Just One Hour … in the Garden and Elsewhere
8 September
A week ago, I suggested to readers that they take “Just One Hour” and see what wildlife and plants they could find near their homes. Below are photographs selected from an hour walking around our small suburban garden … but first some comments on the idea that I received earlier in the week:
Thank you for inviting us to the conversation. I love this idea. I am lucky to live on a beautiful and sparsely populated lake in southwest Nova Scotia. Last night's paddle had me mesmorized by the activity of a belted kingfisher dipping and diving along the shore, perching on outstretched branches, and chirping all the while. Also, an adult and an immature bald eagle shared a shoreline dinner of some sort. A common loon's call echoed every few minutes. And the beaver slapped her tail in frustration of my presence, yet never strayed far nor fled in fright, staying oddly close by my side for some time. An hour on the water is always an hour of reward.
– Trevor McMullen (SW Nova Scotia)
Great idea, Richard. We have nice weather here today in Ottawa and made for a great hike. Lots of bird activity as well. From my first hour of my hike this morning: - resident family of American Crows in my local conservation area - Green Herons, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets - a lone juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron - Red Squirrels, Eastern Grey Squirrels, and Chipmunks - Ring-billed Gulls, Mallards, Wood Ducks - Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, and juvenile Cedar Waxwings. We had really nice weather this morning here in Ottawa. I am looking forward to seeing more of the migrant birds moving through the area.
– Neil Barker (Ottawa)
Great idea! We go for a nature walk every Saturday and I try to notice nature as much as possible whatever I'm doing. During the summer i do butterfly surveys and all year round I do patrols along a local river, noting wildlife and collecting rubbish.
– Juliet Wilson (Scotland)
In the Mead
Now migration southwards is in full flow, we have have enjoyed a lot of beautiful warblers and other birds passing through Baie-D’Urfé in the early mornings. I will do a separate post about that in a few days … but here are pictures from a walk in the garden, where we have no lawn but much life:
And last, but not least, nor is it native come to that … a future meal
Lovely photos. Thanks for quoting me! On Saturday we went to Edinburgh's Arthur's Seat hoping to find a late season Small Copper butterfly and we did, such a beautiful tiny butterfly.
Just one hour can be so beneficial 🍃