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. 

A Summer Walk

I love to go to Parc-des-Rapides. There is something about the rush of the water, the many birds and flowers and the feeling that you are away from the city, even though you are not that always brings a sense of peace. And the breeze off the water takes away some of the summer heat.



I've been testing out my new 55-300 mm zoom lens along with my monopod. It's a little heavier to carry, but I like having that extra distance.



This heron co-operated giving me lots of time to shoot as it slowly meandered across the pond.



It felt odd shooting flowers with the large lens, but I couldn't resist the light.

Splash

Splash, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Photos: September 1, 2013

A walk in Parc-de-l'Ile-Bizard is always a delight. You never know what you will see, but there is always a variety of wildlife. The ducks were splashing around.



Perhaps it was the heat of the day that had them splashing and preening.



It is always the herons that take my breath away. They are so long and lean - their shape changing as their position changes.  There were two hanging around.



One of them landed on the boardwalk which stretches over the marsh and strutted along. Then he hopped up onto the railing to survey the terrain.



The wingspan is large. This one flew over the water. At one point they both took off and flew over the boardwalk. I just stood and watched. It was so majestic. Sometimes you just have to look without a camera!





Cooler days are coming. Changes are starting to be more evident. But on this walk, the sun had not lost its summer warmth. Some of the wildlife is a little less obvious. Camouflage keeps predators at bay.

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!

Redwing Blackbird

Redwing Blackbird, originally uploaded by susanvg.

It's spring, the redwing blackbird sings in its raucous voice. The air is filled with the sounds of birds: chirps, whistles, honks, melodies. Each stakes its claim to territory and to a mate.



The air was crisp; fingers objecting to the constant exposure as I tried to capture the scene. Gloves are still a necessity.

The branches slowly take on colour, willows turning chartreuse and some bushes blushing red. They are getting ready to send out leaves. Some trees have flowered - not the flashy flowers yet - the modest browns and downy buds.



Each day new signs as the lawns begin to turn green and flowers send up shoots. But it's the birds that really let us know spring has arrived.



New life begins as they set up nests and hunt for food in this newly thawed landscape.