July 29, 2011
Why did you wake me up?
Daytime isn't my thing, your a bird watcher, you should know that.
I'm a night owl dude.
Go away.
This owl chick was sitting beside a tree in the campground at Rondeau last spring.
He may have left the nest early or just fallen out.
We kept an eye on him for a week and seemed fine so I guess the adults were feeding him/her.
Labels: " bird, " chick, f nature, owl, screech, screech owl
July 28, 2011
On gossamer wings
We have dozens of dragonflies in the front garden right now. I think this is a meadowhawk. Lots of damselflies as well.
July 27, 2011
98, 99, 100.
So how many push ups can you do first thing in the morning?
July 26, 2011
A mess of masts
There were about 40 boats in various stages of disrepair tied up along a dock on the Texas Gulf coast.
Most didn't look seaworthy and I wonder if they were damaged in last years hurricanes.
I think they are part of the shrimp fleet.
Labels: boat, damage, fleet, gulf coast, mast, shrimp, texas
July 25, 2011
Cold enough for you?
In the shade with a cooling breeze coming off Lake Erie.
It got hotter later.
Tried to go for a swim that day but the water was SO cold it physically hurt our legs.
At least our legs weren't hot.
Labels: "american bittern" bird Rondeau marsh, heat, hot, rondeau provincial park, summer
July 21, 2011
We were out on out pontoon boat last night and cruised along the beach at Rondeau.
After anchoring and having a swim we were headed back when Anne yelled "What's that....RACOON!!"
I looked down and right beside my leg was a young racoon.
According to Anne I levitated off my chair and transported myself to the far side of the boat without touching the deck.
A cornered animal will defend itself and I didn't want to be the defendee.
It proceded to climb over the control console and make its way to the front of the boat.
We were about 400 meters from shore and I was concerned that it would jump overboard and not make it to shore.
I headed the boat in and beached it. The young coon looked at me then the beach.
For some reason it started to climb bake into the boat but changed its mind and jumped down to the beach and headed for the hills.
Actually Rondeau is flat so it really just headed up the beach.
I wish it well.
Now if I could just figure out the levitation and translocation thing I could make a fortune.
Labels: "rondeau provincial park", beach, boat, coon, nature, racoon, summer, water
July 20, 2011
great tailed grackle
The grackle that is common around the great lakes is a medium sizes bird with a good sized tail compared to its body size.
The great tailed grackle we saw in Texas is a big bird with a huge tail.
Both have this incredible iridescence when the light hits them.
Labels: bird, fall bird bath nature, grackle, great tailed grackle, splash, texas, water
July 18, 2011
No bull
Really, that's not a bull. Take a closer look at his ear ring,er, tag. Price tag that is.
We saw several amazing sculptures at a closed business near Austin Texas.
We couldn't see the prices but I imagine they were high.
The work was incredible, the detail outstanding.
Full sized eye stoppers.
He would look good in my yard. No bull.
Labels: art, bull, detail, no bull, sculpture, statue, texas
July 17, 2011
Those Aussies are tough on smoking
This is Bondi Beach in Australia and is a major surfing area and tourist beach.
No smoking is allowed on the beach. Never mind that it is outdoors, you can't smoke here.
I guess they don't want it used as a giant ash tray.
Labels: australia, beach, bondi, bondi beach, no smoking, ocean, sand, smoking, surf, surfing
July 15, 2011
Wonder if they have problems with grave robbers?
Evidently you can take it with you.
A quick photo through the windshield, taken by Anne, on out Texas trip.
Labels: cemetery, grave, grave robber, humor, humour, robber, sign, texas
July 14, 2011
First rule of canoeing
Canoes are easier to get out of than in to.
The flip side of that is to always wear a life jacket.
Swimming sailing and canoe lessons are available near our cottage.
Labels: canoe, lifejacket, summer, swim, tip, tip a canoe, water
July 13, 2011
It's elementary my dear Watson.
Life is a box of crayons.
I don't know why they have a box of crayons as their school sign but I think it's great.
July 11, 2011
One of them there high class RV places
and if y'all need some dozer work we can handle that fer ya 2.
East Chambers Texas.
The term "riviera" is generally applied to any coastal area popular with tourists, particularly in warm areas.
There was no water for 30 miles
Canada's only lizard
The 5 line skink is the only native lizard in Canada. Thee are lots of imports available at the pet stores but this is the only one you will find in the wild.
This one was in our backyard at Rondeau.
It is a small, smooth-bodied lizard, with black or grey colouring and five white or yellow stripes along the back.
When young it's tail is a bright blue. As it ages the colour fades.
July 08, 2011
An in house out house
Does it still qualify as an outhouse if it is inside another building.
Found this on the gulf coast down in Texas, the area is known for high winds.
Maybe it kept being blown over,so they put it inside a shed.
July 07, 2011
Any Jail, Any Time
I guess I have lead a sheltered life, I don't think about bail bonds, jail etc except when I'm watching a police show on TV.
Everywhere we went we saw numerous signs for bail bonds and I do mean ever where.
Even in middle class suburban neighbourhoods.
In a way it was a shock to think there was that much need for bail services in the States.
I'm not sure how it works in Canada but I haven't seen a single billboard for bail bonds here.
July 06, 2011
Harp playing dragon
To my slightly warped eye it looks like this dragonfly is playing a harp made of spider web.
July 04, 2011
98 pound weakling
So there I was on the beach when this bully comes along and kicks sand into my face.
So I decide to take up weight lifting so I can protect myself.
That's when I realize I'm a turtle and can't lift my flippers above my head, never mind lifting anything else.
And another thing, I like sand. I crawl around in it all the time.
* I really dislike how people use "so" to start their sentences.
So there!!
