This week's rare glimpses (and a few oldies but goodies!)

The lighting has not cooperated the last few days but it's been very exciting as far as critters go. 

This morning I spent time with this beautiful Eastern Coyote.  He was with a friend, who bolted when I drove by, but this guy was every bit as curious about me as I was of him.  He was so calm that he even lay down at one point watching me, and then proceeded to go about his business as if I wasn't there.

I've yet to go out in intense snow and not see a coyote - not sure what drives them out in that weather (then again, not sure what drives ME out in that weather) but it is always rewarding. 

Five Northern Harriers were playing in the fields in Newcastle (two were male) and teased me into thinking I'd get a killer shot.  The joke was on me - those birds sure can accelerate in high winds! 

A visit to the harbour in Cobourg was also rewarding.  I was greeted at my car...not by a gull or mallard but by an American Coot!  There were actually two of them resting on the beach with the gulls, mallards and geese.  I've seen many coots but certainly not lying with other birds.

At that same waterfront someone pointed out a Mew Gull.  It took me a while to see the difference between a Mew and Ring-Billed - the Mew is smaller with a yellow bill.  Very pretty gull.  Apparently this is a HUGE deal in the birding community as it is a European bird so I was definitely in the right place at the right time.

The Mew is the gull on the left, getting yelled at by the Ring-Billed.

On Tuesday, Ann, Janice and I went out to Nanticoke to see what we could see.  Such a thrill (and a blast!).  We saw a few Bald Eagles - one was an adult - stunning!  Many other critters too.  The shots were bad but the sightings and company were great.  Despite Ann's best efforts, we did not get arrested (though we were stopped by the police...twice! ;)

Monday was an impromptu outing.  I met up with Janice and we enjoyed several Hooded Mergansers at Lynde Shores.  The boys were doing all they could to impress the girls with some very erratic head bobbing and vocalizing which frankly would scare me if I was a girl Merganser!  It was very cute to watch though.

Another first this week was a flock of flying Tundra Swans.  They were racing me in the field next to the road in Whitby (they won by a landslide).   They circled the pond many times, vocalizing all the way. 

Last but certainly not least, I had wonderful adventures and photo opps with this beautiful White-Tailed Deer, and a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks last weekend.  We live in such a great area!