Springing Into Spring In Muskoka

This heron was yet another challenge for my camera's zoom lens. This photo has been adjusted a little in Photoshop Elements to heighten the contrast and sharpen the edges a little. I used the vignette framing to blur out the background which wasn't really in focus and not really needed for the photo. I am working on the Darling Man to agree that I simply must get a camera with better lenses!

A sure sign of spring for me is when the herons return to Muskoka. I saw one flying earlier this week so I have been keeping an eye on the empty nest in the swamp. Yesterday upon our return from town, there was a heron sitting in the nest to claim it for the season. I am surprised at how early these birds return here as there is still snow on the ground and ice on rivers and lakes. I was so excited to see it that I only took photos of the nest and forgot to take one of the swamp where it is. I am going out later today and I will try to get that photo to add later on. I am amazed that they can find food at this time of year here.

I am sure spring has arrived in Muskoka at long last. Yesterday, in addition to the heron, the Bufflehead ducks returned. They are so small and look so cute out in the water but they never come close enough for me to take a photo. They will stay perhaps two weeks before continuing their migration north. Here is a LINK to photos and information about these little ducks.

I also saw a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers but they didn't sit still long enough for me to focus the camera before they flew on further into the woods. I have been hearing them call for a while so perhaps they will stay and nest in the area and give me another chance to capture them with my camera. Here is a LINK to photos and information about these shy birds.

The snow is melting and almost gone on our side of the lake because we are in the sun. I was so surprised to see that the daffodils the Darling Man planted for me last fall are already up about 6 inches. I don't think it will be too long before they flower and I hope no last minute snowstorms come along to freeze them before they bloom.

I feel like spring is finally here!

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photo added April 5

The snow returned to Muskoka yesterday. I took this photo to the heron's nest through driving snow which is giving the picture a grainy look. The heron must be off hunting as the nest was vacant again. Poor birds, I wonder how they catch enough food with so much snow and ice still about.