Thursday, January 09, 2020

Waterloo Region Nature Outing to Mill Race Trail, St. Jacobs, ON

08 January 2020

     For the third year in a row, I was happy to lead a mid-winter walk along the Mill Race Trail in St. Jacobs
     Miriam and I were up long before dawn, but as daylight began to manifest itself we could see that it was a bright day and the thermometer read minus 7°C. That is about as perfect as one might expect for a January day in Ontario.
     A couple of eager participants were there ahead of us, but I always plan to arrive before the people taking part, and Miriam had time to walk down to the Conestogo River to memorialize the winter experience.


    The horse and buggy of an Old Order Mennonite rattled by.


     I am always a little bemused by the ill-informed benighted people who infer that we endure winter only because we have to, that somehow we should feel aggrieved and that perhaps we should simply hibernate. Does the picture below convey the sentiments of people who feel resentful of our climate? Or does it portray eager naturalists about to embark on a walk to enjoy nature in all its winter splendour?


     I was astounded recently to read the comment by a fellow blogger that she would not even partake in an outdoor picnic unless the temperature was at least 26 degrees. Sometimes we picnic in the snow. 
     There are those who seem to only relish temperatures that blister the skin, although I suspect that intense heat drives people indoors far more than our glorious cold winter days cause us to remain at home. No doubt everyone reading these words is fully aware of the enormous tragedy going on in Australia, with wildfires out of control, and devastation and death to humans and fellow creatures alike, and the complete elimination of habitat, and houses burned to the ground.  I suspect that most Australians would welcome a couple of days of minus seven with snow right about now, and would willingly trade the forty plus temperatures they are dealing with daily.
     We set off along the trail.


     The scenery was splendid.



     Part of the magic of the Mill Race Trail is the friendly and intimate relationship that has developed with Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) and feeding them is one of the highlights of this outing. We were not far into our perambulation before we were surrounded by birds eager for a gift of food, with keen bird lovers equally expectant of the time to be enjoyed with a wild creature. I am indebted to Don Thomas for a fine series of pictures depicting this activity. (In the group picture above Don is at the far right).








     Other birds of course join the group, but most are reluctant to land on an outstretched hand with the alacrity of a chickadee. White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) will sometimes do it and it is always a special moment if it is your extended hand that is chosen.


     Recently, for the first time ever, I had a Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) feed from my hand, but I have not yet succeeded in achieving this thrill along the Mill Race.


     The vivid scarlet of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) against the white of the snow or a backdrop of conifers never gets old.


     Snow creates many fanciful shapes; I think that the way it has collected here reminds one of confections. Cupcakes anyone?


     How about this beautiful image?


     Snow, snow and more snow.....




     Happy birders trundled along the trail, feeding birds, looking at birds, discussing birds, enjoying each other's company - glorious nature, glorious winter, glorious friendship.


     Age is no impediment. I am sure that my dear friend, Meg Slater, shown below with the two poles will not mind me mentioning that she will never see eighty again.


     Perhaps these reflections caused us to reflect on our own good fortune.


     There were several small groups of Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) on the water, and we enjoyed seeing every one of them.



     Chickadees were always present to remind us that though the Mallards may have a wonderful green sheen to their heads and a jaunty curly tail, chickadees are the marquee attraction on the Mill Race Trail.


     As we arrived in the village of St. Jacobs, the snow piled in the parking lot looked quite mountainous, with the silos in the background.


     One of the reasons that this particular outing is always such a pleasure, is that we break the journey with a visit to the Eco Café.



     Everyone was ready for a hot coffee and I think that most of us got a little snack to go with it. Miriam and I split a delicious scone.





     It is always a good idea to keep a close eye on wayward children.


     Having refreshed ourselves and used the washrooms, we started back along the trail, having enjoyed a brisk, invigorating, interesting, rewarding morning with good friends and fellow naturalists.


     Florida, you ask? Arizona perhaps? No thanks! Ontario every time!
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

103 comments:

  1. That does look like a glorious outing. You're right about the Aussies casting envious glances our way. I have a FLickr friend who often comments wistfully on my winter photos. It was been a fairly long while since I experienced the joy of chickadees landing on my hand, and I have had nuthatches too, or at least one.

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  2. Hello David, I admit I do not like the cold winter months. I would happily skip winter and just enjoy Spring, Summer and Fall. I virtually enjoyed your cold walk, the birds and the cafe. I have always wanted to try handing feeding the wild birds, but my birds are too spoiled at the feeders. Enjoy your day, happy birding.

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    1. And I doubt that it even gets especially cold in Maryland.

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  3. It looks like a wonderful winter day in Ontario, David. It's lovely to see that you are so many people every time.
    Beautiful winterwonderland!

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  4. Glorius nature - jag kan bara instämma David! Det är så oerhört vackert, ljuset som kommer med snön och alla formationer som snön ger upphov till i naturen. Och så fåglarna, de små liven som varje vaken sekund är upptagna med att leta föda för att överleva ännu en kall natt.
    Vi har ingen vinter ännu, bara varmt, grått, fuktigt och mörkt. I trädgården börjar växtligheten vakna till liv, har aldrig upplevt detta förut. Nu, i januari och februari skall kylan vara dominerande, vanligt med minus 20 grader på nätterna vid denna tid.

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  5. Snow makes the world more beautiful and the air cleaner.

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  6. Winter weather is not too much of a problem with all the wonderful outdoor gear that's available today, though I often wonder how the early settlers in Canada coped with their first winters in that climate. It makes you realise how effective feathers must be as a form of insulation.

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    1. I am sure it was quite a challenge for the pioneer settlers, as you say.

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  7. Hari OM
    Yes, on the whole, given the choice between my other country and my current residence, I'll opt for Scotland right now. My near and dear down under have been safe, but not unaffected - over and above the flames is the dreadful air quality from the smoke. Walking home from the ferry this evening as the frost settled and moon rose over the Clyde firth, I was thinking much as you talk of here; what winsome beauty has winter. YAM xx

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  8. Every season has it's own beauty, and your photos (and narrative) bring out the beauty of an icy winter. I am almost envious, never having experienced anything like that in my life.
    I loved the little joke about the children :)

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  9. Precioso día invernal y en muy buena compañía amigo David. No cabe duda que los australianos cambiarían a ojos cerrados esa nieve por los incendios. Es una desgracia de tal magnitud lo que está ocurriendo y de un daño irreparable por muchísimo tiempo.
    No comprendo cómo no se volcaran en ayuda los países que hicieran falta con dotaciones y medios humanos para atajar semejante desastre, es incomprensible y deben de rodar muchas cabezas de políticos.
    Preciosas vistas y preciosos los Chickadees comiendo en las manos, una estampa maravillosa y muy atractiva.
    Un gran abrazo querido amigo y compadre.

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  10. It all looks so perfect! Wonderful wintry landscapes, dry and cold, good companions to walk with and beautiful bird life. And coffed, you got me there! I wish I could join in your group wanderings. Pity my tram doesn't go so far! And crisp, cold weather is much better than too hot summer days. Thanks for sharing, Valerie

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    1. As a matter of fact, Valerie, I thought of you when I was at the counter getting coffee for Miriam and me. If ever you have the good fortune to come here in the winter time we will do that walk together.

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  11. Dans la Haute Loire on peut avoir pas mal de neige et du froid, je crains juste pour conduire car en France on est bien moins doué que vous pour rouler et déneiger lol
    J'aime être dehors même si il fait froid, je suis tous les jours au jardin, mais cette année on ne peut pas dire que pour le moment il y'ai eu du grand froid... Que -5°C.
    L'année dernière -17°C mais c'était en février.
    C'est vraiment sympa les mésanges qui viennent manger dans la main <3
    Bonne soirée

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  12. When you mention the weather, you sound like a true canadian patriot.
    The birders, the birds, and the snow -are all very photogenic.
    The Eco Cafe looks just the place needed to break an outdoor trip - nice and cosy!

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  13. Hola David, sin duda me encantaría acompañaros, me encantan vuestras salidas y ver como disfrutáis de cada momento. Las fotos son espectaculares. Aquí hace mucho frío también con temperaturas por debajo de cero, pero son días secos y agradables, con ropa de abriga se está muy bien. Un enorme abrazo.

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  14. What a lovely day, complete with snowy beauty, friendly birds, and topped off with coffee and scones! I’ve enjoyed many winter picnics on skis, but northerners know how to dress for success.

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  15. You are so very right. I would exchange our temperatures in a heart beat.
    Thank you and Miriam for reminding me that the appalling destruction we are currently experiencing (with another horror weekend predicted) is not universal.
    That looks like a truly WONDERFUL outing and I enjoyed coming along so very much.

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  16. Hi Both,
    Wonderful visit out luckily with suitable attire,you are so much colder than her in the UK, as usual some super images, glad to see you finished with coffee and scones. The sign in the cafe is priceless.
    All the best,
    John

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  17. Hello David,

    If some people don't like winter, I'd like to have some snow ;-) It's been 10 years since I haven't touched any.

    I know this chickadee feeding game with the Canadians, it's funny. Sometimes I try to do it with the Blue Tits in my garden.... they come very close but never in my hands lol.

    Thank you for this winter outing David.

    Have a nice day. Gros bisous

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  18. Lovely photos and you are more than welcome to picnic in the snow. I will stick to sunny days thank you. I feel the cold I think more than most and we do not have the clothes in Europe that I see you wearing in Canada!! I will take high temperatures any time to low, I know you feel the opposite, horses for courses!!! Keep warm Diane

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    1. When we picnic in the snow it is generally sunny, Diane, very sunny in fact.

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    2. Sunny maybe but you can keep the snow. I actually cannot remember the last time we had a picnic in either the hot or the cold!

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    3. We picnic very frequently. I am quite sure that food tastes better consumed outdoors.

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  19. Hi David,
    It is always marvellous to see the birds sitting and eating on your hand!
    I is a great walk and everything is beautifully captured!
    The leafs with snow and the cold snowy landscape, superb!
    And wow, that Cardinal...Breathtaking color!
    Best regards, Maria

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  20. I'd happily swap a few of our grey (gray) damp not-so-cold days for one or two of your cold and crisp days, David. I've been looking forward to snow for a while now but it doesn't look as if we'll get any this winter, so your fabulous outing, depicted here, makes me more than a little jealous!

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  21. What a wonderful post full of great photographs showing your lovely outing, which I certainly enjoyed from the comfort of my armchair!

    All the best Jan

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  22. These are indubitably postcard images!!!

    And if you didn't care for our winter before, you certainly will feel the need to experience it from now on. : ))

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  23. You have to go with whatever mother nature gives you when it comes to the weather. I enjoy seeing the hand feeding of the birds.

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  24. Growing up in North Dakota I always enjoyed winter. Here in Kentucky our weather is changing each year and winter seems a distant memory. Too warm for a true winter and I miss it. I have always enjoyed the change of the seasons. I truly love seeing your group get out and enjoy nature, along with some fellowship. Thank you so much for linking up and have the BEST weekend.

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  25. What a lovely event. I don't like to hibernate.
    I think we have to enjoy each day!
    I remember doing yard duty in this weather. This is a walk in the park!

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  26. Arizona can get pretty cold in the winter. Try the Grand Canyon in January...
    I had to chuckle about the lady who wouldn't consider a picnic if it's not at least 26 C - well, that's when I would stop thinking of a picnic. I'm not a particular friend of the cold, but I don't like it hot either and prefer lower degrees. We actually had some of our breakfasts and lunches outside while we were in New York over Christmas, and while it wasn't exactly comfortable (there were sheets of ice falling down from nearby skyscrapers) it wasn't bad either. People were looking at us funny though...
    Real winter can be beautiful, and I remember that I only wanted to hibernate when I had to leave early for work and the roads were icy (when I was still living in Germany). That wasn't fun and sometimes downright scary. But winter offers all these stunning winter photos - take your "snow cupcakes" for example - that's exactly what I would photograph!
    Your photos are stunning, and I love to see all the birds. They sure are masters when it comes to the art of survival.

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    1. You are quite right, Carola. Bad winter weather when one has to drive is the least agreeable part of the season. Now that I am retired I can usually stay home on such days.

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  27. A lovely trek. I never enticed a bird to my hand, though I always had high hopes for a chickadee.

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  28. My idea of heaven. A walk in nature surrounded by birds! My husband and I had a nuthatch land on our hand once. Such a thrill!

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  29. Good for you to get your group out in January and then finding quite a few species. Our group stops regular walks the end of November. Have a great year of birding in 2020.

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  30. David, thank you for a most uplifting post! The optimism of a true naturalist cannot be thwarted by a thermometer or a bit of snow.

    Yes, as a Floridian, it is my sworn duty to question the sanity of anyone who says they enjoy birding in cold weather. Secretly, however, I vividly remember a December morning in upstate New York where I was privileged to watch a Ring-necked Pheasant feeding in a field of newly-fallen snow. Any thought of feeling cold was whisked away by all of that color against a pure white backdrop!

    Thank you for sharing highlights of your walk. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

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  31. Nice post :) I follow you on gfc # 206 , follow back? :))
    xoxo

    https://lovefashionyes.blogspot.com/

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  32. Beautiful tour through a very nice environment!
    Poor little birds! Because of hunger, they come to eat from your hand!
    In the Netherlands the weather has changed so much ... it seems that spring has begun. Due to the mild winter weather of recent times, the first hazel and alder trees are already flowering.
    Can you please send us some cold weather and some snow? Thanks in advance! :)

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  33. What a lovely outing you had. The scenery is beautiful and the birds so special to see them eat from your hands. I love winter, it is the season for adventure if you love the outdoors. I always have, the winters over here are like spring and very rainy.
    I enjoyed your post and outing. Thanks for taking us along.
    Until the next time, have a wonderful weekend.

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  34. Hi David.

    I enjoyed all those beautiful winter photos and the beautiful Birds and Ducks.

    Nice that you can walk there and enjoy nature.

    Greeting from Patricia.

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  35. I love the beauty of the snow but my lungs have issues with being out in the cold more than a short period at a time. Your winter bird walks are tempting though, especially those wonderful and friendly chickadees. Some gorgeous photos here, and some beautiful bird sightings.

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    1. If ever you make it up here at any time of the year, Jeanie, we can probably coax the chickadees onto your hand.

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  36. As always, a fantastic morning with David and Miriam. Thank you for your eloquent account of a beautiful walk, and the lovely photographs.

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    1. Thanks Cathi. I am always happy when you take part.

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  37. I see you and your friends had a wonderful stroll in the winter forest. Beautiful photos were taken by Miriam! We have winter without snow this January, David. it's a pity!
    I once fed tits from my hands and remember well their paws that clung to my fingers.

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  38. Querido David, cuanto me gustaría estar en ese paseo ¡ me encanta la naturaleza ! por mi pueblo es raro que nieve a veces hay 2 o 3 grados bajo cero, pero pocas veces. Me encanta el calor y también la nieve, pero con 30 grados hasta 40 ( que tenemos en verano en el pueblo ) nada de picnic.... en casita se está mejor jajaja. Un abrazo y besos.

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  39. You all had a chosen a gorgeous day for a hike. I enjoyed your photos David!

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  40. I really enjoyed your posting. How is it possible that those birds in your country sit on someone's hand. I think you are all very gentle people. The Dutch birds will never do that. Does that say anything about us?

    I am fascinated by the red bird. He is so beautiful. And one of the women in your photos has a beautiful knitted tie/scarf in wonderful colors. I would like to know the knitting pattern, haha.

    Greetings out of The Netherlands.
    It is raining, raining.

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  41. OMG I would pass out! Having a lovely little chickadee land on my hand!! I feed the wildlife in our backyard and it thrills me when they don't run or fly away, just to talk to them and get a quick snap shot, but to have one land in my hand. Oh joy!!
    Dawn
    Spatulas On Parade
    stopping by from Mosaic Monday

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  42. Ha David, heerlijk wat 'n winter bij jullie, heerlijk die sneeuw. hier bij ons is het nog steeds geen winter, helaas. Mooie blogpost weer met al die vogels en gezelligheid met elkaar.
    Groet Kees.

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  43. I enjoyed coming along on your mid-winter walk. The snowy photos are amazing as are all the birds. I've had Chickadees land on my hand for sunflower seeds but a Nuthatch would be a memorable event.
    I really enjoyed the Snowy Owl pics in your last post too.

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    1. The nuthatches and chickadees often congregate together in the winter so there is always a chance.

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  44. Yes, I think to remember your earlier visit to this fascinating area. Fresh snow, sunshine and black-capped chickadees, sounds perfect!:)
    The Café looks like a lovely place and the sign Miriam has photographed is brilliant.

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  45. It is wonderful that you and Miriam enjoy the winter and all it has to offer. These winter scene are beautiful and tranquil. What whimsical snow formations on that tree looking like sweets! This does look like a perfect winter day, particularly when including a hot, comforting beverage.

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  46. We've been known to roast hotdogs over an open fire near snow ! Why not?

    Great images of such an awesome day.

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    1. Thanks for sharing with us at I'd Rather B Birdin' this week!!

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  47. It does look like a wonderful outdoor activity and you saw some beautiful birds. I have always learned to enjoy the outdoors no matter where I live and what the conditions are. I've lived in parts of the country that had winter weather and I've enjoyed getting outside. I used to go what I called 'tracking' in the snow to find animal and bird tracks after a snow. I believe it's best to find things you enjoy doing wherever you find yourself. I'll stay inside when I get old! hahaha! Thanks for a thought provoking post with beautiful nature pics!

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  48. Haha … talk about handouts! What a beautiful shot of the snow-covered autumn leaf infused with light. It is so great how people love to live under different climates and that we are not all the same. We are expecting a snowfall next week but in my neck of the woods it gets mushy and doesn’t stay lovely or crisp for long. Good thing I am a lover of rain.

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  49. Hello. How beautiful landscapes! Wonderful photos. Thank you.

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  50. Hello, David, Your winter scenery photos are pretty. It does look cold there, we have warmer up to temps in the 50's today. Wonderful birds and photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend. PS, thanks so much for the visit and comment on my blog.

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  51. wonderful excursion in nature and great as the birds sit on your hand and peck food. Nice and interesting photos!
    Happy weekend
    Elke

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    1. I have been doing this for more years than I care to remember, and it is still a thrill.

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  52. Each region has its own special beauty, and I am glad blogging takes me to lands I will never see in person. It is sad that more people don't appreciate the natural world around them. They are wasting valuable time sitting around peering at their electronic devices!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  53. ...sights that I've rarely seem this winter, so that's what winter should look like! Hand Feeding the birds looks like fun. Thanks David for sharing your gorgeous winter scenes.

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  54. It is winter but temps in the Carolinas are in the 70's this week. So I have enjoyed your virtual tour and engaging interactions with nature. The wintry landscape looks so magical and I think it's a great idea to picnic in the snow, dressed appropriately of course. That's exactly what friends did when they vacationed in Norway and they loved this unique experience. Thanks so much for taking us along.

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  55. Perfect, the Black-capped Chickadees are beautiful, sitting on hands, brilliant.

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  56. Those are some amazing photographs. Looking at all that snow makes me want to put on an extra sweater. The wintry landscape is such a beautiful and peaceful scene.

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  57. I just mentioned on a previous post that the chickadees have arrived at my feeders now. It would be wonderful fun to hand feed them, but I must say it was pure delight just to see them flitting about. The photos of the snow are glorious. I never thought a thing about the cold when I lived in Iowa, or traveled in Germany in the winter, but being properly outfitted certainly makes the difference. It's always possible to put on more layers, but there comes a point where no more can come off in the heat!

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  58. hello David
    a great team, age doesn't matter
    have fun with nature and you can see that with you, great landscape birds that eat out of hand ... I would be there too ....
    Regards Frank

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  59. Wonderful nature, David! Love all of your amazing photos.
    Great winter walk, end up with a cup of hot coffee!

    Have a great Sunday, David.

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  60. Good companions, tasty treats, and the beauty of nature - can't beat that!

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  61. Hello David, Snow we almost ask in our region what dous it look like. Another winter with to high temperatures and lots of rain. Rain is good after two summers that where to hot and dry but now we see even mosquitos fly around. So I love your blog where you enjoy a Winter walk with great friends and can enjoy birds and coffee with. And indeed if people and animals in Australia where able to enjoy some lower temperatures. It si devastating. Love the photos in your blog.
    Warm regards,
    Roos

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  62. What a wonderful weather you have there David.
    I love the winter, the snow makes it so beautiful outside.
    We haven't really had any winter here yet, I'm waiting for snow.
    In between, I enjoy your photos, so beautiful all of them.
    Greetings Tinie

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  63. A beautiful walk! The weather was beautiful and the photos came out wonderful. It is interesting to feed the tit. In Poland, it's probably impossible, except in a park in Warsaw.

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  64. Wonderful birds,beautiful time with friends. It’s amazing that the chickadees seem to know you! One of my favorite birds...I always wonder how they thrive, when it seems they expend more energy darting after one seed at a time than they could possibly take in.

    I hope I’ve never given you the impression that I feel sorry for you because of the winter. I personally don’t love the cold, but I’m more than delighted to view its beauty through your eyes .

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    1. The only impression I have ever gained from you Sallie has been of warmth and friendship and the wish that I knew you better.

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  65. Wonderful photos. What a joy to have these small birds sitting on the hand <3

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  66. Great set of pictures - I may be the odd one out in my family, but I love the cold! That weather looks close to perfect!

    Cheers - Stewart M (finally back in) Melbourne

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  67. Amazing birds. This is a quite rare experience.

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  68. We go out in all weathers, in fact i'd prefer the snow to the hot sun (I don't do well in heat!) look at all you'd miss if you only ever went places in the summer! It looks lovely and yes the leaf photo is beautiful.

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    1. I agree Pam. It mystifies me that people are daunted by the weather. We will be taking a couple of local women out to try to find Snowy Owls this afternoon. They have never seen one. It rained torrentially here on Saturday so I hope that the owls have not moved too far away seeking shelter. Imagine what a couple of days of torrential rain would do for Australia. Those fires are terrifying and tragic, and since February is usually the hottest month of the summer there it is hard to conceive what the future might hold. With all the fires around the world recently it is sobering to consider the amount of stored carbon that has been released into the atmosphere.

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  69. Hi David, beautiful winter photos. I enjoy them. It's very cold there in Ontario, we have rain this winter. How can you hold a bird in your hand? Here they are flying away. Have a nice week. Greetings Caroline

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  70. Hi David,
    these pictures show a lot of people, enjoying themselves outdoors. Especially the bird-feeding images. Such a pleasure to watch everybody having fun.
    But I also like the landscape and birdpictures Miriam made.
    I'm a bit jealous on your snow and sun. Here it's gray and rainy.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  71. Hi David ... and a little bit of magic popping off the pages on a gloomy Eastbourne day - now night! Loved the photos etc showing how the group were really enjoying themselves.

    Thanks for the link over about Robertson Davies ... I'll get to the Library and see if they can get anything for me ... I'm just amazed that three commenters knew of him - I'd never heard of him ... but I'll get to know more now.

    Cheers and let's enjoy our lives wherever we might be ... all the best - hope you found the Snowy Owls - they are amazing ... Hilary

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  72. Hello David!
    I am delighted with the beautiful photos, birds and wonderful, winter weather. A walk with friends was a nice time.
    Hugs and greetings to Miriam and for You.
    Lucja

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  73. Hi David,
    No doubt about it, it conditions were perfect for this walk. Snowy conditions form a huge contrast with the "winter"conditions in the Netherlands: +10 degrees, grey, rainy and windy. Many people, not just in Australia, are longing for the Canadian weather . Enjoy it as much as you can.
    Greetings, Kees

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  74. Abrigados contra el frío y a pasear. Estupendo paseos.
    Un abrazo.

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  75. Love the snowscapes! Especially the bird-feeding captures!

    Happy Wednesday!

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  76. Another superb post and I enjoyed the previous one with owl and fungi color wheel very much. Cheers, David, and thank you.

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  77. I am with you David - I will take a cold-weather climate any day of the week. Here in Montana, we have Black-capped Chickadees and Mountain Chickadees. I find that the Mountain variety are much more likely to come to the hand for food. And a delight it is!!! Thanks for taking us along on this stunning walk. Almost as good as being there.

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  78. These are some awesome images! The scenery and, of course, the birds are stunning! I have to admit that I've never had a picnic in the snow, but I wouldn't be adverse to the suggestion :)

    I'm glad you joined us at 'My Corner of the World'!

    My Corner of the World

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  79. Superb photos. I would be so thrilled if I were to stretch out my hand with an open palm and have birds come to eat from my palm.

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  80. Maravilhoso grupo e lugar lindo!
    Adorei os pássaros nas mãos.
    Um Feliz Ano 2020!

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  81. ello David,
    great to be able to walk in the snow :-)
    Beautiful as all white snow.
    The coach is great to see and I would like to have been there :-) Your landscapes in pictures 1 and 5 are really fantastic! I love pictures with snow :-))))) Funny that the birds just come to eat from your hands :-)))) And then I turn a little green again because the woodpecker and the beautiful cardinal are really great! !!!! The beautiful, imaginative forms of the snow are really nice to see. I enjoyed your photos again David.
    A big kiss and hug from the Netherlands xo

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  82. "Glorious nature. Glorious winter. Glorious friendships." - thanks for taking this long distance friend on such a glorious, wintery excursion.

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  83. Hello, greets from Poland. These pictures of birds are really amazing. I love to take pictures. Its my great passions. Birds are increadible.

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  84. Hello David, in response to the doubt about the birds I photographed in the post "Winter watercolors" on my blog, was in fact a good struggle to photograph crows and white herons without result. The positive was that I photographed a beautiful landscape. They're white graces and crows.

    Thanks for the visit and I expect good photographic meetings! :)

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Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the land on which we are situated are the lands traditionally used by the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral People. We also acknowledge the enduring presence and deep traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies of the Indigenous Peoples with whom we share this land today. We are all treaty people with a responsibility to honour all our relations.

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