Chubby Little Robin

 

 

I came across this Chubby Little Robin the other day at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. He looks like an American Robin and quite young. I was surprised to see it here, and by the looks of it I think he has been living off the local bird feeders. I am thinking he may have stayed the winter for some reason. Maybe he lost his way or was too young to make the trip further south. He was the only one I saw. I have to say he was a sight to see. Just maybe a sign that Spring is just around the corner. I for one sure hope so.

As I get ready to post  this many of you come to mind. I Hope to find you all well.   Sincerely Dianne  :)

Words and photo by Dianne © dsphotocats

Say No To Bullying

The Stare Down

 

 

 

 

Knocked Down But Not Out

 

 

 

 

 

Standing His Ground

 

 

 

 

 

Made His Escape

 

 

 

 

 

Now Where Did He Go?

 

 

 

I was out for a drive with my camera one afternoon last week, looking for something to catch my eye. Then I seen it just out of the corner of my eye. An interesting cat out on someone’s front lawn in pursuit of something in the grass. I pulled over to the side of the road, and backed up, and hurried to get my camera out of my bag. As I was doing that I seen the cat swat at the mouse, and then the stare down, and all of a sudden the mouse leaped up into the air at the cat as if to bite its nose. I missed that shot and was so impressed with the little mouse standing his ground, and fighting back, and waiting his chance to escape. The cat was a little distracted when it seen me sitting in the car with my camera, and the mouse took that moment to scurry away and I assume he found a hole to crawl in to make his getaway. The cat looked for it and then finally left and went back to the house. So I drove away and was glad I had my camera, and captured these few pictures. I was glad the mouse got away. I don’t mind them as long as they are outside, and not inside the house.

I thought the title for my post was perfect considering the difference in size. Sort of like “David and Goliath.”

So my thought is, if you have giants or bullies in your life, stand your ground, and never give up.

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I have been busy doing this and that, and have started my Christmas shopping. We finally had a few sprinkles of snow this morning but not enough to cover the ground. It wont be long now. As you can see we still have green grass. I am looking forward to a White Christmas. We put our Christmas Tree up this evening, and yes we listened to some Christmas Music and drank a little eggnog also. And you know what, I am getting into the Christmas Spirit. I love that word “Christmas” and what it represents. And you wont catch me saying Happy Holidays. Too me it means a whole lot more than that.

How about you? Have you started  preparing for Christmas , or is it too soon? I am looking forward to it, and a few days off work also. :) I just hope and pray my family all stays healthy, and we can all get together this year. I hope and pray you all are well, and stay healthy as we celebrate Christmas. After all, there is only 30 days to go.

Well I had better soon get my beauty sleep as tomorrow is the start of another work week. Hope you all have a great night, and week, what ever you do or don’t do.

God Bless each and every one who passes by.

Sincerely, Dianne :)

Where’s The Color,Where’s The Light?

 

 

Watching The Rain Coming Across Lake Ontario

 

 

 

 

There was Sun and Clouds behind me,

And the Storm in front of me.

Soon to be over my head.

The sun shining on the clouds changed their color.

It was like a natural filter.

And then it was time to head for the van just in time,

before the downpour of rain.

 

 

 

 

 

This picture was taken about an hour earlier

And I was hoping for a break in the clouds.

This is what I saw and this picture is out of my camera.

Dull and so needing some light to brighten the colors and my view.

 

 

 

 

This photo was taken earlier in the day as we were driving along looking for Autumn colors in Prince Edward County. So Beautiful. It was a day when one minute the sun was out and the next several minutes was dark and dreary. It was like driving in and out of the clouds. No consistency, but inconsistency itself.

 

 

 

 

I am not sure where I am going with this,

But going back to the storm ahead of me, then minutes away from me.

I look behind me and this is what I saw.

As the Dark clouds moved in there was still a window of light shining through the darkness, now threatening  to surround me.

 

 

 

 

And over to my right I looked up and saw this image above the clouds. Again these cloud pictures are not altered in any way other than resized.

Funny, but I didn’t take a close look at these pictures until tonight. These pictures were taken October 20th/2012.

 

 

 

 

What I see you may not see. But as I look at these pictures I feel the Love, and Presence of God.

Though storms may come, I know that they will also pass. My God is watching over me, as I walk with Him, He is watching over me, day by day.

I am reminded that as a Believer, and a Child of God, I am to walk by Faith, Not by sight.

And I know that Brighter Days lay ahead, and Jesus is my Light that shines in the darkness. All I have to do is Hope and Trust in Him, in every circumstance of life. Living the Christian life is not always an easy road to travel, but it is worth more than silver and gold.

Jesus said, that in this life we would have trouble but fear not for He has overcome the world. So take heart brothers and sisters. We have a Glorious Hope in Jesus. Jesus said, He would come back to set all things right. I believe Him. Jesus is Coming Again.

Are you ready?

As we get ready to celebrate Christmas, remember there is more to the story.

I could go on but it is time to call it a night.

This post is made up of my thoughts and images.

I have shared from my heart.

God Bless and be with all those who pass through and take the time to read this.

Sincerely Dianne :)

All script and Photographs by Dianne © dsphotocats

Accept for the picture with me in it which was taken by my husband, 4% Vision.

In the month of Oct. we had continued rain and grey skies for all but 5 days of sun. It was a long month. I didn’t get out much to capture the Brilliant Colors of Autumn this year accept for a handful of pictures, and for that I am grateful.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. May the storm clouds disappear, and you all experience Brighter days ahead.

The Young Swans Learning To Fly

 

 

Looking back to  June and Look at them now

This little cygnet was learning to survive,

and now it is learning to fly.

 

 

 

 

Clear the runway; Here I come.

 

 

 

 

Hey, I’m paddling on water. Honk…Honk!

 

 

 

 

These wings sure come in handy.

 

 

 

 

Need a little more speed.

 

 

 

 

Can you believe this. We are about to fly!

 

 

 

 

Hey! Wait for me.

 

 

 

 

Lift off….We did it!!! We are flying.

 

 

 

 

And the crowd cheers

 

 

 

 

Okay, Now for the landing. Mission Accomplished.

 

 

 

 

From Baby Cygnets to Beautiful Young Swans

Here are the swans and cygnets from May to The end of September 2012. I hope you found this Series interesting. I know I sure enjoyed following this swan family, I like to call, “The Class Of 2012. They all past accept for one little cygnet that didn’t make it. I think it is pretty amazing that 8 out of the 9 cygnets lived to become these Beautiful young swans who will one day have a family of their own.

 

All photos and written script by Dianne © dsphotocats

 

Hope to find you all well, and enjoying the Seasons of Life.

God Bless one and all.

Dianne :)

Swans _Class Of 2012 Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few pictures I will let speak for  themselves.

I took them late one afternoon last week after I got off work for the day. I just happened to get there at a good time, as sometimes they are no where to be seen. I am still hoping to capture them learning to fly if possible.  Depends on where their aviation field is located. I sure hope I get to see the air show! That would be so “Awesome”, with or without my camera!

Hope you all are doing well and enjoying life, whatever you do, or don’t do. God Bless.

Dianne :)

Walking With Nature By The Bay

 

 

Red Winged Black Bird Singing His Summer Song

High above me in this tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One little Goldfinch sitting in a tree

Looking as pretty as can be.

As He  looks down

I wonder what do you see

besides me,

perched way up in that tree?

Written by Dianne dsphotocats

 

 

 

 

 

 Seems He is following me,  posed for another picture

I have wanted to capture one of these for a very long time. And today he flew into my path.

I prayed God would Bless me and He did.

I believe God can and does use His Creation to Bless those who’s heart is open to see and hear, not only creation, but the Creator Himself.

 

 

 

 

 Queen Anne’s Lace is one of my favorite Wildflowers

Dainty and oh so Pretty is she.

I like how she stands out in her surroundings.

 

 

 

 

What a pleasant surprise as this Beautiful Butterfly

Fluttered by me and Landed long enough

for me to take this photo.

If anyone knows the name of this Butterfly please let me know.

 

 

 

 

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul. 

Words from Psalm 23.

That is what came to mind as I looked into the pond and saw this Water Lilly, and her reflection in the still waters.

Maybe you look at this photo and see something totally different , and that is fine too.

I hope that by looking at these photos , and reading this blog, you will be Blessed .

Hope to find you all well and enjoying the seasons of life where ever you may dwell.  May you see the Beauty beyond whatever circumstances you may face in this life. 

May God reveal Himself to you as you seek Him, and Bless You beyond measure.

Sincerely Dianne :)

P.S If you click on each photo you will be able to see a bigger photo.

Dianne © dsphotocats

Cygnets Growing Fast/Class Of 2012

 

 

This is a time of Transition for these Cygnets.

 

 

 

 

Taking a late afternoon break back at their nesting home

 

 

 

 

The Cygnets are about 2mos. old now.

 

 

 

 

This is a time of Transition for these Swan lings.

They are not as cute as their bodies are growing quickly. But they are Beautiful in their own way.

This is a time of learning many new things from their parents to help them survive and grow into Graceful Swans just like their parents.

I have noticed that these swans are a very close family.It truly is remarkable that out of 9 cygnets, 8 have survived, where as a couple years ago, only 4 out of 8 had survived. I am thrilled to see so many. Because of their size now, I think they will all survive. The Cygnets are most vulnerable when they are small.

 

They are growing their feathers and in the Fall they will learn to fly. I do hope I get to witness that and get a few shots of them in flight. Depends on whether they stay close by or go out into the deep or move to the other side of the Bay. We will just have to wait and see.

It has been my pleasure to witness them and share them with you. Thank you for your visits and comments.

 

The Class Of 2012

 

Written and photographed by: Dianne © dsphotocats

All Is Calm … Swans On The Bay

 

 

 

A Calm and Peaceful Day  Along The Shore Of The Bay

 

 

 

Mr. Cobb is on guard watching over his family. He is not showing off today. All is calm, and all is bright.

It is a Beautiful Day filled with warmth and light.

I love watching these swans and photographing them when I can, as you all know by now.

It is often very challenging to capture what I see due to the bright harsh sunlight as it shines off the water of the Bay.  But it is worth the effort. I forget about the world around me for a time, and all the cares of life. All is calm, and all is bright. It brings a peaceful moment filled with Joy.  I am in “Awe” of what I see as I witness the nature that surrounds me, and the Creator of it all.

I don’t get to travel very often and so I do appreciate the Beauty that surrounds me, even if it is common to some.

Ah! But I do get to travel  through the eyes of each one of you, and other wonderful bloggers, and photographers around the world. We all have something to share, and what is common to one, is new and exciting to another. At least that is how I see it. Thank you for all each one of you share. And now on to the next photo. I never know what I am going to write when I start my update. It truly is “Random Thoughts and Photographs”, and comes from my heart. Oh ya, I guess I better stop jip japping and get on with it. Ha!

 

 

 

 

A Very Touching Sight To See

As mother swan tends to her swanlings.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Penn and her 9 Swanlings (Cygnets)

Just before coming on shore for a time of preening, and a time of rest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Off they go on yet another adventure and to get a bite to eat. I think they were out to have some Bay Vegetable Soup. :)

 

That is it for now. These photos were taken on May 29th.  I may never get caught up but what’s a gal to do.

Just take it as it comes and share when I can.

  There is a time for everything and life goes on. I hope life is good to you, and full of wonder at the things you see around you.

And I pray for those around the world who due to their political environment and circumstances among other things, do not see the Beauty. There is Hope in Jesus. God help us all to love one another, and some how  make a difference in this world we live in.

To all my blogger friends and those who drop by, may you have a good day filled with Peace, Hope and Love.

Sincerely, with Love and Care

Dianne :)

Introducing “Mute Swans… A New Generation”

 

 

 

But today Mr. Cobb seems to be trying to be the Center of Attention, as he splish splashes away.

 

 

 

As he seems to be having some fun with his family as he takes his bath, splashing His Pen, and nine baby cygnets. Maybe he thought they needed a shower to cool themselves down on a hot day in May.

Yes I am behind once again and it is now June, and I have some catching up to do, if I can.

 

 

 

I think he spotted me and he put on quite the show.

Mr. Cobb seemed to be in a very good mood and quite happy, and proud to be a new daddy.

I was surprised to see nine baby cygnets. That is a big family as they usually average seven to eight cygnets.

He was happy to put on a show for me as I started shooting with my Canon. I took quite a few pictures that day, and this is just a few. I did focus mostly on him because he made it very difficult not too, with all his antics.

 

 

He just went back and forth in front of me, and his family, and seemed to enjoy every moment, as did I.

 

 

Maybe he felt the need to distract me from his family. I don’t really know. I never seen anything like it.

I couldn’t help but laugh, and smile at such a sight.

 

 

Did you ever see such a sight?

Just look at him and the expression on his face. :)

 

 

 

He doesn’t look to graceful here but he sure was having a good time, and so was I.

 

 

For a moment it was as if he were posing for me.

I loved how the water just rolled off of him like beads of pearls.

 

 

It almost looks like Pen was giving him a look,

as if to say, “Just what are you doing”?

And the Cygnets just kept preening themselves.

 

 

Finally he heads for shore.

 

 

I couldn’t believe this pose! What a character!

This one really made me laugh, and it is a wonder that I didn’t have camera shake . I have never seen anything like this.

 

 

It was like he was announcing to the world that he was the luckiest dad and mate in the world.

Mr. Cobb was the “Life Of The Bay” on this fine day.

I counted it an Honor to witness such a sight.

 

 

Here is a picture of the family that was taken a short time later. I did take more photos and will share them on another day.

Hope you enjoyed this introduction to this beautiful swan family.

You can click on each photo to get a bigger view if you would like.

Until next time…

Love and Care

Dianne :)

All photos and writing by Dianne © dsphotocats