March was a mixed weather month which restricted our visits to places due to icy paths. But we did make it to Parc Omega, had a few visits to Mud Lake, a flood curtailed visit to Petrie Island, a drive along the St Lawrence River and a visit to several area waterfalls. We also had a brief siting of a family of Coyotes mid-afternoon in the far west-end of the city.
Parc Omega was still well covered in snow with all the ponds/lakes fully frozen. A pair of pileated woodpeckers certainly caught my eye, as well as my ear.
I was lucky to be there at the right time to watch (and video) a bear emerging from it's den and then going back in as it didn't like the weather
The return of a wood duck pair and drop-in by a pintail duck were two eye catching features of the Mud Lake visits.
The first visit co-incided with an overnight fall of snow which added white icing to everything.
Every year the Ottawa River floods Petrie Island 's trails, often twice, once in March/April and a second time when the snowpack in north western Ontario melts in May. I tried going down the main trail but stopped when the water was within 1" of the top of my boots and running with a strong current. But there were muskrats and tail-flapping beavers to be watched.
Before heading south to the St Lawrence we made a quick stop at Fletcher Wildflower Garden. We wanted to check on the barred owl. It was not to be seen, but a very loud group of crows certainly caught our ears and eyes. That is typical behaviour for them when a great horned owl is nearby. I only managed to spot the owls tail. (Photo in the full story)
The boathouses at South Lancaster always catch the eye with their bright colours
Down at the St Lawrence it was too early for the snow geese migration, but there were a few thousand Canada Geese and small flocks of ducks including goldeneye.
With the annual spring flooding in force, it was a good time to check the flow at many spots within an hour or so drive. In town the Chaudiere Falls, Hog's Back Falls, Rideau Falls and the Princess Louise Waterfall were visited.
Access to the Chaudiere Falls is restricted due to construction, the Princess Louise Waterfalls certainly catch people's eyes, once they know where to find them.
Out of town, we visited waterfalls/rapids in Carleton Place, Pakenham, Blakeney and two in Almonte. There are many more within an easy half day drive.
The main waterfall in Almonte is likely the most extensive
The unique five span bridge over the Mississippi adds to the rapids at Pakenham. Unfortunately the ice cream store was still closed for winter.
While hoping to spot snowy owls in the west end of the city, we came across a family of four coyotes well off in the distance. One of the coyotes had lost a leg but seemed to be doing OK. The photography conditions were not good with blowing surface snow and sun reflecting off the snow.