First sighting

First sighting

Yesterday we saw the first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of this season. This male visited our feeder during a very blustery afternoon. It is still around today. They are such incredible and intrepid animals, flying such distances. I posted my sighting on the Ontario Hummingbird Project web site.

Suspended, Lambton County

Suspended, Lambton County

Suspended between the deep sleep, the rest period of winter and the animation, the activity of spring, this field awaits the planter.

Guard dog

Guard dog

I’m not a fan of cats being allowed to roam in urban situations for several reasons – caterwauling cats disturb my sleep and serenity, the appalling toll they take on urban bird life, the cats that are run over by vehicles.

This cat found its way into our backyard without my knowledge. I took a break from computing and let the cattle dogs out. Achilles almost immediately saw or scented, then cornered it. Chili is pretty cagey, while he kept it cornered he maintained a healthy distance. After about 20 minutes I lost interest and went inside. All remained quiet outside. After another hour or so Achilles lost interest and scratched at the door, asking to come inside.

I took this photo almost four years ago and as far as I can determine this cat has never returned to our backyard. Smart kitty.

Ruffled feathers

This Mourning Dove became a little dishevelled during a recent blustery evening.

DSCF3419

Framed

Framed

Stella, seen through the trellis netting.

Achilles, resting

Achilles

Several years ago Achilles and I participated in a fund-raising walk for the local chapter of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). It was a natural thing to do since I adopted him from a shelter. It was a warm and humid day which made the stroll, largely out in the sun, less than easy. We took a break when we got in the shade of some tall trees. What a good boy he was that day, and is to this day.