Snowshoeing

Snow on the branches, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

We strapped on our snowshoes for the first time this winter. Tramping through Summit Park our eyes feasted on the snow festooned branches.



The loud tapping of the woodpeckers echoed through the woods.



Clumps of snow nestled in the crooks of branches. Nature creates its own holiday decorations.



The long afternoon shadows signal the early setting of the sun. Winter's short days are to be enjoyed before night falls.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

A walk on Mount Royal always brings delight. The bird feeders have been filled, bringing chickadees to peck at the seeds, while underneath the squirrels gorge on the seeds that fall.

This downy woodpecker, visible without the foliage was flitting from branch to branch, foraging. He was pecking at the smaller branches so the rap-tapping was quiet.

The air was nippy, with most walkers bundled in winter jackets, hats and gloves. The occasional jogger trotted past in shorts. I admire their fortitude and think back to my youth when I had to wear a tunic to school.  It was not chic to wear long pants under your tunic (even though you had to take them off at school) and knee socks were in, so I foolishly shivered while waiting for buses, with my bare legs under my just over the knee-length tunic. That was about the last time I have given in to fashion over warmth!

I love the way the bare branches open up the view, making buildings and the river visible. It's an ever-changing place with our many seasons.

A Surprise Visitor

A Surprise Visitor, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

My daughter called me outside to catch this visitor. I barely got this shot when he flew off. It's the second time I've seen a pileated woodpecker near my house. I hope this one comes back again soon.