleteLove the owl, and yes, the horse was smirking!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
A cool series! It's so unusual to see the horse and buggy.
ReplyDeleteThe owl is lovely.
It's a common sight around here, Jenn. Come on down!
DeleteI'd call an owl a successful day, too. You quite trumped it.
ReplyDeleteA horse and buggy in the city, that is quite unexpected and funny too.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to see the owl :)
A beautiful sunny winter day.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see beautiful birds.
Amazing photos.
Greetings.
Lucja
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteDid all that come from one horse!! That pile would be good for numerous roses. Another wonderful trip out for you all, super image of the Screech Owl and your House Finches are very colourful.
All the best,
John
We have very productive horses in Canada, John!
DeleteIt's a good day that starts with that owl. The bunting is very beautiful, it's also a nice picture.
ReplyDeleteGood day David. Kisses
The best kind of day starts with an owl, Nathalie.
DeleteThe owl is quite magnificent in his camaflouge whites.
ReplyDeleteMe ha encantado ver esos pájaros y el búho es precioso. Estoy acostumbrada a ver a caballos y burros por aquí, me gustan mucho. Un abrazo.
ReplyDeleteHillside Park looks like a wonderful urban oasis to explore. Birds obviously find it to their liking, too.
ReplyDeleteOwls are always crowd favorites, and I love the superb photograph of the Screech Owl. But I would not mind a wet rear end at all to have a chance at photographing and observing an American Tree Sparrow! Pretty uncommon in our area.
Thank you, David, for a relaxing walk in the park. I hope that horse's owner has sufficient clean-up equipment on board.
They are generally pretty conscientious about cleaning up, Wally.
DeleteNot sure I'd sit in the snow for a picture (who knows). Love the owl!
ReplyDeleteI'm late coming to visit - couldn't connect to the internet 'til now. Thanks for linking in at IRBB thus weekend.
Hi there
ReplyDeletethe birds are a very nice contrast to white, the color comes out very well, and yes the horse laughed ... :-))
Regards Frank
Hello David, love the snow and the birds in this winter wonderland. I hope it was not to cold because I do feel sorry for the horse being tied on a pole in the parking lot.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Roos
The owl sighting would certainly make my day! Years ago we stayed for a time in Elkhart Indiana, which has a large Amish population... they also had a number of RV manufacturing plants. (We were on a fact finding tour of those, prior to buying our traveling home). It was fascinating to see big semi trucks following horse-drawn wagons through town. And many parking lots such as you show. (Saw those also in Ohio and Pennsylvania, but that contrasting traffic parade in Elkhart was unique.)
ReplyDeleteThe owl looks quite peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThe Amish population continues to grow here in Kentucky so we get the parked buggies here and there. A wonderful shot of the owl. Thank you for sharing and linking up. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a bit sad that this animal has been tightened so tightly that it cannot even move its head properly! The owl is amazing to see wow!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful walk through the park and then also see many beautiful birds. Robin and also the house finches are very beautiful. And oh ohw ... Francine with a wet back can go home. Nice and cold so hihi .....
I can very well imagine the smile of that horse hahahahahaha ......