Rondeau Ric

Tawny frogmouth Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We saw thias bird at a small zoo in Sydney and at first I wasn't sure if it was stuffed or alive. It didn't twitch or move, just sat ever so still. They are night hunters searching out insects and sitting quietly in trees during the day.

My name is Crash and I am a birdwatcher. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Crash prefers Sibleys fiels guide for birds as it the first one he used. The binoculars are Bushnell 8x42.

Even Frosty is tired. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur It is always a crazy rush at Christmas. By the time it is over i am tired out. I don't know what is holding this snowperson up but he has a defenite lean. Hope everyone had a good holiday.

Not a lava lamp Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur I don't think this is something you can figure out, but feel free to try. Not a lava lamp, not a bubbly drink. Not a deliberate creation.

Amaryllis Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We visited my sister yesterday and she had amarylis blooming. Such a pretty flower for a winters day

Flying south Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Except for the security hassles that sounds like a good idea for those of us that live in snow country.

Rusty blackbird Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur A first for our yard. We have seen rusty blackbirds before but not in the yard. Interesting thing about this bird is that it is only rusty in the winter. Mainly black in the summer. Don't forget to feed the birds and to put out water for them during this cold weather

Sesame Street - one of these is not the same Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Can you find the one that is different?

Tiger swallowtail Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur First real snow fall of the year, just enough to whiten the ground, so a touch of summer colour to get the weekend started.

As seen on Discovery Channel Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Discovery Channel has a program called Daily Planet, a one hour science, nature and technology program broadcast each weekday. There is a segment called Planet You and, recently this photo was highlighted. This photo originally posted in 2005 but thought it deserved a do over in recognition of its TV debut. The skunk didn't spray the racoon, they just went on eating tyhe bird seed that had fallen to the ground.

No heater Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Nostalgia is great but I prefer a warm car in the winter. Not only does it not have windows it doesn't have a heater.

Welcome back Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Alright, show your age, how many of you went Welcome back...Kotter, own up to it! We haven't had dear in the year for 2 winters, don't know why, they just weren't coming in. This afternoon this nice buck came to eat the seeds under the feeders, liked it so much he cane back a second time. Hope he brings friends next time

Crossbreeding gone wild Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur The Coguin is a strange breed seen only in Scotland. I think they were going for a cow that gave cold milk.

I hate putting up the Christmas lights Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Do I need to say more?

Basket case Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Chickadees, titmouse and nuthatches seem to really like this little feeder.

Spotted towhee Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur this is a westen bird that shows up in the east on ocassion. The obvious difference as compared to an eastern towhee are the white makrings on the back. Easterns don't have the spots. We went to see this bird on the weekend and it was cooperative, showing up about 10 minutes after we got to the feeders. Thanks to George Finney, the property owner who has been welcoming birders and helping them see the bird.

Sandhills at sunset Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We went for a drive to Longpoint, the next big sand spit on the north shore of Lake Erie to do some birding. There were reports of sandhill cranes, lots of ducks, tundra swans and a spotted towhee. Just as we were done for the day the sandhills started flying back to the marsh. More on the towhee another day.

Bowl of nuts Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We like nuts at Christmas. That's why we get along with our friends.

Blending in Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Crash found a spot where he blends in with the background and has the bonus of being in the sunshine. He looks so angelic when he is sleeping but when he's awake.... well his name is Crash

Red billed gull Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Easy id on this bird, red bill, red eye and red feet. The black billed i just as easy, black bill, black eye and black feet.

My spidey sense is tingling Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur used to know what type of spider this is but I can't bring it to mind. Spins a tube web then hides inside waiting for its next meal.

A flower for a November day. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur From the archives.

Wings on my feet Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Wasn't it Mercury who was the messenger of the gods who had wings on his feet?

Hey! This thing is empty. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur This is an older photo from the archives. The redbellied woodpecker seemed irritated that his favourite feeder was empty

Ok but, Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur where do I leave the car? Is it just me, or is the wording a bit odd?

Do you want to play? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Not a good idea. Unfortunately there are a lot of sick racoons in the park this year. This one looked healthy but Crash is an indoor cat, so he won't be playing outside.

Shadow breathing dragon Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur We acme upon this might dragon while wandering in the forbidden forest, now we are mere shadows of ourselves.

Hey, this water is cold! Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur The service at this spa has really gone down hill

Fall splendour Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur A large oak in a meadow at Rondeau Provincial Park.

A fall flower Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur This hardy flower blooms in the fall just when we need a touch of colour.

Snack time. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Preying mantis with a flying insect.

Can you see me now? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Anne spotted this tiny saw whet owl in a cedar tree while looking for a different bird. It would easily fit in your hand. They migrate through our area each fall.

It's a question. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Have you ever posted a photo and been surprised? I thought I was uploading a different photo. Nice surprise. This is a question mark butterfly, look closely and you will see it.

soaring redtail Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Three were 3 redtailed hawks soaring in the bright fall sunshine. I liked the way the light made the wings semi transparent.

A fall barn Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Just a barn in the fall near Rondeau.

No privacy. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Big winds came through our area, lots of downed trees, a bit further away there were tornados and heavy rain. Evidently some outhouses didn't stand up to the wind. The joys of country living

If your dog sticks out the roof of your car Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur you have a small car or a VERY large dog. I think he's a mastiff and his head was sticking our of the moon roof (dog roof?). He was sitting down when I took this photo.

A late hummer Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur On October 24 and again on the 25th we saw an adult and an immature hummingbird. This is the latest we have noticed hummers at our feederes. We leave one feeder up until November for just this reason. They better get a move on, it's less than 2 months to Christmas. He is scratching his ear or using a really small cell phone

Some people like to walk their dog... Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur others like to walk their kayak. An interesting way to get a small boat a short distance.

The houses come down Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur It is the time of year to take down and clean the purple martins nests until next year. The setting in a farm garden at the roadside caught my eye.

I love you, warts and all. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Country pumpkins at ht e farm gate.

Don't hate me because I am beautiful. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Love me because I'm as cute as a button. Cute as a button? English is an odd language.

Nashville Warbler Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur This small warbler is on migration and stopped in your yard for a bit of water and to forage for insects. He flew into one of our windows and sat on our deck for about ten minutes. We kept a close eye on him while he recuperated. He flew away evidently with no permanent damage.

Can you spare a kiss? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur It just takes one, you know. I'm clean and dry and warts aren't contagious. Anybody? A kiss? Hello.... anyone out there?

10,000 ducks Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur or possibly more. There were thousands of ducks on Rondeau Bay yesterday. We also saw a peregrine falcon, egrets, various shore birds and two sora rails.

Does this tail make me look fat? Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

You have to stop and smell the flowers Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur or in Mr. Beans case, eat the flowers. we brought the hibiscus in for the winter and the cats decided it was a tree to climb and something new to eat.

Out of the way buddy. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur How do you get the BIG boats out for the winter? You use an over head mobile, motorized lift. The tires are the same as the ones used on 747 airplanes. Each wheel has its own motor. Not fast but it sure gets the job done.

When perpetual motion stops. Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Crash, one of our newer cats, is constantly running through the house bouncing off walls and furniture. When he finally runs out of energy he crashes in the nearest chair.

Yellow Bellied Sapsucker Originally uploaded by ricmcarthur Sapsuckers are migrating through the park now and a few may stay the winter. They hammer holes into the bark of trees to get the sap running. They return to collect the sap and any insects that have been caught in the sap.