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.

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!

At the Montreal Botanical Gardens

Photos: May 31, 2014

A friend and I took our cameras to the Botanical Gardens. I just bought myself a monopod and wanted to see what it was like shooting with it and I have a new small camera - wanted to put it through its paces - shooting both automatic and manually. A learning day - but also a day of delight. The Botanical Garden's new slogan is Hurry Up and Slow Down - and slow down we did - stopping to admire the flora and fauna in the outdoor gardens.







Many varieties of irises were blooming. Their intricate shapes and patterns just had to be admired.



The peonies were just coming into their own.



Their bright interiors called to the insects to come and spread their pollen



Turtles were out sunning. Their stillness reminds us to stop and wait for treasures to come along.



New life abounds. Dozens of ducklings paddled around the pond, their little feet pumping at a good clip.



Bird songs serenaded our visit. This redwing blackbird stopped to sing out, puffing himself up to get maximum volume.



One less insect - one well-fed grackle.

Last year David Suzuki started a 30 X 30 challenge - for 30 days spend at least 30 minutes in nature.

From the web site: "Over the last decade, researchers have realized what most of us know intuitively: nature is good for us! It is well documented that being regularly immersed in a natural setting, like a park, field or forest, can lower blood pressure, anxiety and stress levels, and boost immunity. ‘Green time’ has also been shown to reduce feelings of anger and depression, while increasing energy, creativity and even generosity."

I can attest to the benefits - so Hurry up and Slow Down in nature - it does a world of good.

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.