It was a great summer!

2010 had a great summer beginning with the return of the Osprey's in May. I was worried about the bio diversity affecting this Raptor as I have seen most people try to "beautify" nature to suit thier needs. The reason for my worries was that last year there was not as many frogs on the back lawn as I have seen in years past. Frogs or tadpoles are the first to suffer from such things as sulfates used in lawn fertilizers. Wide variety's of other aquatic species are also affected by the waters when these sulfates are introduced. One only has to look at lake Simcoe to see what is happening. Every choice we make affects the life around us being both plant and animal But, with a more healthy amphibian population this year I was happy to see the return of two very healthy bird species back to our region of the Kawartha Lakes region. I had spent the previous winter anticipating the return of both the Osprey and the Great Blue Heron. I had the great opportunity to watch these magnificent creatures in their own habitats , taking care not to disturb them and watch them at a close ( but not too close) distance. I watched the Heron as it stocked it's prey from an almost stoic pose. I watched the Osprey dive ( in only an Osprey can) from high heights splashing only feet away from me. Here are some pics from this past summer of 2010. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them!

The Osprey's have returned!!!!

I was out on the ol' mountain bike scouting out locations to shoot the other day and to my surprise the Osprey's have come back for the season. There is an Osprey Society in the Kawartha lakes and they have made "nesting platforms" in the local wetlands.

A fly by...

While I was out on the lake a pilot decided to fly lower to see what I was doing....

Testing my photography skills

Today was an absolute perfect day to be outside. After numerous attempts at panning I finally got it right. It is actually harder than it looks!

star gazing

Whatever lake you are on or field you are in take a look at the night sky

Sledding

The Kawartha's are an all season region. From here one can travel to about anywhere on a snowmobile via lakes and connecting trails.

Sunsets

As always the Kawartha lakes region is a great area for watching the sunset be it from a window or from a viewpoint on the lake itself.

Purdy's Mill

This location has intrigued me everytime I passed by it. In 1827 an american family ( the Purdy's) immigrated to the area and damed the scugog river. They constructed a lumber mill ( pictured here) and a grist mill. The area soon took on the form of a small town called "Purdy's Mills". In 1834 an assistant to a surveyor was shot in the leg and later died from an infection as a result. The man known as Mr Lindsay was buried on the riverbank and his name and death was recorded on the official survey of the area. The name Lindsay remained as the town name by gov't approval. In 1861 a fire swept through the town destroying almost everything including the mill leaving hundred's homeless. It took about two years for the town to recover from the fire.

Fall Flying

I currently reside in a rural setting. Views like these are a common occurance in the spring summer and fall months from my backyard.

Reflections

This is a shot from last fall I took while walking near a local park. The sun was shining and the lake was like glass showing a perfect reflection in the water.

It had to start somewhere

I've always been attracted to the wonders of nature. From forest trails, driving through the countryside or driving past bodies of water, there has always been something in me that makes me slow down and want to explore.In the past I have come across beautifull vistas, waterfalls and breathtaking views only to realize I had left the camera at home. Here I will post my adventures and all that I see through the lens and hopefully I will be able to provide some sort of history behind the pictures. Please note that these images are copyrighted. If there is an image you would like please contact me at bobsledxx@hotmail.com. Copying images for personal gain is THEFT!!!