Reflections On Summer Past

by Lorraine Julien

Now that the short dark days of December are here and we look forward to Christmas, I took a few minutes and looked longingly at pictures taken this past summer. Some photos are of summer scenery around the cottage but most of the wildlife pictures were taken through our cottage windows as that was the only way I could take pictures without spooking them. Some of these creatures visit on a regular basis but it’s still thrilling to see them.

The sharp-shinned hawk stayed on our deck for probably 30 minutes so I was able to get lots of shots of her or him. The fox looks a bit mangy but it was very early spring and she had obviously survived another winter. The barred owl lives in the area with his family as we regularly hear his “who cooks for you” call. The painted turtle had just finished laying her eggs and was in the process of covering them. The little toad rested for a while on the “turtle nest” sign. Even choke cherries look pretty at this time of the year!

Steve and I would like to wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks especially to everyone who contacted us with their comments and questions, and sent in their photos and observations. 

Please feel free to report any observations to Lorraine Julien at [email protected]  or Steve Blight at [email protected]