Stroll in the Park

Vincent is still walking on knees as he is still a bit reluctant to walk on his own. He did learn to wave on this little outing at the park with Dad. And of course there is always lots of sticks and things to play with at the park.

Song Sparrow

The native sparrows arrived at the beach last week. This is a song sparrow (Melospiza melodia) which was photographed at the beach. Although not colourful he sure can sing.

Anas strepara

The Gadwalls were dabbling about the beach all week. I took these photos during my morning walk as they let me get quite close. These ducks have the largest range of any on the planet. The male is shown in the first photo, the one in flight, and leading the female in the fourth.

Mute Swans

Three mute swans were cruising the beach last week. Even though they were on this blog already they came quite close so I updated the photos.

Laurie Swim's Quilts

Vincent and I had the pleasure of seeing Laurie Swim's Quilts when Laurie and her husband dropped by Uncle Bob's house on the weekend. Laurie is a Nova Scotian artist who has displayed her work in gallerys and shows across North America. One of her commissioned quilts is even in a Toronto Subway Station. Laurie rightfully kept a close eye on her prized work when Vincent was close. (Vincent was catching bubbles earlier). Vincent and I thank Laurie for the pleasure of seeing her work. The second quilt in this post went on public display for the first time this week. Dad didn't figure out the sun right away so there are some works that are partially shaded, Sorry.

The King has his Crown

Vincent has long been the Rey (King) of the household but this past weekend it was made official as Vincent recieved his Crown.

Sunday Times

Vincent still likes to read the morning paper. This day Vincent and Auntie Karen share the Sunday New York Times.

Blowing Bubbles

Vincent enjoyed the bubbles that Auntie Karen made on a warm Sunday afternoon.

Carpodacus mexicanus

The house finch visits the backyard several times a week.

Mutant: Uncommon Grackle

It looks like the effects of the nuclear plant out Pickering way are making their way into the beach. This common grackle has not so common grey wing bars. The old timers at the Toronto Orithological Club confirmed the identification.

Stroll in the Ravine

Dad took Vincent for a ride in the stroller at the ravine at the park. Like any young boy Vincent wanted to play in the stream. Dad decided that Vincent is still too young to play in the mud.

Noise in the Kitchen

This intelligent starling discovered how to access the kitchen vent of the neighbours house. He disappeared completely inside. Perhaps he was in search of ladybugs. I guess we can say the source of the noises at the cottage have been solved.

Spring Flowers

With the arrival of the warm weather the spring flowers have started to bloom. First were the crocuses and this week saw the arrival of the daffodils and bluebells.

Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustalatus)

This Swainson's Thrush stopped by the backyard to admire the bench Dad was finishing off for the front porch. It could be that it heard Vincent and Luisa speaking Spanish so it stopped on it's trip from as far south as Peru to our northern woods

Stumbling Home from the Filling Station

Vincent and Auntie Karen stumbled home after after a trip to the Filling Station. The Filling Station is a neighbourhood pub. The two rowdies almost got kicked out of the pub but that is a story for another time. From the photo is hard to tell who is supporting whom as they walk along the boardwalk after closing time.

PS. Auntie Karen only drank tonic water but it was a good story.