ArniWorks Nature Photography

Earlier this fall, waves of finches such as Evening Grosbeaks and Pine Siskins moved through our neighborhood in search of food. The Common Redpolls never stopped by our feeders but we did find them foraging on tall weeds that have been identified as Mugwort from the Artemisia genus. I like this big picture view of these small Common Repdolls with one Pine Siskin feeding on the tall weed.

2020 is almost a wrap and like everyone else I am happy to see it go. When I think about my favourite photography experience of 2020, I fondly think back to the unexpected arrival of Comet Neowise. The best part was seeing it with Dianne, Tricia and Tyler (all socially distanced of course!) as well as other friends here on the peninsula during the 2 weeks it was visible.

I had the privilege of seeing a Northern Saw-whet Owl today on private property. While I didn't come away with any 'calendar' shots, I did get to meet a very nice family with whom I'm sure our paths will cross again. The experience reminded me of seeing and photographing my very first Saw-whet a few years ago and an image I have never shared. These small and fierce little owls are nocturnal and are rarely seen in the daytime since they roost in dense coniferous trees making them very difficult to find, exactly like the one from today.

This young Sharp-shinned Hawk landed close to the feeders and stayed in place for over 5 minutes, all the while waiting and watching. I would imagine it was also doing some wishing and hoping for its Christmas meal too since juveniles have a very high mortality rate in their first fall and winter. Having snowflakes on its head and within the frame adds a nice effect to the entire image.