Raptor Encounter

Raptor encounter at Mountsberg Raptor Centre - a behind the scenes visit (thanks to my wonderful sister Bonnie who works in the Avian and Exotics department of the University of Guelph Veterinary Teaching Hospital and has some great connections).  The boys had a chance to see the housing, feeding, and care facilities of the center, meet some of the staff, and learn about the eagles, hawks, vultures and owls.  The highlight was, of course, being able to take turns visiting up close with a screech owl.

Little Alice

William has been loving spending time with his 10th Birthday present, Alice.  It has been a great learning experience for all of us about the differences of adopting a puppy as opposed to an adult dog, but she is well worth the effort (most days, anyway).

Black Swallow Tails

Before...

And after.


If we can recognize that change and uncertainty are basic principles, we can greet the future and the transformation we are undergoing with the understanding that we do not know enough to be pessimistic.

~ Hazel Henderson

Slithering Snakes, Batman!!

The area where we went hiking today is known as 'snake hill', so we were expecting to see a few critters slithering across our path. What we weren't expecting to see was a 'snake tree'!! This cedar tree by the side of the trail had easily 6 snakes in it (that we could see) and likely many more that we couldn't. The kids thought it was great. Although snakes have never been my favorite animals, even I have to admit that it was pretty interesting.

Birds Birds Birds

The aviary in Niagara Falls is beautiful to explore, especially as a warm escape (like the butterfly conservatory!) on a cold winters day. Although it is outlandishly expensive, for the month of February the tickets are greatly reduced if you order them on-line, making it only ridiculously expensive. Once I swallowed the bitterness of the admission fee, we all had a wonderful time. Even on a Saturday, it wasn't too busy and we took lots of time to explore and to marvel at the beauty of these birds up close.

Foot prints in the snow

It was a lovely day today to head for the woods - the perfect cure for the cabin fever that we have all been feeling lately. The sun was shining, and the weather was mild. This really is my favorite kind of winter day - lots of soft white snow, a little bit of a chill in the air, but still warm enough to not need 12 layers of clothing to venture out. We recently cashed in our hard saved Canadian Tire Money for a new field guide - Lone Pine Field Guide - Animal Tracks of Ontario. They were thrilled to go exploring for the signs of the many different animals that share the woods with us. William is also becoming a budding photographer, and stopped to capture some of the beautiful scenery.

Whitetail Deer

Rabbit

Mouse

The Chickadee Tree

We have really been enjoying the programs at one of the local conservation areas lately. Today we went birdwatching, and to visit the Chickadee Tree. We have been here before, but really, it never gets old. William, who had been feeling a little off balance all weekend, stood perfectly still for about 20 minutes as dozens of chickadees landed on his hat and hand to nibble on black oil sunflower seeds. I think that it did him a world of good.

Here's a link for the Audubon Society with some great info on attracting and feeding birds in your back yard.

Pie Plate Bird Feeders

Cookie Cutter Bird Seed Ornaments

Natural Log Bird Feeder

Recycled Bird Feeder

Barrel Racing

I love that we live in a town that hosts barrel racing on the weekends. And, God bless him, Charlie does too. So this weekend we left Daddy and William at home and went to look at the horses together. I wish, how I wish, I could afford riding lessons. I have taken them on and off over the years and absolutely loved them, but alas the budget does not permit it these days. Either does the fact that I work, have two sons, homeschool - you get the picture. Still is was a great weekend. And William still promises to let me live on his farm when he grows up, anyway....

Kittens!!

How cute are these little guys??? My sister and her kids' cat got into 'a family way' with one of the neighborhood Tom cats, and lo and behold.....kittens!!! We made the drive out to see them as soon as we heard, so these pictures were taken the very day after they were born. My nephew Max (5 yrs old) , whose cat is the proud Mommy (Taz) , was a super star during the birth - Taz would meow for him to come and be with her with the birth of each kitten, and then when he was sure that both Mommy and Babe were fine, he went out to wait in the living room until he was summoned again. How can you tell he comes from a family of animal-lovers?