Lockdown catch up.

I realized that I hadn't written a blog post in a couple of weeks. When I looked at the photos that I had taken in that period I recognized that it was because I had been busy and my photos were pretty boring. Not much to do in lockdown but walk, garden and bird watch. So that will pretty well sum up this post.

I used deliverying a book to Heather as an excuse to drive up to Paris with Rick. We had a lovely deck visit with Heather and Don and Kathy and Bruce and it felt almost normal

Then we walked the trails beside the Nith. These had not yet been developed when we lived in Paris. They are close to downtown, with a footbridge over the river at the point where there used to be a dam for the Penman's mill.

Well worn, well used paths

but still very pleasant.

Then through Lions Park, with way more equipment than when Chris and Mike used to play here. Back through downtown Paris

Past the Penman's Factory, now apartments, and back to the car.

My vegetable bed has been built, with ridiculously expensive lumber. Lettuces, Kale and Peas all planted. Last week I also planted Tomatoes, Green Peppers and Green Beans.

The Costco bulbs that I planted last fall were predominately double blooms

and the cool weather extended the show for weeks.

The apple tree, planted last year

is in bloom. I am excited to see if I actually get apples this year.

I am told that it is a bad year for ticks and I managed to pick one up after a day of gardening. Therefore; Antibiotics and bloodwork.

Brown Headed Cowbird.

White Crowned Sparrow

Chipping Sparrow

House Wren

In residence.

Carolina Wren, nesting in a tree in the back yard.

Baltimore Oriole, eating locally

and tropically.

Young female Baltimore Oriole

I think. Maybe one of my birding readers can confirm that.

Rose Breasted Grosbeak.

Goldfinch, eating Dandelion seeds in the Forget-me-nots next door.

I found him one morning, must have banged into the laundry room window overnight. Maybe an Ovenbird.

A less than welcome visitor. He opens the compost bin but at least he doesn't spread its contents around.

Nicola and I spent some time sitting on the front porch watching the comings and goings of my little bird community and sparrow parents feeding their two fledglings on the fence.

Chris, Jason and Cigi visited so we could do some more work on the cafe finances.

Cigi looks like she might be a redhead. Needs lots of sun protection. Photo by Chris.

Maya up a tree. Photo sent by Mike, I don't know who took it.

My newest acquisition - a kayak. Simon, Dan and Fiona have one and kayak on Black Creek and in the Lake on calm days. I asked Simon to show me the ropes and he demonstrated getting in and out and gave me a guided tour of Black Creek; where to see turtles, various boats etc. We did see turtles, a Blue Heron, Canada Geese and goslings and a Bald Eagle circled overhead for a while. I will need to figure out how to safely take my camera. It was a beautiful way to spend a morning.