Tessa the German Shepherd-ess

Tessa is a distinguished older girl who likes to take long rests on the dock, woof at people who may or may not belong on the property, and snuggle with her mom.  I had the privilege of spending some time with her on the weekend and couldn't resist taking a few (hundred) shots.

Tessa just heard the joke about the cat that goes into a bar...

Beautiful pup!

Tessa with Mom

Thanks for being such a great host this weekend, Tessa!

Osprey in the Kawarthas

It's Osprey Country in the Kawarthas.   They are everywhere - in nests tending to young, fishing, and flying back and forth with food or twigs to further embellish their nests.

No words can add to the experience of being in the presence of these majestic birds. 

Annual visit to the Osprey nest

Every year I visit a pair of Osprey who nest 45 minutes from my house.   Usually the photo ops aren't great because the nest is pretty high up, but I enjoy watching and learning about them (though I secretly hoped to get even a distant photo of one of the parents bringing a fish to the nest).

Mama Osprey and I waited for 45 minutes for dad to bring her breakfast and, despite my diligence in constantly scanning the skies, he somehow delivered grub to the nest without me seeing.  I watched the couple for a few minutes and then started to pack up my gear, wishing them a successful clutch and feeling a little outsmarted.  But the male must have taken pity on me because he suddenly left the nest, still carrying the fish I thought had already been consumed, and flew toward me, slowly glided overhead for several minutes.  I wouldn't have even known had I not seen his shadow on the ground in front of me.

I managed to snap a few photos despite my excitement.

Male soaring overhead with fish

Did you get your shot yet??

Mom and I waited patiently for dad to bring breakfast