Rondeau Ric

odd spider - can any one ID it? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Not the best photo but it was all I could get. Fairly small, this is the macro setting on a point and shoot. I'm surprised it didn't show up in a Star Wars movie.

The Rondeau Spa Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur A pair of nashville warblers enjoyed the facilities at Rondeau a few days ago. We had a burst of warblers including, nashville, bay breasted, yellow, red-start, pine, blackpoll, as well as red eyed(?) vireos. Taken through the wildlife window on a sharp angle

Looking for love Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur in all the wrong places.

Incoming Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur What ever you do, keep your mouth closed. On a "pelagic" trip on Lake Erie while attending the Midwest Birding Symposium, we had various species of gulls coming in close to mooch food. I don't think I have taken a shot quite like this before. If you like bird people, great speakers, good fall birding you should check out The Midwest Birding Symposium. The next one will be in Lakeside Ohio in 2011

The animals in Ohio are so polite. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Recently we went to Ohio for the Midwest Birding Symposium at Lakeside, on the south shore of Lake Erie. It was a great time, people, speakers, trade show, art, and BIRDS. On one of our birding walks we came upon this sign. The animals of Ohio are so polite.

Ride'em cowboy Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur The butterfly bronc riding is a favourite at the Natural Rodeo, held at Rondeau Provincial Park. We even have spotters, lower left, in case things get out of hand. I knew this red admiral was being bothered by hornets when I took the photo. What I didn't realize was that one had landed on the butterfly and another was coming in to tag team the poor fellow. I am in serious camera withdrawal, my EOS Xsi and 100-400 mm lens are in for repair. The lens wouldn't pull back to the 100 mm setting and wouldn't come off the camera. Using an older unit for backup, but it isn't the same 4-6 weeks for repairs and we are off to New Zealand in November, the timing is making me nervous

Let the molt begin Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur For non birders - in birds, moulting is the periodic replacement of feathers by shedding old feathers while producing new ones. Two years ago I shaved off my mustache which I had for over 30 years. It has been a very slow molt as it just started to re-grow. I found out this weekend that my wife preferred me with the stash, also a birding friend ,Julie , said I had lost a major field mark. There were other considerations which I won't go into right now. I will keep you updated on the progress of the molt.

Parliment Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I don't know about your government, but these fellows look a whole lot smarter than most of our politicians. (Our government is based on the British referred to as Parliament.) These birds are from a rehab centre.

Do you see it? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur 'm still looking for summer.

Under the stick Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur This walking stick stopped on the window and gave me a n opportunity to get a shot from underneath. Odd creature.

The circle game. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur A millipede was crossing the road. When I tried for a macro I must have touched it and it immediately curled up.

tomato farmer Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur In our area there is a lot of tomato farming. A tractor pulling loaded wagons is a common sight. I just had to stop and get this photo. No food fights now, just enjoy your weekend.

Mirror image Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I thought I would give every one a break from bird photos. A pair of tussock caterpillars on a milkweed plant. They look like the should be sponsored by the Fuller Brush Company. Are you old enough to know the reference.

Battle of the Blues - the loser Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We were coming in from a birding by boat when we came across two herons battling it out on the breakwater. They appeared to be trying to drown each other. The winner didn't look a lot better than this guy. We were out again the next day and they were both gone so we assume the wing injury wasn't overly serious.

Virginia rail Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur These birds skulk along the edge of the marsh here at Rondeau. This is the first time I have had a good look never mind getting the photo. Taken from about 8 feet from the pontoon boat.

Drag the ball, drag the ball... don't touch it's mine. Drag the ball. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur This lovely lady drags her ball all around the parking lot, but don't touch.. it's hers. Have a great long weekend, looks like the weather is going to cooperate.

Star wars extra Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I was hoping for a major part in the movies, but he used a slug, a SLUG, instead of me!

Punk hair cut. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Jeez buddy, this is birding, not punk rock. GET A HAIR CUT!! Ok I'm officially an old fart. A green heron/green backed heron from the pontoon boat along the marsh.

This rare visitor from Texas showed up on the north shore of Lake Erie, near Long Point. The bright sun shine made it hard to get a crisp photo although I certainly tried.200 photos later, I love digital, I had a few to pick from.