Herald of Spring

I was ecstatic to see a goldfinch at my feeder today -  and his plumage was already starting to turn yellow!  That has to be a first sign of spring.  So no matter what the weather says, whatever the calendar may say, spring is not far away.  The birds know, people, the birds know.

Woodend

Today was a beautiful day, bright sun and mild temperatures, so I was able to get out for a bit.  Woodend is one of a network of Nature Conservation Areas, and runs along the lip of the escarpment overlooking Niagara College Niagara-on-the-Lake campus.  There are many beautiful trails of all levels of ability for everyone to enjoy, and lots of parking as well.

Today there were quite a few hawks around, and I had the great opportunity to photograph a pair of Red Tail Hawks near the entrance to Woodend.  They were so beautiful.  I could even hear them calling to each other.  They were clearly not very keen on intruders and kept their distance, so I left after getting a few pictures with my long lens.  (By the way, keep in mind the hawks were very far away!)

Female near her nest

Male distracting me from the female

What a pose!  He was very co-operative!  Even though he was eyeing me suspiciously.

Just off the 406 Highway around Beaverdams Road is Lake Gibson, a manmade lake that is a popular spot for ducks, geese, herons and fishermen.  I visit it often, as it is quite near my home in Thorold. Summer and winter, it is a quiet place to spend a little while.  It is not as natural a place as Short Hills Park, which is nearby, but if what you want is a brisk walk around the water, without worrying about tripping over tree roots or slogging through deep snow, it's certainly a place you may want to check out.