Highlights Where You Can Find Them

      The impact of COVID-19 seems to wax and wane in the Province of Ontario, but there seems to be enough flagrant disregard of common sense and the lack of willingness to follow simple measures designed to keep us all safe, that we are now back into lockdown.

     Politicians, who seem to have an arrogance all of their own, set poor examples for the rest of us to follow.  Several have been shamed into resignation, or have withdrawn from committee activity, both at the federal and provincial level, for taking trips outside the country. Some have engaged in outright deception to try to hide their transgressions - so thank goodness for diligent, enterprising reporters.  It will be poetic justice if the voters in their ridings have long memories and send them packing at the next election. These jerks seem to operate in a classic "Do as I say, not as I do" mode. Many no doubt enter politics with high ideals, but they seem to universally degenerate into sliminess and a sense of entitlement with time spent in office.

     Lockdown, for the average citizen imposes restrictions on movement, both by adhering to legislative requirements or heeding the guidance from infectious disease specialists, or simply as a matter of conscience.

     Miriam and I are still getting out and enjoying nature, but our forays are all very local, and longer trips that we would normally be taking at this time of the year are not an option.

     But a backyard provides special treats too. On New Year's Day, a  male Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinensis) paid us a visit. 

     This species is not exceptionally rare, not even uncommon in fact, but for some reason it rarely appears in our yard. 

     We were very happy to see it!

     The tree is a Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) and the patches you see denuded of bark are the work of squirrels. I can only assume that the bark retains some level of sweetness, but we would be quite grateful if the squirrels could find their sweet treats elsewhere!

     A tree visible over a neighbour's fence has retained its leaves and they are a vivid red - such a wonderful splash of colour.

     I am not sure which species it is, but it is an uplifting sight on a grey day.

     When heading out to search for Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) we saw a Mennonite lady walking across a snowy field.

     The trees were stark against the afternoon sky.

     Miriam has an eye for composition, and interesting interfaces, and she captured this wonderful image of the lady walking along the edge of a field of corn stubble.

     It was warm enough and she had removed her gloves, and seemed to be tossing them in the air as though practicing juggling tricks.

     We succeeded in finding two Snowy Owls, both at a distance, however. The first was a wonderful white male, a "Snowy" Owl indeed.

     You will see the difference in plumage colouration - and size too, although that is difficult to gauge from the photos - in the female below.

     While we were watching her she flew into a line of coniferous trees close to a farm house.

     We ran into our indefatigable birding friend, Jim Bowman, and he gave us a tip on where to see a Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). We returned the following day and were able to see the owl, perched obligingly on a fence post, but the moment Miriam lifted her camera it flew off.

     I am indebted to Jim for allowing me to use his picture.

     Two species of owl on consecutive days is quite special in my book, and all goes to prove that COVID doesn't have to ruin your enjoyment of life. 

     And unlike political opportunists and other ne'er-do-wells you can respect the rules and protect yourself, your family and your fellow citizens at the same time. Go for it!