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Petrie Island
A mid-January visit to Petrie Islands was met by unexpectedly high Ottawa River levels that despite -15°C temperatures created open water flowing across the main trail.
Lots of animal tracks in the light covering of fresh snow. The usual squirrels were out, but so was an emaciated chipmunk, an ermine weasel (a first for me at Petrie) and a vole. The "photos" of the weasel and vole were Ai generated as I was not fast enough to get their photos.
chipmunk
ermine weasel
vole
Parc Omega
In all the years we've been going there, our first visit to the Parc when it was snowing
The Corsican Mouflon, which arrived in the early fall, finally showed themselves. The one on the right was obviously the "boss" (see video in the full PhotoStory)
For whatever reason the elk and red deer seemed to be in a jousting mood, some more energetic than others. Even the Rocky Mountain goats (in another video) did some very minor skirmishing.
A "smoke morph" (?) wild turkey was in with a large flock hanging around one of the hay feeders. It was the second time I'd seen one, the previous time was about 3 years ago also at the Parc.
The platform bird feeder was very active with juncos and blue jays. The white arctic foxes almost disappeared against the white snow.
Rideau Canal Skating Rink
With the very limited snow and cold temperatures we've been having the workmen have been able to groom the Canal and have opened its full length. Last year it was open for 10 days, the year before it never opened due to the warm temperatures. The Beavertails and hot cider went down very well.
Mud Lake