From about 10 days ago

I seem to be getting farther and farther behind on posting to my blog. But I guess each year has its own rhythm.



A favourite spot of mine is Parc-des-Rapides which juts out into the St. Lawrence River beside the Lachine Rapids. This is also a favourite spot for a variety of birds. Even on a hot day there are usually cool breezes. Though once I made the mistake of going there on a cold winter day and my camera battery and my fingers did not last long!

This egret was patiently fishing, oblivious to the many gawkers who watched, some behind long lenses.



This heron was well camouflaged. It took me a while to spot it across the water from me.



Despite the raucous cries of the red winged blackbirds, there is something very peaceful about walking amidst nature, listening not just to the birds but also the rush of the water of the rapids. The city disappears and there is a sense of really being in the moment.



Was fishing any better here? I'm not sure - but I couldn't resist one more photo.

A Visit to Parc-des-Rapides

Photos: June 13, 2016

The water swirls beside Parc-des-Rapides. At one end of the park you can see the water change texture as it meets the rocks and just past the other end it calms again.



On the other side of the isthmus the water is quiet and birds find a perfect spot to fish. They stalk them in the tall grasses growing in the shallow water.

This sunny spot is perfect for preening.



And then let the feathers dry out.



This strip of land is alive with the song of birds - redwing blackbirds, robins, a goldfinch, song sparrows - all spotted on our walk.

A short walk here is so calming - despite all the action - the waves and the constant sound of the water, the birds flitting from place to place, the birders with their long lenses...

From David Suzuki's site

A growing chorus of scientists and researchers agree: time spent in nature makes us happier, healthier and less stressed. It increases creativity and lowers risk of heart attacks. It even makes us nicer, more empathetic humans, with more meaningful relationships and increased community involvement.​

A good reminder to us all. 

Back to Parc-des-Rapides

Today I was prepared - my new telephoto 55-300 mm, a monopod and my new little camera. The red winged blackbirds are all over the park. Their calls seem to predominate. They fly close to people, unperturbed unless you get very close.



They particularly like to be near water.



I have no idea what these flowers are but there were many. The air was scented with a mix of floral blooms.



This egret was standing absolutely still in the shallow water. Someone who had been there before reported that it had already caught a frog. The naturalists in the park told me that the red winged blackbirds sometimes harass the herons and egrets. I don't think I would like to get too near that beak!

Egret

Egret, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

 Photos: July 20, 2013

There are two things in life that speak to my soul: nature and music. A walk in Parc-des-Rapides was just what we needed to boost our spirits.



The park is on a spit of land jutting into the river right beside the Lachine Rapids. On one side the water is tranquil, on the other it rushes past. It's amazing to see the power as the waves form and crest.



The park is a haven for birds - both those on land as well as water fowl. And the park is full of avid photographers with massive lenses (I only had my 50 mm with me that day) trying to capture "the" picture.



A man with a scope generously zoomed in to let us get  a good look at a couple of herons. Above is a cropped image of a heron I managed to get with my camera. The big treat of the day was the egret (top) who stood quietly in the water, neck craned as it scanned the water for fish. I took a couple of pictures when it suddenly lifted off and moved a short distance away. I snapped, not looking at camera settings and was delighted to see I had caught it in flight. Ah - serendipity!