Birds and Blooms

Being in the right place at the right time pays off for this photo enthusiast

Several years ago, I was out for a walk with my trusty camera. I was walking along a beautiful nature trail on the Grand River here in Kitchener. You just never know when you’ll come across that perfect photo op. Today was going to be one of those days for me. Approaching the far end of the trail, near the area I usually turn around to go back, I spotted movement and commotion in some scrub about 12 feet away from me. I was amazed to see a Cooper’s hawk perched on the ground, totally oblivious to my presence. Up went my camera and I zoomed in on it. I kept snapping as I slowly moved around to achieve the best vantage point. I could not figure out why this hawk was on the ground and totally ignoring me. Normally they would be gone by now. I was in Heaven as I normally don’t get that close to such a magnificent creature. I took one more step to my right and a foot closer to this wonderful bird when, suddenly, up flew a small song bird from some undergrowth. It happened so fast I couldn’t even identify the small bird. Up into the sky went the Cooper’s hawk, right on the smaller bird’s tail. They both flew around a corner behind some trees and disappeared— the hunt was on.

I don’t know what the final outcome was for either bird, but I certainly am happy I was there to photograph the experience. The moral is, always keep your camera ready as you never know when that perfect picture will come your way.

DAISY FRESH

Leah Smitham of Summerland, B.C., says, ”Camping in the great outdoors is a great way to enjoy our beautiful country. This is just one of the many wildflowers (at right) I came across while hiking near our campsite—what amazing beauty surrounds us!”

PRAIRIE STRONG

“I am proud to be from Saskatchewan, where I have always lived on a farm,” shares Angela Bulbeck of Neidpath, Sask. “I am a tough farm girl, but I have a secret soft spot, for my lilies. These lilies originally came from my grandparents, who got them from my great-grandparents. I hope that one day my daughter will take some from this group and grow them in her own garden. It is our family’s special tribute to our beautiful, diverse and rugged province.”

A ‘BLUE’ BIRD OF HAPPINESS

Brenda Doherty of Ariss, Ont., writes, “At Snyders Flats in Bloomingdale, Ont., there are several birdhouses standing along the trail, which attract lots of nesting birds. One beautiful morning as I was hiking there, I managed to capture this shot of a cute little tree swallow. I liked the way it was looking at me.” ■