Rondeau Ric

Red lored parrots

2012-02-01T09:04:00.001-05:00

Red lored parrots, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

At least that's what they appear to be.
If anyone can confirm or correct the id we would appreciate receiving a comment.
We saw about 120 of these birds on a telepone wire in Harlingen Texas.
Load and raucous, they displayed for about 30 minutes at sunset and then they left and settled into nearby trees.

I had to set the white balance very high as the lighting was poor.

Golden fronted woodpecker

2012-01-30T09:22:00.001-05:00

Golden fronted woodpecker, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This bird is similar in size and shape to our red bellied woodpecker up north.
Same type of call.

American oyster catcher

2012-01-24T09:18:00.001-05:00

American oyster catcher, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Just how fast do you have to run to catch an oyster?

reddish egret

2012-01-23T09:59:00.001-05:00

reddish egret, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Seen on South Padre Island at sunset

buff bellied hummingbird

2012-01-20T08:23:00.001-05:00

buff bellied hummingbird, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We saw these last year but we didn't see colour like this.

weather is still good, 80s, no snow.

Least grebe

2012-01-18T09:50:00.002-05:00

Least grebe, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This is one of the south Texas specialties.
Temperatures in the 80's and sunny.
Beats Canadian winters.

white tailed kite

2012-01-17T19:34:00.001-05:00

white tailed kite, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I'm glad I developed an allergy to snow.
It has given me a chance to see some great birds down in Texas.
This white tailed kite was sitting in a small tree beside the road.

Wh00o dat?

2012-01-11T10:17:00.002-05:00

Wh00o dat?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

A bald eagle was circling above the great grey owl on the weekend.
He was very vigilent in keeping track of where the eagle was.

I wonder what owl tastes like to an eagle.
Chicken, perhaps.

owl crowd

2012-01-09T13:40:00.001-05:00

owl crowd, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This is only a portion of the crowd that came to see the great grey owl that has been vacationing from northern Ontario.

There were another 70-80 people on the other side of the road.
The police came several times to get people off the road as thye were blocking traffic. This road is an 80k (50 mph) speed limit.

It is nice that a lot of people were interested enough to come out to view the bird but to many were crowding the bird.

Pushing water

2012-01-07T08:28:00.001-05:00

Pushing water, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

A pair of bufflehead were moving rapidly away from the dock after they spotted me.
Understandable as it is still hunt season.

If you look at it in large you will see the water running up the male( on the right) almost to his bill.

Fairy Dust

2012-01-06T12:46:00.001-05:00

Fairy Dust, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

At least that's what they tell me.

Did you want whipped cream on your berries?

2012-01-04T11:13:00.001-05:00

Did you want whipped cream on your berries?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Winter showed up yesterday, in a mild form, light snow and below freezing temperatures.

These left over berries stood out against the dusting of snow.

The incredibly rare Duck Woodpecker

2012-01-02T13:30:00.001-05:00

The incredibly rare Duck Woodpecker, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Found only in Southwestern Ontario, usually in the early winter.

Only one confirmed record.
Range - unknown
Breeding habits - unknown
Foods - unknown

Great Grey Owl

2011-12-28T08:02:00.001-05:00

Great Grey Owl, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have only seen a great grey owl once before and that was across a field. They are a northern bird that is very rare in our area.
This is the first record for Essex county.
This owl showed up in southwestern ontario a few days back and has been perching in trees beside the road.

It comes within 10-20 feet and doesn't pay much attention to people.

He was hunting and flying down into the roadside ditch.

Great looks for a great owl.

Time to call pest control.

2011-12-26T07:43:00.001-05:00

Time to call pest control., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Wilsons brother, Breeze

2011-12-23T12:55:00.001-05:00

Wilsons brother, Breeze, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Think about it.

CAUTION: Politcians Ahead.

2011-12-21T12:17:00.001-05:00

CAUTION: Politcians Ahead., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Tern, Tern, Tern

2011-12-19T13:04:00.002-05:00

Tern, Tern, Tern, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

To everything there is a season.

Sandwich terns

Red billed gull

2011-12-16T13:33:00.001-05:00

Red billed gull, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I like bird names that actually describe the bird.
New Zealand.

Don't sneeze

2011-12-14T12:35:00.000-05:00

Look Ma, no hands.

Some kids will swallow anything.
Don't believe it, just look at this street entertainer in Toronto.
Sneezing is not recommended.

A spoonfull of sugar helps the sword go down

Rough road ahead

2011-12-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

Rough road ahead, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

When I see a hubcap collection I'm always confused.
Should I slow down because there is rough road ahead or should I go really fast as they are good at stealing hubcaps?

Monday mornings are hard.

This photo is from New Zealand. They drive on the wrong side of the road. Does that mean they put hubcaps ON your car?

Monday with out coffee is really hard.

Odonata

2011-12-09T13:01:00.001-05:00

Odonata, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Spoted this large dragonfly - Colourus craftus- resting on the end of a garage yesterday.
Big one, probably eats dunkeys and mules.
Odonata are dragonflys.

Birders go to the nicest places

2011-12-07T12:19:00.001-05:00

Birders go to the nicest places, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Dumps and sewage lagoons are high on the list.

The birding center was beside the sewage treatment plant.

Maybe people look at birders funny because we smell?

Ah, who cares, that's where the birds are.

They're at the post...

2011-12-05T13:15:00.001-05:00

They're at the post..., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

they're off............. they're (turtle) neck and neck...

Soft shell hatchlings headiing for cover.

You know you're in the city when......

2011-12-02T12:47:00.001-05:00

You know you're in the city when......, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

the outdoor johns have attendants.

Love the name on the one in the centre, Tropic Thunder!!
What have they been serving in the beer tent?

Have a good weekend.

Anybody home??

2011-11-30T12:10:00.001-05:00

Anybody home??, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

A downey woodpecker checking to make sure he didn't miss anything.

If bulldogs were cattle....

2011-11-28T12:37:00.001-05:00

If bulldogs were cattle...., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

this is what the would look like.
Not sure what a wee heeland coo (a small highland cow) is doing in Southern Ontario. They usually don't migrate from Scotland.
Small wings I guess.

Heavy water

2011-11-23T13:11:00.001-05:00

Heavy water, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Had severe weather Tuesday, very strong winds and lots of rain.
It came out of the east resulting in 7-8 foot waves pounding into the beach in front of the cottage.
A lot of sand was stirred up by the waves making them look thick, almost sludge like.
If you look at it in large you will see what I mean.

I decided not to go swimming.

Were you born in a barn?

2011-11-18T12:11:00.001-05:00

Were you born in a barn?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

You mallards are all quack

2011-11-16T12:15:00.001-05:00

You mallards are all quack, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

and no waddle.

Lots of ducks on Rondeau Bay.
It is hunting season so they are a little sjittish.

This pintail doesn't seem to hold the sleeping mallard in very high esteem.

Tense

2011-11-11T12:12:00.001-05:00

tense, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

tense :
1. stretched or stressed tightly; taut or rigid
2. under mental or emotional strain

Around and around you go....

2011-11-04T14:01:00.001-04:00

Around and around you go...., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Crash has taken a liking to the dryer. He hops in when it stops and likes to curl up in the warm clothes.

If they aren't quite dry and it gets turned on again..... around and around we go.

Still on the job

2011-11-02T13:24:00.001-04:00

Still on the job, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

What has three legs, one eye and attitude?
This dog.
Still patroling his yard and challenging strangers.

I assume he was a rescue dog, he lives near Port Aranasas Texas.

Texas--- yah that explains a lot.

Sometimes the kids need a break.

2011-10-28T12:44:00.001-04:00

Sometimes the kids need a break., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Not sure what the sign is for. Do you really drop of your parents?
If it is to give care takers a break that's great, otherwise it seems odd.

Yellow Warbler

2011-10-26T13:37:00.001-04:00

Yellow Warbler, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Haven't had much opportunity to get out for a few weeks.
This is from last May

Hey Jackson, you want to go to lunch

2011-10-24T13:00:00.001-04:00

Hey Jackson, you want to go to lunch, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

In a small texas town and yes the food was good.

misty sunrise

2011-10-21T15:36:00.001-04:00

misty sunrise, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Early morning, just grabbed the camera, opened the door and shot.

FOOD FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-19T12:23:00.001-04:00

FOOD FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

When we were in New Zealand in 2009 we went on a pelagic trip, a fancy name for taking a boat out into the ocean to see sea birds.

They put a bait ball bull of fish bits over the stern of the boat and albatross and other birds came in.
Occasionally they were very aggressive.
The bird on the right has a 10 foot wing span.

The Emerald Isle

2011-10-17T13:42:00.001-04:00

The Emerald Isle, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Can you see the Leprechauns?

Thrush

2011-10-14T12:30:00.001-04:00

Thrush, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

When I was a young fella there was a brand of mufflers named Thrush.
They were desined to be fairly loud and rumbly.

Considering how melodious thrushes are I don't understand the muffler name.
You can hear the wood thrush here.

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wood_Thrush/sounds

Burrowing turtles

2011-10-12T12:18:00.001-04:00

Burrowing turtles a video by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Something different today.
A short video of hatchling soft shelled turtles burrowing into the mud.
When your small and something big comes along, you hide.

It's hard being green

2011-10-11T11:17:00.001-04:00

It's hard being green, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

A green tree frog on a branch. He's about the size of two thumbnails.

Home Inspector

2011-10-07T12:19:00.001-04:00

Home Inspector, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Mike Holmes would be proud.

For those of you who don't know the reference, Mike Holmes has a show on HGTV called Holmes on Homes.
It deals with homes that need repairs despite what the home inspectors said in their reports.

Rusty Mackaw

2011-10-05T12:28:00.001-04:00

Rusty Mackaw, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

The Mackaws of Rondeau like pine cones and grass seeds on occasion.
This one turned up in our yard and I was able to get a shot of one eating a pine cone.

I think the propane delivery guy is playing a trick on us. I like his sense of humour.

Now THAT is a steep hill.

2011-10-03T12:38:00.001-04:00

Now THAT is a steep hill., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

As seen in northwestern Ohio. If you have ever been to northwest Ohio you know it is flat as a table.

Common yellow-thraoted warber

2011-09-30T12:51:00.001-04:00

Common yellow-thraoted warber, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Such a pretty bird to be called common.

Going squirrelly

2011-09-29T09:18:00.001-04:00

Going squirrelly , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

According to Crash, the cat, it isn't fair to have squirrels running up and sown the screen door.
Now if the door was open a bit...

Big Bird

2011-09-28T10:19:00.002-04:00

Big Bird, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

He may not be yellow but he is still big.
The birds beside him are caspian terns which are a fairly large bird.
The one in the foreground is a ringbilled gull, another good sized bird.

He is a great blackbacked gull and is is really big.
We get them in the early fall as they migrate through.

Doesn't that make it a tent?

2011-09-27T09:59:00.001-04:00

Doesn't that make it a tent?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

If you can carry your lodging what else would it be?

The Kingfisher

2011-09-26T12:38:00.001-04:00

The Kingfisher, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

He is stting on a charter fishing boat on one of the rod holders.

Not sure if he is mooching for a meal or looking for some equipment to make him a better fisher bird.

Belted kingfisher
Megaceryle alcyon

Any shelter in a storm

2011-09-21T09:42:00.001-04:00

Any shelter in a storm, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

An enterprising bird found a sheltered spot to build a nest.
It probably was a robin based on where the it was and the construction.
Found while birding at the Midwest Birding Symposium

American Redstart

2011-09-20T14:29:00.001-04:00

American Redstart, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We were in northern Ohio over the weekend at the Midwest Birding Symposium and the birding was good.
We stopped at Magee Marsh and birded the boardwalk near the lake shore.

The birds were down low and feeding which is SO much better than having to look at the tops of trees to see them.

The MBS is a great event, if you are a birder and live in the midwest check it out.

The skulker

2011-09-15T10:12:00.001-04:00

The skulker, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Hidden deep in a bush an ovenbird looks for a few bugs to snack on.
The fall migration is underway and we are getting lots of fall warblers and other types om birds, moving through the park.

Ovenbirds are more often heard than seen and they are not calling this time of year.

Red

2011-09-14T10:21:00.001-04:00

Red , a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

The tomatoe harvest is in full swing

messy eater

2011-09-12T10:16:00.001-04:00

messy eater, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have had a number of woodpeckers still feeding their young.
This redbellied woodpecker, yes I know it has a red head, had a mouth full of suet which it feed to the young bird at the left of the photo.
Shot through a screen.

Pretty pattern

2011-09-09T10:29:00.001-04:00

Pretty pattern, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Just hanging around in the backyard.
Happy spidery Friday.

Wind in the willow

2011-09-08T10:56:00.001-04:00

Wind in the willow, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This is the remnant of the willow that fell on our roof last year. It has filled out and provides shade in the morning.
We have been having strong winds and rain the last few days, blowing in off Lake Erie, stirring up the lake and whipping the trees near the shore.

Out willow looks like an inside out umbrella or a little bit like a palm tree.

The view is from the lake side to the forest across the road from the cottage.

We did have to tie the gazebo down.

Coal Mine

2011-09-07T13:50:00.001-04:00

Coal Mine, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Really.
That small opening on the side of a hill is a drift mine in West Virginia.
Drift mines have horizontal entries into the coal seam from a hillside. This one was probably used back in the 1930's.
Men would crawl in and excavate a coal seam and sell the coal to one of the mines.
Dirty dangerous work.

Would You crawl in there?

Wilsons warbler

2011-09-06T10:31:00.001-04:00

Wilsons warbler, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We put in a small water feature in the yard.
It has a recirculating pump and two small shallow ponds that the birds are attracted to.
Since the water flow was added we have had lots of activity.
Yesterday we noticed 3 warblers on the south bound migration that stopped for a drink and bath.
This one, a wilsons ,a black and white ,and a nicely cloured Cape May warbler.

Hi, I'm Gremlin and I'm 7 weeks old.

2011-09-05T09:36:00.001-04:00

Hi, I'm Gremlin and I'm 7 weeks old., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I was adopted early as I was abandoned. Now I live in a nice house with a BIG cat called Ninja. He's 14 weeks old.

A different perspective

2011-09-02T10:39:00.001-04:00

A different perspective, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I don't think you are supposed to do that on a pogo stick.
In the process of doing a back flip.
I can barley stay on one just bouncing around.
Have a great long weekend Canada.

Tiger swallowtail

2011-09-01T09:17:00.001-04:00

Tiger swallowtail, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

In the front Yard. We have had a good selection of butterflies this year.

Looking for a snack

2011-08-31T10:00:00.001-04:00

Looking for a snack, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Wandering insectivors, standing 9 feet tall roamed downtown Toronto last weekend. Turned out they just wanted cotton candy.

Buskerfest, Toronto.

frogger

2011-08-30T10:55:00.001-04:00

frogger, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Do you remember the old computer game?
That's what he wanted to play.
When I told him I didn't have the game, he hopped off and went about his business.

Green

2011-08-29T10:37:00.001-04:00

Green, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Yellow

2011-08-26T09:23:00.001-04:00

Yellow, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Ticks and chiggers Part II

2011-08-25T13:32:00.001-04:00

Ticks and chiggers Part II a video by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This isn't what I was looking for but I take what I can find.

Suprised a couple of young hatchling softshelled turtles.
By the way no ticks or chiggers that trip.

Retirement after the Big Time

2011-08-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

Retirement after the Big Time, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Now that the Harry Potter series is over the cast is looking for work.
The Hogwarts Sorting Hat wasn't a major character so he is in semi-retirement working as a traffic cone at Rondeau.
He isn't happy about the new wardrobe colour.

Tick and chigger patrol

2011-08-23T10:17:00.001-04:00

Tick and chigger patrol, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

While out and about in the back areas of Rondeau I wandered into the scrub.
Not the best place to be in tick season., and they aren't nearly as bad as chiggers.
The rash and itching is enough to drive me up the wall.

I'll post a shot of what I was photographing later.

Photo by Anne who was smart enough to stay on the boat.

Tiger Swallowtail

2011-08-22T09:45:00.001-04:00

Tiger Swallowtail, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have lots of these and other species in the yard right now.
The iron weed is in full bloom and all the butterflies seem to love it.

Momma's got a brand new bug.

2011-08-19T09:39:00.001-04:00

Momma's got a brand new bug., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Waiting to feed the young in the nest.
We have a nest in our carport that has been used by robins for the past 4 years.

When we walk by one of the parents chips to warn the youngsters to keep hidden.

The turtle brigade and friend

2011-08-18T10:28:00.001-04:00

The turtle brigade and friend, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have magnets on our fridge and my great nephew decided to rearrange them.

Rescue or interference

2011-08-17T09:43:00.001-04:00

Rescue or interference, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We were out on the pontoon boat yesterday and I thought I saw frogs jumping on the weed mat.
A closer look revealed a shore bird, probably a spotted sandpiper, thrashing about.
I was concerned it was caught in a discarded fishing line so I pulled in next to it. Anne tried to get it back to the surface with the boat hook.
When that didn’t work I went in and lifted the bird along with a mass of weed. There was quite a bit of resistance and I realized there was something moving under the weeds.
Quick look lead me to believe a turtle, probably a snapper, had a hold of the bird and was slowly drawing it under the water.
The bird escaped and made it to shore. It obviously had an injured leg but it was free.

So, was it a rescue or did we interfere with nature.
A bird escaped and a turtle went hungry.

Oooooooooh, pretty snake

2011-08-16T10:35:00.001-04:00

Oooooooooh, pretty snake, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

It was so nice to see young people who were not afraid of snakes.
Recently, at Rondeau, a species at risk program concentrated on reptiles. About 200 people came and a highlight, at the end of the program, was the opportunity to handle snakes.
This young one was entranced and hopefully will be a lifetime fan.

Hook em young.

Housing crisis

2011-08-15T11:07:00.001-04:00

Housing crisis, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

That has to be uncomfortable for both the landlord and the tenant.

This is from our New Zealand/Australia trip.

These were wandering along the side of the road.
With the help of a guide we saw 7 varieties of kangaroos.

flying squirrel

2011-08-08T09:30:00.001-04:00

flying squirrel, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have flying squirrels coming to our feeders almost every night.
There have been at least 7 at one time and they chase each other off the feeder, climb over each other and squeak challenges the entire time.
They can glide incredible distances and when they land the immediately go to the far side of the tree and climb higher.
I guess when you are a snack sized morsel for an owl you have to have defensive behaviour. They are nocturnal and have large eyes.

Why do I keep catching fish?

2011-08-04T23:24:00.002-04:00

Why do I keep catching fish?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Honestly, that is what I over heard one of these kids say.
Well I suppose it might have something to do with the baited hook you keep putting in the water.

They all seemed to be having fun, except for the kid who kept catching fish.

An unusual view

2011-08-04T09:35:00.002-04:00

An unusual view, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

While we were in Texas on South Padre Island we saw this least bittern from the top to the bottom.
It was walking beside and eventually underneath a boardwalk.

Surprise

2011-08-03T09:46:00.002-04:00

Surprise, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I think everyone except the fawn was surprised by this encounter.
Anne and I were. We came around a corner and there they were, standing in the road. The fawn was looking for a meal from mom and I don't think it knew we were there.
Mom knew but the car is quiet and I think we startled her.
They slowly walked into the brush at the side of the road. The fawn was a little slower.

The little drummer dog

2011-08-02T08:50:00.002-04:00

The little drummer dog, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Thump that drum!!

He got his tail caught in a screen door and it was taking a long time to heal. He kept hitting it on furniture, walls and people.

What to do? Wrap it up of course. I'm not sure why there is a drum head at the end.

Thank you for being my friend.

2011-08-01T08:52:00.002-04:00

Thank you for being my friend., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

There was a raptor show Saturday at Rondeau, sponsored by the Friends of Rondeau.
This turkey vulture was the last of the birds to be presented.
It kept putting its wing around the handlers neck as if it was giving her a hug.
Actually the bird lost a wing in an accident.

Why did you wake me up?

2011-07-29T09:51:00.003-04:00

Why did you wake me up?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Daytime isn't my thing, your a bird watcher, you should know that.
I'm a night owl dude.
Go away.

This owl chick was sitting beside a tree in the campground at Rondeau last spring.
He may have left the nest early or just fallen out.
We kept an eye on him for a week and seemed fine so I guess the adults were feeding him/her.

On gossamer wings

2011-07-28T10:43:00.001-04:00

On gossamer wings, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

We have dozens of dragonflies in the front garden right now. I think this is a meadowhawk. Lots of damselflies as well.

98, 99, 100.

2011-07-27T08:52:00.001-04:00

98, 99, 100., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

So how many push ups can you do first thing in the morning?

A mess of masts

2011-07-26T09:48:00.002-04:00

A mess of masts, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

There were about 40 boats in various stages of disrepair tied up along a dock on the Texas Gulf coast.
Most didn't look seaworthy and I wonder if they were damaged in last years hurricanes.

I think they are part of the shrimp fleet.

Cold enough for you?

2011-07-25T09:00:00.002-04:00

Cold enough for you?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

In the shade with a cooling breeze coming off Lake Erie.
It got hotter later.

Tried to go for a swim that day but the water was SO cold it physically hurt our legs.
At least our legs weren't hot.

2011-07-21T09:29:00.008-04:00

We were out on out pontoon boat last night and cruised along the beach at Rondeau.

After anchoring and having a swim we were headed back when Anne yelled "What's that....RACOON!!"

I looked down and right beside my leg was a young racoon.

According to Anne I levitated off my chair and transported myself to the far side of the boat without touching the deck.

A cornered animal will defend itself and I didn't want to be the defendee.

It proceded to climb over the control console and make its way to the front of the boat.

We were about 400 meters from shore and I was concerned that it would jump overboard and not make it to shore.

I headed the boat in and beached it. The young coon looked at me then the beach.

For some reason it started to climb bake into the boat but changed its mind and jumped down to the beach and headed for the hills.

Actually Rondeau is flat so it really just headed up the beach.

I wish it well.

Now if I could just figure out the levitation and translocation thing I could make a fortune.

great tailed grackle

2011-07-20T10:12:00.002-04:00

great tailed grackle, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

The grackle that is common around the great lakes is a medium sizes bird with a good sized tail compared to its body size.
The great tailed grackle we saw in Texas is a big bird with a huge tail.

Both have this incredible iridescence when the light hits them.

No bull

2011-07-18T23:19:00.002-04:00

No bull, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Really, that's not a bull. Take a closer look at his ear ring,er, tag. Price tag that is.
We saw several amazing sculptures at a closed business near Austin Texas.
We couldn't see the prices but I imagine they were high.

The work was incredible, the detail outstanding.
Full sized eye stoppers.
He would look good in my yard. No bull.

Those Aussies are tough on smoking

2011-07-17T23:19:00.002-04:00

Those Aussies are tough on smoking, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This is Bondi Beach in Australia and is a major surfing area and tourist beach.
No smoking is allowed on the beach. Never mind that it is outdoors, you can't smoke here.

I guess they don't want it used as a giant ash tray.

Wonder if they have problems with grave robbers?

2011-07-15T09:05:00.003-04:00

Wonder if they have problems with grave robbers?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Evidently you can take it with you.

A quick photo through the windshield, taken by Anne, on out Texas trip.

First rule of canoeing

2011-07-14T09:15:00.002-04:00

First rule of canoeing, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Canoes are easier to get out of than in to.

The flip side of that is to always wear a life jacket.

Swimming sailing and canoe lessons are available near our cottage.

It's elementary my dear Watson.

2011-07-13T08:25:00.001-04:00

It's elementary my dear Watson., a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Life is a box of crayons.

I don't know why they have a box of crayons as their school sign but I think it's great.

One of them there high class RV places

2011-07-11T23:13:00.001-04:00

One of them there high class RV places, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

and if y'all need some dozer work we can handle that fer ya 2.

East Chambers Texas.

The term "riviera" is generally applied to any coastal area popular with tourists, particularly in warm areas.
There was no water for 30 miles

Canada's only lizard

2011-07-11T16:45:00.001-04:00

Canada's only lizard, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

The 5 line skink is the only native lizard in Canada. Thee are lots of imports available at the pet stores but this is the only one you will find in the wild.

This one was in our backyard at Rondeau.
It is a small, smooth-bodied lizard, with black or grey colouring and five white or yellow stripes along the back.
When young it's tail is a bright blue. As it ages the colour fades.

An in house out house

2011-07-08T09:58:00.001-04:00

An in house out house, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

Does it still qualify as an outhouse if it is inside another building.

Found this on the gulf coast down in Texas, the area is known for high winds.
Maybe it kept being blown over,so they put it inside a shed.

Any Jail, Any Time

2011-07-07T08:14:00.001-04:00

Any Jail, Any Time, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

I guess I have lead a sheltered life, I don't think about bail bonds, jail etc except when I'm watching a police show on TV.
Everywhere we went we saw numerous signs for bail bonds and I do mean ever where.
Even in middle class suburban neighbourhoods.
In a way it was a shock to think there was that much need for bail services in the States.
I'm not sure how it works in Canada but I haven't seen a single billboard for bail bonds here.

Harp playing dragon

2011-07-06T11:28:00.001-04:00

Harp playing dragon, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

To my slightly warped eye it looks like this dragonfly is playing a harp made of spider web.

98 pound weakling

2011-07-04T08:23:00.001-04:00

98 pound weakling, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

So there I was on the beach when this bully comes along and kicks sand into my face.
So I decide to take up weight lifting so I can protect myself.
That's when I realize I'm a turtle and can't lift my flippers above my head, never mind lifting anything else.
And another thing, I like sand. I crawl around in it all the time.

* I really dislike how people use "so" to start their sentences.
So there!!

how many chin ups can you do?

2011-06-30T09:36:00.001-04:00

how many chin ups can you do?, a photo by ricmcarthur on Flickr.

This young red bellied woodpecker - with no red belly - was having trouble hanging onto the crossbar of the feeder pole.
He was waiting for mom to come back with a peanut.

As he tried to get upright it looked like he was doing an exercise routine.

Have a great long weekend Canada.