We had twice planned a trip to visit my daughter, Caroline, and her family in Ottawa and had to cancel, so we were happy when it all came together from Friday 20 January through Monday 23 January.
It was beautiful winter weather with a temperature hovering around minus two degrees most of the time, with bright sunshine. The forests were magical.
As you might imagine we spent most of our time outdoors.
21 January, 2023
Parc Lac Leamy - Gatineau, Québec
It was a scintillating day and the sun played tricks with the light, creating starbursts through the trees.
My grandson, Sam, had heard reports of a Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus) at this location, but we were unable to find it.
It mattered little, however. The day was utterly perfect and it was good to be outside enjoying winter.
An encounter with White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) left us all with that rarified satisfaction that only nature can produce.
We had been taking advantage of the deer trails throughout the forest, thereby avoiding trudging through deep snow, but the deer were determined to let us know that it was they who created them.
There were few other walkers in the woods that day, but no doubt the animals are not unaccustomed to seeing people and showed little reluctance to approach us.
The sheer beauty of these creatures is overwhelming, and the fact that they are able to make a living in deep snow is remarkable.
For a brief time we were able share in their world, with respect and appreciation, grateful for the opportunity, recognizing that it is a privilege.
How delighted do you think Mel (Sam's better half) was?
Picture courtesy of Sam Cudmore
Caroline and I were blocking the path of the deer and it approached us (without hostility) to let us know that we were the intruders.
It was determined not to give ground and we stepped aside to let it pass.
It did not go far, however, and was soon joined by two others, a doe and a fawn of the year.
To claim that we were spellbound would be the understatement of the year.
Finally we walked on, leaving the deer to forage for slim pickings, to use their trails at will.
A small group of Wild Turkeys (Melagris gallopavo) were almost as nonchalant as the deer.
These hardy birds survive all that winter throws at them.
What incredible experiences on a perfect winter's day!
Mel had been suggesting sushi for lunch and we found a restaurant that suited us and enjoyed a great meal together.
Island Park Bridge, Aylmer, Québec
We scanned the river, where several species of duck were far out, searching for Barrow's Goldeneye (Bucephala islandica).
There were certainly goldeneyes out in the rapids, but whether they were Barrow's or Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) we were unable to determine at the distance we viewed from.
Sam took us to an area where he had seen Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) occupying Wood Duck nest boxes (Aix sponsa) on previous occasions.
Our luck was in! Even from a distance we could see that one of the boxes (at the left in the picture below) had an owl peering out.
Here is a closer look.
Akins/Fallowfield/Eagleson Road, Stittsville, Ontario
This is an area where Sam and Caroline have enjoyed great success in the past searching for Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus). As I have reported earlier, however, they are as scarce this year as proverbial hen's teeth, and we were able to locate only one female, too far away for a picture unfortunately.
Parkside Greenspace, Nepean, Ontario
A dedicated search for Long-eared Owls (Asio otus), a very difficult bird to find, turned up nothing, but we experienced great delight watching a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) go about its business.
We arrived back home just before dark, and decided that none of us were up for a big dinner, still feeling satisfied from out sushi lunch (Mel treated all of us by the way, little angel that she is). We had a glass of wine (or maybe even two) and snacked on cheese, salami, crackers etc. A fine repast it was and all that we needed. I think I heard Miriam say that perhaps it was even three glasses of wine.
22 January, 2023
We went out again to search for Snowy Owls, but had even less success than the day before, not even finding one.
The habitat was perfect and we put in the time, but it was not to be.
A Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) was about all that we got for our troubles.
We returned home to enjoy the rest of the day in the warmth of our family, and rejoiced in the enjoyment of our northern land.
What a great visit we had.
I am linking to DV Artist here and Viewing Nature with Eileen here. Further links are to Wild Bird Wednesday and I'd Rather B Birdin'
