Out and About in Perth County

Looking over the pond

We have been having some gorgeous weather over the past few days and the temperature seems to climb every day.  I try to get out and enjoy it as often as I can in my busy schedule.

Purple Finch-home feeder

The good weather also means that work around the farm is picking up and that takes priority.  However one of the advantages of the lengthening days means that there is usually time and light enough to take a walk after the chores are done for the day.

Shovelers and blue-winged teal- Mitchell Sewage Lagoons

Over the last week or so, I have had the opportunity to explore around home, at the Mitchell Sewage Lagoons, Shakespeare Pond and the Ellice Swamp.

Little old lady found at the Ellice Swamp.

Some species seem to waste no time getting started on nesting and the canada goose is one of them.  There is not a lot of vegetation yet to hide the nests, but they can still sometimes be difficult to pick out.

 

Ducks are around in good numbers.  I found a flock of wood ducks in a flooded section of the neighbour's  field.

As well as a pair of american wigeon that have been moving around between various spots around the farm.

Tree swallows have been showing up in southern Ontario for some time already, but I saw my first for Perth county yesterday over one of our ponds.  Getting a decent photo was pretty tough.

I'm trying to expand my knowledge in forms of life other than birds.  I thought this close up of this fresh moss was rather interesting.

And one of our ash trees.  It's questionable how much longer they will last due to the continuing advance of the emerald ash borer.

This ash has an interesting history, scorched when a previous occupant of the property burned a bunch of possessions underneath.

It's great to be out and about on these nice clear evenings.