Bittern Surprise
A very rare surprise: a migrating American bittern attempts to hide in plain sight by standing tall and straight. It’s a very effective camouflage when they’re amongst the reeds, here not so much. This is only the second bittern that I’ve ever seen on the Island.
Meet Molson
Meet Molson, more blandly known as Trumpeter Swan P24. Molson was hatched at Wye Marsh as part of their Trumpeter Swan program two years ago. All the hatchlings were named after breweries, hence the name Molson. Personally, I’m waiting for a flock of microbrews to migrate through at the end of the season.
Droop Wing I & II
A great blue heron droops its wings to cool off on an unseasonably hot October day.
October Juvenile
A juvenile black-crowned night heron perches in a tree on Doughnut Island. I haven’t seen night herons for a while now, it’s surprising to see juveniles still here.
Bumps on a Log III
A bale of ten turtles bask together in the low October light off of Doughnut Island. They’ve broken the unofficial record of six turtles in 2012 and five turtles in 2011.
Babes in the Woods
Some of the first Canada goose goslings rest on the shoreline of Forestry island.
Slider Damage 2018
A red-eared slider turtle injured by a boat prop, first imaged in 2016, appears to be healing nicely. Click image to view larger.
Boardwalk Masses
Gnats by the million cover tree branches on the boardwalk – cyclists beware. Presented here in full HD, click image to view larger for all the gory details.
Eagle Overload
A bald eagle tears a hapless cormorant to shreds atop one of the new sky ride towers by St. Andrews by the Lake. The cormorant debris field spread right across the lagoon ice to the farm.
Fluff Camouflage
Apparently we’re not the only ones cursed with poplar fluff. Even map turtles basking in the Doughnut Island environs are susceptible.
Centerville Mink
A mink tours the shoreline of Centerville, enjoying the complete solitude during the Flood of 2017.
JJ Style
Jimmy jokes with the peanut gallery at the back of the bus aboard the Jimmy Jones Express. Click image to view larger.
Jimmy in the Crowd
Jimmy tells stories to the crowd at the back of the Jimmy Jones Express. Click image to view larger.