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Peggy's Cove Sunset, April 11, 2018.
April 14, 2018 - I went to Peggy's Cove the evening of April 11 to photograph the sunset. It was brutally cold for the time of year but I...
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The Day After the Great April 8, 2018 Snow Storm
April 10, 2018 - Here in Nova Scotia we had an early spring snow storm after glorious weather for most of the winter. So despite my prefe...
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Searching for the Best Pocket Camera
April 10, 2018 - I've been searching for the ideal pocket camera for a couple of years. I've tried most brands and sensor sizes. Leica is...
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Ipswich Sparrow
April 06, 2018 - The Ipswich Sparrow is an "all-Canadian bird", born and raised mostly on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. It's adapted...
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Moving Waters
April 04, 2018 - I took a trip to one of our natural cascades here in Nova Scotia. Water scenes are always a challenge since slow exposur...
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Tricoloured Heron Portraits
April 04, 2018 - My cameras images' natural ratios are 3:2 and 4:3 since this is the ratio of their sensors. The Tricoloured Heron was ph...
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Little Blue Heron
April 03, 2018 - This Little Blue Heron did not want to pose. It remained at the back of the salt marsh until it abruptly flew off. I man...
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Blue Moon March 31, 2018
April 01, 2018 - The Blue Moon of March 31, 2018 is the second blue moon within 29 days. There were four full moons in three months, two...
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Tricoloured Heron in the Ultimate Pose
March 30, 2018 - I obtained my best photos of the Tricoloured Heron last Wednesday evening. I went to the Sambro Head Salt Marsh at about...
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Tricoloured Heron and Great Egret
March 25, 2018 - While I was at the Sambro Head Salt Marsh this morning the Great Egret and the Tricoloured Heron decided quite obligingl...
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Tricoloured Heron
March 25, 2018 - Yesterday after photographing the Great Egret I returned to the marsh and immediately found a Tricoloured Heron. It was...
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Great Egret
March 25, 2018 - I photographed a Great Egret at Sambro Head Salt Marsh yesterday and today. This marsh has been a favorite of waders sin...
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Orange-crowned Warbler
March 23, 2018 - An Orange-crowned Warbler is no big deal in Florida's winter but it sure is here in Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia. This d...
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Blue Supermoon
March 21, 2018 - The evening of January 31, 2018 was the time I was looking up at the night sky for the blue supermoon, the largest full...
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Water and Ice
March 21, 2018 - Water, light and Ice are always fascinating photographic subjects, if a bit treacherous at times to access. Now during t...
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Coastal Nova Scotia
March 20, 2018 - I enjoyed a winter's drive along the coast of Nova Scotia photographing architecture, fishing wharves and over-wintering...
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Merlin
March 20, 2018 - Merlin's have always been a challenge for me to photograph. They will perch for long periods scanning for prey but are s...
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Iceland Gull
March 20, 2018 - I encountered this Iceland Gull while searching for another bird. It was at Fisherman's Cove in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia....
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An Over-wintering Orange-crowned Warbler In Portuguese Cove
March 19, 2018 - Laura and I are enjoying the company of an over-wintering Orange-crowned Warbler. I don't feed it crickets, at least not...
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A Man and a Yellow-throated Warbler
March 19, 2018 - I visited Petite Riviere early in February to see and photograph an over-wintering Yellow-throated Warbler. This warbler...
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Ocean View Log Home at Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia, for Sale
March 14, 2018 - Ocean View Log Home for Sale in Portuguese Cove, Nova Scotia
$349,500 htoom@eastlink.ca OK
The sun rises every morning...
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Test Series of Minolta 500mm F8 Reflex Lens
March 03, 2018 - I took a series of photos using the Minolta 500mm F8 autofocus reflex lens and my Sony a99ii. The lens is a little soft...
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Blustery Weather
February 05, 2018 - January is well known for its blustery weather in Nova Scotia. Expect monstrous snowfalls, coastal tidal surges and wind...
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Country Homes
February 05, 2018 - Nova Scotia is renowned for its coastal home architecture. Some homes are simple and others are for the super rich.
Nov...
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Tundra Swan
February 05, 2018 - A Tundra Swan is a very uncommon visitor to Nova Scotia in January. This one was in Hubbards. I wish it well on its jour...
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Peggy's Cove and Light
February 05, 2018 - I drove the Eastern Chebucto Peninsula loop, Nova Scotia, to view Peggy's Cove and other coastal sites. The route change...
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Bald Eagles
February 05, 2018 - Bald Eagles are a common site in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, in January and February since most of the chicken ra...
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So You Want to be a Fisher
January 01, 2018 - After the movie, The Perfect Storm, there is romance and adventure associated with off shore fishing well here's another...
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Last Photos of 2017
January 01, 2018 - The cold weather has kept us cabin bound but we ventured forth around our place at Portuguese Cove for one last look at...
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Wood Duck Known as Sanford
January 01, 2018 - The Wood Duck which we have named Sanford after the park he frequents summer and winter, Sir Sanford Fleming Park, Halif...
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Great Egret
January 01, 2018 - This Great Egret was fishing for eels successfully on the north shore of Cole Harbour just after Christmas and before th...
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Moving Water
December 16, 2017 - The camera can often capture what the naked eye cannot. These moving water photos are an example of patterns and colours...
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Late Migrating Birds
December 02, 2017 - Every year there are late migrating passerines(perching birds). I photographed Yellow-rumped Warbler, Palm Warbler, Comm...
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Crab
December 01, 2017 - I watched this Yellow-crowned Night Heron as it fed. It's bill of fare consists of minnows, eels, shrimp and its mainsta...
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Snowy Egret
November 26, 2017 - The Snowy Egret visited the Sambro Bog and perhaps stayed too long for its own good. I wish it well on its journey. I wa...
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Fall Colours 2017
October 30, 2017 - Fall colours in Nova Scotia are always a treat to see and photograph. I toured a few common spots for these images.
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Hard Drive Failure but the Birds Keep Coming
October 30, 2017 - I visited Duncan Reef yesterday and met my first Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspurs of the year. The photos seen here a...
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Yellow Ladies'-Tresses Orchid
September 23, 2017 - The Yellow Ladies'-Tresses Orchid is the latest blooming of our native orchids. It is found on partially exposed barren...
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Yellow-crowned Night Heron
September 22, 2017 - I found my second Yellow-crowned Night Heron of the year. This is my third one between Ketch Harbour and Indian Harbour...
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Mushrooms, Fungi, Lichens and Mosses
September 01, 2017 - Smiley's Provincial Park is a bonanza for mushrooms, fungi, lichens and mosses in late August and early September. I sus...
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Ruddy Turnstone
August 25, 2017 - There were several Ruddy Turnstones in breeding plumage and juvenile Spotted Sandpipers at Duncan Reef. The best time to...
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Queen Mary 2
August 24, 2017 - I enjoyed photographing the annual departure of the Queen Mary 2 near sunset when the best light is available. This was...
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Peeps of Evangeline Beach
August 24, 2017 - I made a quick visit to Evangeline Beach, Nova Scotia, an annual pilgrimage to photograph the flocks of peeps; mostly Se...
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Armada of Tall Ships
August 24, 2017 - Armada of Tall Ships
Rendez-vous 2017 Halifax, Nova Scotia, August 1, 2017
Most ships can be identified by their name...
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Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
August 19, 2017 - Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is a hard to find but annual regular to Nova Scotia. This one...
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Solitary Sandpipers
August 16, 2017 - I found two Solitary Sandpipers this morning. One was tame as they usually are and the other one was skittish. This unco...
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Blackpoll Warbler, Snowy Egret and Little Blue Heron
June 23, 2017 - I had planned to search for the Blackpoll Warbler two days ago but the squalls kept me off the coastal boreal forest. No...
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Cape Chignecto Provincial Park Adventure
June 21, 2017 - I visited Cape Chignecto Provincial Park last week, an annual pilgrimage for me. My target species were Mourning Warbler...
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Chezzetcook Salt Marsh
June 21, 2017 - The Chezzetcook Salt Marsh is one of the largest accessible salt marshes in the Halifax area and always surprises me wit...
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Nelson's Sparrow
June 21, 2017 - I usually photograph the Nelson's Sparrow at Rainbow Haven Provincial Park but do to the squalls yesterday I opted for t...
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Black-bellied Whistling Duck
June 21, 2017 - I left early yesterday morning to see and photograph the Black-bellied Whistling Duck in Musquodoboit Harbour. It's a ve...
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Warbler Walk, June 4, Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
June 21, 2017 - I led my annual warbler walk at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park on June 4. The sky threatened but never rained on us. We...
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Old Annapolis Road Trail
June 01, 2017 - The Old Annapolis Road Trail is one of my favourite places near Halifax. It's great for a leisurely nature hike or for n...
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Ram's Head Orchid, Yellow Ladies Slipper Orchid and Painted Trillium
May 28, 2017 - I went to a couple of my favourite places this morning primarily searching for rare and endangered orchids. They are get...
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Pine Warbler
May 21, 2017 - Pine Warbler
Laura and I found a Pine Warbler for the sixth year in a row in the same location. This small breeding col...
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Canadian Warblers are Returning
May 18, 2017 - I spent about two hours along Sandy Cove Road this morning and enjoyed a nice arrival of warblers, perhaps a week early,...
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Sandhill Crane
May 11, 2017 - I found this Sandhill Crane alongside Route 224 on the way to Shubenacadie. It was clustered with a dozen Canada Geese....
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Canada Jay
May 09, 2017 - I encountered a pair of Canada Jays along Sandy Cove Road. They haven't molted yet so their plumage is a little rough. T...
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Sunset at Peggy's Cove
May 07, 2017 - It's been done a gazillion times by as many people, photographing the sunset at Peggy's Cove. Nevertheless for Nova Scot...
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Eastern Phoebe and Friends at Sandy Cove
April 28, 2017 - I returned to Sandy Cove for a second look. As before I sat on a rock with a thermos of java brew and waited for the bir...
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Harlequin Ducks and Others
April 27, 2017 - I visited Duncan's Cove and found 10 Harlequin Ducks just briefly as 8 immediately flew off. The surf was high and the r...
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Prothonotary Warbler and Many Other Birds
April 24, 2017 - I had a good morning of photography in mild temperatures and bright sunshine until the fog began to roll in late morning...
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Audio Recording of Cardinal Singing Predawn
April 19, 2017 - My young male Cardinal is singing hard for a mate. I recorded it predawn this morning and scanned my camera around a bit...
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Cardinal Singing in the Morning and Brown Thrasher
April 14, 2017 - The Northern Cardinal was singing brightly this morning on our power line. It was backlit which compromises the photo bu...
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Prothonotary Warbler
April 10, 2017 - The Prothonotary Warbler is a an annual regular to Nova Scotia and is locally rare. In Canada it breeds along a narrow s...
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Butcher's Falls After a Rain
April 09, 2017 - I took a tour of the Musquodoboit Valley in hopes of finding some early waders but alas no luck. I stopped off at Butche...
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Winter of the Finch
March 31, 2017 - The lousy weather continues in Nova Scotia with more snow and wind. All the birds know it's spring though since they are...
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Nova Scotia Woodlands in Spring
March 27, 2017 - Yes, it's spring in Nova Scotia but you wouldn't know it by taking a woodland walk through our Acadian forest. I followe...
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Northern Cardinal
March 14, 2017 - Our juvenile Northern Cardinal arrived in the summer and was soon joined by a juvenile female. These birds are a big dea...
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Pink-footed Goose and Red-throated Loon
February 19, 2017 - Laura and I enjoyed this 7 degree day by looking for the reported Pink-footed Goose and Sandhill Crane. We found the Pin...
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Warbler Walk June 4, 2017 and February, 2017, Edition of The Bridge
February 16, 2017 - My annual warbler walk will be held as usual on the first Sunday morning of June, this year at 7AM, June 4, 2017, at Jer...
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Musquodoboit Valley Tour
February 08, 2017 - I took a tour to Sheet Harbour thence northwards to Upper Stewiacke and south to Middle Musquodoboit in search of ice an...
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Aspotogan Peninsula
January 31, 2017 - Our long dreary winters can cause cabin fever so my remedy was a tour of the Aspotogan Peninsula on this cloudy but brig...
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Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle
January 22, 2017 - I took a quick tour around Canning and Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, searching for raptors. My best photographs although...
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Red-headed Woodpecker
January 17, 2017 - I went to Bass River, Nova Scotia yesterday to find and photograph the juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker. If this handsome...
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Carolina Wren
December 26, 2016 - The Carolina Wren is an infrequent visitor to Nova Scotia. I photographed this one in Queens County in 2010. I never loa...
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Moving Water
November 27, 2016 - I visited a few of my favourite water courses for some moving water photos. These are stylized photographs at long expos...
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Supermoon November 14, 2016
November 15, 2016 - The supermoon of November 14, 2016 is the largest supermoon since 1946 and hence the closest approach to earth since the...
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Sundew
October 26, 2016 - I am behind on my photos as this posting illustrates. Laura and I encounter this carnivorous plant on our evening walks...
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The Coastal Barrens of Nova Scotia in Late October
October 26, 2016 - I drove the Peggy's Cove loop to photograph the coastal barrens. "Barrens" is such a poor choice of words to describe th...
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The Fall Colours of West Hants County
October 24, 2016 - I visited West Hants County to photograph and enjoy the fall colours. The area in and around Smiley's Provincial Park is...
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Fall Colours of the Hardwood Lands of Colchester County
October 23, 2016 - Last Thursday I toured the hardwood lands of Colchester County, Nova Scotia, to see and photograph the fall colours. The...
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Red Fox, Northern Cardinals, Brown Thrasher and Grey-cheeked Thrush
October 11, 2016 - It's been an interesting start to fall with rare birds and a Red Fox visitation. The Red Fox was a surprise as it lurked...
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Queen Mary 2 & Yellow Ladies' Tresses Orchid
September 11, 2016 - Prior to our jaunt up to Chebucto Head(Shoal Point) yesterday evening to watch this grand ship passing on its way to Sou...
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Northern Cardinal and Vegetable Garden Raiding Buck
September 07, 2016 - Northern Cardinal and Vegetable Garden Raiding Buck
In 16 years at our place in Portuguese Cove we've never had more th...
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Anthem of the Seas
September 02, 2016 - We hoofed it up Chebucto Head Light, Shoal Point, yesterday to see and photograph the Anthem of the Seas. She cruises at...
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Newfoundland Ferry Day 2 of Newfoundland Adventure
July 11, 2016 - We started the second day of our Newfoundland adventure by rising at Broad Cove, Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We...
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Cape Breton Highlands Day 1 of Newfoundland Adventure
July 07, 2016 - Laura and I started our Newfoundland expedition by way of Cape Breton Highlands National Park on June 13, 2016. We had f...
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Canada Day July 1, 2016, Halifax Waterfront
July 01, 2016 - Laura and I spent Canada Day, July 1, 2016, at the Halifax waterfront. The weather was perfect, mostly sunshine, some cl...
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Yellow Lady's-slipper Orchid
June 27, 2016 - Prior to our departure on June 13 for the Newfoundland adventure, other wise known as, "wind, rain and fog", I took two...
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Eastern Wood-pewee, Least Flycatcher and Swainson's Thrush
June 10, 2016 - The Eastern Wood-pewee is a species of special concern. It is declining in numbers probably due to the environment of it...
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White Rhodora
June 08, 2016 - I believe the White Rhodora is a colour morph of the common Rhodora. It blooms early to mid June and is easily dissipate...
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Three Stunning Warblers
June 08, 2016 - There are many stunning warblers sometimes stunning beyond belief. Three common stunners here in Nova Scotia are America...
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Barred Owl, Nashville Warbler and Killdeer
May 30, 2016 - During our visit to Mount Uniacke Museum Estate park yesterday to see and photograph the Painted Trillium we were surpri...
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Ram's Head Orchid, Yellow Lady's-Slipper Orchid and More
May 30, 2016 - Laura and I enjoyed our first picnic trip of the year yesterday to Smiley's Provincial Park, Mount Uniacke Estate Museum...
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Old Annapolis Road Trail
May 26, 2016 - I did a tour of the Old Annapolis Road Trail today both to check out the safety of the trail since it is no longer maint...
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Canada Warbler Joins the Roundup
May 23, 2016 - There are at least 16 species of warbler on territory in three locations with 14 species at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Pa...
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Early Warblers at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
May 16, 2016 - I enjoyed my first albeit brief warbler hunt at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park this morning. There were rain squalls and...
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Spring Flowers, Butterflies and Birds
May 12, 2016 - Spring is slow arriving in Nova Scotia. Manitoba is at least a month ahead of us and the lower mainland of British Colum...
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Great Egret
May 01, 2016 - Yesterday I took advantage of available time and decent weather to rush out to Brookfield Marsh to photograph the Great...
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Tree Versus Trail
April 30, 2016 - Last Sunday Laura and I explored the Tree Versus Trail at Sir Sanford Fleming Park. Along this route are eight photograp...
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Pine Warblers
April 29, 2016 - The Pine Warbler is a new nesting warbler in Nova Scotia. This is the fifth consecutive year(or longer) that Pine Warble...
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Cedar Waxwings
April 28, 2016 - The most elegant bird in Canada is the Bohemian Waxwing. When I say elegant I mean, "Audrey Hepburn" elegant. The Cedar...
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Glossy Ibis and Little Blue Heron
April 27, 2016 - I took my longest trip of the year yesterday with a 7AM departure from Portuguese Cove to Little Dover. I took the highw...
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Barred Owl and Friends
April 23, 2016 - I enjoyed my first serious outing of the year including three short hikes, a prelude to our trip to Newfoundland. One do...
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Mayflowers and Unidentified Spores and Lichens
April 20, 2016 - The Mayflowers are beginning to bloom out our way despite the cold relentless winds of the North Atlantic. They are abou...
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Overwintering and Migrant Birds at Portuguese Cove
April 19, 2016 - This is a compendium of some of our over-wintering and early migrating birds from the last week at Portuguese Cove.
It'...
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Louisiana Waterthrush and Friends
April 07, 2016 - I found and photographed the Louisiana Waterthrush yesterday at the third cobbly beach, Crystal Crescent Provincial Park...
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Ipswich Sparrow
April 04, 2016 - Other priorities prevented me from arriving at Crystal Crescent Beach early this morning to find and photograph the Loui...
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White-winged Crossbill, Goldfinch and Tree Sparrow
April 01, 2016 - The White-winged Crossbill continues to be a daily regular at our place in Portuguese Cove(up to and including April 4)...
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White-winged Crossbill Continues to Visit
March 29, 2016 - The White-winged Crossbill continues to be a regular at our feeder in Portuguese Cove. All photos except two are taken t...
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Ring-necked Ducks
March 28, 2016 - Laura and I enjoyed a walk-around of the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming Park, yesterday. Sanford, the Wood Duck, was now...
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White-winged Crossbill
March 27, 2016 - A first winter male White-winged Crossbill paid us a quick visit today. It came in with a bunch of Bohemian Waxwings tha...
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Fox Sparrow and Tree Sparrow
March 23, 2016 - I photographed two of my favourite sparrows yesterday, both through two layers of window glass. Any attempt at opening a...
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CCGS Cape Roger
March 20, 2016 - The CCGS Cape Roger is a new coast guard ship for me. It sailed past our place this morning. It is primarily a search an...
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Winter's Last Gasp
March 12, 2016 - Yesterday was our winter's last gasp, surely. I took an hour to photograph some of the local scenery. Usually our snow s...
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Winter's Icy Grip
March 05, 2016 - I went up to Butcher's Falls on March 4 to see what the recent cold weather had accomplished. I call this, "Winter's Icy...
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Conjunction of Jupiter and our Moon
February 24, 2016 - After our visit to Peggy`s Cove yesterday to photograph the sunset I was just minding my own business loitering in the l...
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Peggy`s Cove Sunset
February 24, 2016 - OK, I know that every Nova Scotian and most of Moldova have already photographed this event, as I have in the past, but...
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Grey Catbird and Friends
February 13, 2016 - A Grey Catbird arrived yesterday and was working the multiflora tangles for berries in the front and back yard. I manage...
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SPS Patiño (A14)
February 12, 2016 - The SPS Patiño (A14) arrived this morning. It passed our place off Portuguese Cove at 7:30AM. This is the replacement fo...
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February 2016 Edition of The Bridge
February 09, 2016 - Here is the February, 2016, edition of The Bridge. This newsletter highlights the good work of the Five Bridges Wilderne...
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Saving our Chat
January 21, 2016 - Our Yellow-breasted Chat remains alert, active and eats vigorously several times per day. It remains alive only because...
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Butcher's Falls and Scottish Longhorn
January 12, 2016 - I took advantage of this fine day for a quick tour of the Musquodoboit Valley and Butcher's Falls. I donned my cleats to...
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Atlantic Star
January 10, 2016 - I photographed the Atlantic Star at sunrise from our living room window just as it was passing Shoal Point(Chebucto Head...
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Sanford and Son, Wood Ducks
January 10, 2016 - Laura and I met the Wood Ducks today, Sanford and Son, at The Dingle, Sir Sanford Fleming Park. I can no longer distingu...
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Yellow-breasted Chat in 2016
January 03, 2016 - Our Yellow-breasted Chat remains healthy and alert. It feeds several times a day and there is no doubt now that it will...
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Christmas Day Full Moon, First One in Thirty Eight Years
December 26, 2015 - Laura and I arrived home about 7PM on Christmas Day and the sky was partially overcast. I hoped for a small break in the...
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Christmas Day Yellow-breasted Chat, December 25, 2015
December 26, 2015 - Our Yellow-breasted Chat was on station all of Christmas Day, eating multflora berries, grapes and yes even a chunk of s...
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Yellow-breasted Chat
December 22, 2015 - The Yellow-breasted Chat that arrived yesterday at our place in Portuguese Cove to celebrate the winter solstice with us...
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Sandhill Cranes
December 17, 2015 - I found the Sandhill Cranes in Milford this morning. These are probably the same birds I first photographed August 24, 2...
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Mountain Bluebirds
December 11, 2015 - I left Portuguese Cove at 6:30AM, December 10, for the drive to Cape Sable Island on the first leg of my Mountain Bluebi...
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Blue-grey Gnatcatcher
December 08, 2015 - On the morning of December 7 on my hike to Duncan Reef I first heard and then saw and photographed a Blue-grey Gnatcatch...
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White-winged Dove
December 03, 2015 - Our White-winged Dove was back again today and offered some photographic opportunities despite the rain and gloom. I pho...
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White-winged Dove and Tree Sparrows(Winter Sparrows)
December 02, 2015 - Migration is four to six weeks late this year. Finally, on December 1, we had our first Tree Sparrows arrive at our plac...
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Sanford and Son(Wood Ducks)
November 25, 2015 - Ray Staszko alerted me this afternoon to the presence of a second male Wood Duck at the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming P...
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Sharp-shinned Hawk
November 23, 2015 - The Sharp-shinned Hawk is a regular visitor to our place in Portuguese Cove especially in the winter. These beautiful bi...
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Purple Finches and Multiflora Berries
November 15, 2015 - It's been a quiet start leading up to winter photography. Gloomy days and high winds have discouraged walkabouts. The Tr...
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Snow Buntings and Gale at Duncan Reef
October 31, 2015 - Yesterday there was a gale at Duncan Reef. The sea was alive and so were the Snow Buntings. I sat at my usual spot snugg...
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Ring-necked Pheasant Behaviour
October 28, 2015 - Last winter, 2014-15, was a killer with two successive flash freezes that left my yard, driveway and surrounding forest...
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Sanford the Wood Duck
October 21, 2015 - The famous Spryfield Wood Duck is back! Laura Elliott and I encountered the bird yesterday evening during a walk around...
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Barbara Hinds
October 20, 2015 - I found out recently about the passing of Barbara Hinds. We lost touch in recent years but I remember her well for grace...
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Snow Buntings and Ipswich Sparrow
October 19, 2015 - Laura Elliott and I visited Duncan Reef this afternoon and found three Snow Buntings and one Ipswich Sparrow. There was...
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Ipswich Sparrow
October 14, 2015 - This was my first trip to Duncan Reef in two weeks thanks to a virus and lousy weather. The wind was howling from the so...
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Crested Caracara
October 14, 2015 - Laura and I were out the door, October 14, at 6:30AM and on our way to visit the Crested Caracara at Gaspereau, Nova Sco...
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Little Blue Heron, Brookfield Marsh
October 06, 2015 - The highlight of my October 5 trip was finding the juvenile Little Blue Heron at Brookfield Marsh. The level line of sig...
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Butcher's Falls After the Deluge
October 06, 2015 - I visited Butcher's Falls, October 5, hoping for some spectacular photos after the deluge we had in the province. Here i...
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Monge A601, French Navy
October 06, 2015 - Prior to leaving on my Brookfield Marsh-Butcher's Falls, October 5, excursion Laura spotted an interesting ship entering...
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Wilson's Snipe
October 02, 2015 - Laura and I visited Brookfield Marsh September 30, just ahead of the deluge. We immediately spotted a juvenile Little Bl...
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Supermoon Eclipse September 27, 2015
October 01, 2015 - I among millions of others photographed the Supermoon Eclipse of September 27, 2015. A good refractor with tracking was...
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Late Summer Birds of Duncan Reef
September 25, 2015 - This compendium of some of the late summer birds of Duncan Reef includes the period between the last week of August to t...
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Compendium of Late Summer Orchids of Nova Scotia
September 15, 2015 - This compendium of late summer orchids is from August 1 to September 15. The late summer orchids are not as elegant as t...
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Butcher's Falls and Upper Burnside Falls
September 04, 2015 - On September 3, I took a cross country trip through the Musquodoboit Valley to visit two waterfalls; Butcher's Falls and...
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Sandhill Cranes
August 31, 2015 - Laura and I visited the Sandhill Cranes south of Shubenacadie August 24. We found four Sandhill Cranes within a ten minu...
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Baird's Sandpiper
August 28, 2015 - Here are some Baird's Sandpiper photographs from August 25. I checked Duncan Reef this morning but there was no joy.
Th...
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Evangeline Beach Shorebirds
August 23, 2015 - I made two trips to Evangeline Beach this year in search of peeps; Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers, White-...
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Birds of Duncan Reef
August 23, 2015 - About the middle of August shorebirds begin to migrate through the Duncan Reef area. The reef is the only hospitable pie...
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Cape Sable Journal
August 19, 2015 - I joined the stampede to Cape Sable on August 15, Cape Sable Day, the annual fundraising gala for the Cape Sable Light....
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Green Adder's Mouth Orchid
August 19, 2015 - Every year Laura and I haunt the coastal barrens looking primarily for the Green Adder's Mouth Orchid. Last year we stru...
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Smiley's Provincial Park
August 12, 2015 - Laura and I visited Smiley's Provincial Park twice in early August on the hunt for a rare orchid which we never did find...
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Blue Moon Over Portuguese Cove
August 05, 2015 - The blue moon rise at Portuguese Cove happened at 7:42AM, July 31. I took the following photographs about 13 hours later...
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The Wildflowers of the West Dalhousie Road
August 05, 2015 - After our visit to the Gardens of Annapolis Royal Laura and I followed the West Dalhousie Road home. This route is quiet...
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Wildflowers of Miner's Marsh
August 04, 2015 - Laura and I visited Miner's Marsh in Kentville, in late July. This was my first visit to this marsh and Laura's third....
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Annapolis Royal Gardens
August 04, 2015 - Laura and I visited the Annapolis Royal Gardens at Annapolis Royal July 25. The weather forcast was for cloudy bright co...
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Compendium of Early Summer Orchids of Nova Scotia
August 04, 2015 - This is a photographic compendium of early summer orchids from June 22 to July 31. Many more early summer orchid photogr...
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Queen Mary 2 at a Shoal Point Sunrise
August 04, 2015 - The morning of August 1 I saw the arrival of the Queen Mary 2 and the setting of the 2015 blue moon, the last blue moon...
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Fireflies on the Barrens of Shoal Point
July 19, 2015 - My first attempt at photographing the Queen Mary 2, although a failure due to darkness, exposed Laura and I to the myria...
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Queen Mary 2
July 19, 2015 - I attended at Chebucto Head Light(Shoal Point), July 10, to photograph the Queen Mary 2 on her first visit this year but...
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Queen Mary 2 and Fireflies
July 14, 2015 - Laura and I hoofed it up to Shoal Point, Friday July 10, the present location of what is known as the Chebucto Head Ligh...
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Showy Lady' Slipper Orchid
July 12, 2015 - I visited Smiley's Provincial Park for a second time to photograph the Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid. The photographs from...
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Old Growth Forest on Troop Island
July 08, 2015 - Beth McGee ferried me over to Troop('s) Island on Monday July 6. I didn't do a tour of the island or look for specific s...
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Canada Warblers at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
July 08, 2015 - I visited the Canada Warblers at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park Saturday July 4. I saw an adult male but no females or y...
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Showy Lady's-slipper and Yellow Lady's-slipper Orchids
July 04, 2015 - Beth McGee and I visited the Showy Lady's-slipper Orchids on Thursday morning July 2. The morning was rainy with light f...
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Sambro Island Journal 2015
June 29, 2015 - I boarded the vessel at 8AM, June 26, for the ride out to Sambro Island. I arranged to be picked up at 2PM at Sambro Isl...
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Compendium of Spring Wildflowers of Nova Scotia
June 24, 2015 - This is a compendium of spring wildflowers of Nova Scotia, and includes native species, introduced species and flowering...
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Compendium of Spring Orchids of Nova Scotia
June 23, 2015 - Compendium of Nova Scotia's Spring Orchids
Orchids and Warblers seem to go together. Both species thrive in Nova Scotia...
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Three Special Spring Flowers
June 23, 2015 - There are three flowers I look for each spring, the White Rhodora, a colour morph of the Rhodora, the Golden Heather and...
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Ram's Head and Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchid
June 10, 2015 - Ram's Head and Yellow Lady's Slipper Orchids, June 7, 2015
After the Lewis Lake Warbler Walk Ray Staszko, Laura Elliott...
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Lewis Lake Warbler Walk, June 7, 2015
June 10, 2015 - Lewis Lake Warbler Walk, June 7, 2015
I led my annual Lewis Lake Warbler Walk at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park, June 7...
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Pine Warbler and Least Sandpiper
May 23, 2015 - Laura and I visited Oakfield Provincial Park on May 16 to search for the Pine Warblers. This park was our first stop on...
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Canada Warbler at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
May 23, 2015 - I have found the Canada Warbler at Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park on territory in two locations, so far. I expect more C...
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The Ibis of Seaside Provincial Park
May 06, 2015 - Laura and I made the trip to Waterside Beach Provincial Park on Monday May 4, Nova Scotia, to see the White-faced Ibis(1...
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The Killer Winter
April 24, 2015 - The winter of 2015 was the worst in our experience and the worst for most folks in Nova Scotia. White Juan, a major stor...
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Fieldfare in Apple River, Nova Scotia
March 01, 2015 - I visited the Fieldfare in Apple River, Nova Scotia, February 27, for the second time. This was a day trip with a 6AM de...
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Eurasian Kestrel, Eurasian Wigeon and Others
February 22, 2015 - This sunny morning motivated me to tour around Halifax. My stops were Hartlen Point, The Dingle, Purcell's Cove, Ketch H...
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Fieldfare in Apple River, Nova Scotia
February 13, 2015 - I pondered a trip to Apple River, Nova Scotia, for days to see and photograph the Fieldfare but the weather has been dre...
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Raptors Aplenty
January 24, 2015 - Yesterday, January 23, was predicted to be the last good day of decent weather for a while so I decided to try and searc...
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Gathering of Bald Eagles
January 21, 2015 - I took a reconnaissance trip to Sheffield Mills, January 20, to view the assembling eagles. It was bitterly cold thanks...
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Eurasian Kestrel
January 02, 2015 - The Eurasian Kestrel was first found, photographed and reported by Kyle Shale on December 26, 2014 at Hartlen Point alth...
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Wood Duck and Pied-billed Grebe
November 17, 2014 - Laura and I went for a walk around the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming Park, Halifax, on Sunday November 16. Our target s...
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Cattle Egret
November 05, 2014 - I was on a prowl for a reported Snowy Egret that had moved somewhere from Duncan's Cove the day before. The ditches alon...
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The Harvest Supermoon of 2014
September 23, 2014 - The harvest moon this year was also a supermoon since it was closer to our earth than during other times of the year. Us...
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Lots of Peeps at Evangeline Beach
August 19, 2014 - I made my last trip to Evangeline Beach August 6 and it was a good one. I saw the largest flocks of peeps I've ever seen...
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180 Degree Double Rainbow and Largest and Brightest Supermoon of the Year
August 11, 2014 - Last Friday about 6PM I decided to risk a trip to Duncan Reef to photograph the Ruddy Turnstones passing through despite...
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Troop Island Journal, August 2, 2014
August 11, 2014 - I visited Troop Island for the second time this year on August 2. The weather was iffy with showers the day before and t...
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Shorebirds of Evangeline Beach
July 28, 2014 - Laura and I enjoyed our first visit of the year yesterday to Evangeline Beach, in search of shorebirds. We arrived at ab...
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Laughing Gulls at Sandy Cove's Beach, Halifax
July 17, 2014 - Four Laughing Gulls spent about a week at Sandy Cove's Beach. I checked on them daily and managed a few decent photos. S...
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Recent Birds
July 17, 2014 - I went to Meisner's Point again, for the last time this year, to search for the suddenly elusive Blackpoll Warbler. Once...
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Cliff Swallows Playing in the Mud
July 17, 2014 - After a visit to Dollar Lake Provincial Park, June 29, I went along Wyse Road since this road is often productive for wi...
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Showy Lady's Slipper Orchid
July 17, 2014 - Laura and I visited Smiley 's Provincial Park twice, once about a week before the end of June and on June 29. I returned...
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The Warblers of Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
July 09, 2014 - About ten years ago I published a guide to the warblers of Lewis Lake Provincial Park, now renamed Jerry Lawrence Provin...
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Sambro Island Journal 2014
June 27, 2014 - Three of us, Ray Staszko, Keith Lowe and I, visited Sambro Island last Monday. I gave my companions just 24 hours notice...
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Golden Heather and Other Local Wildflowers
June 27, 2014 - Laura and I visited the Chebucto Head area last Sunday in fear of missing the blooming of the Golden Heather. It has jus...
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Cape Chignecto Provincial Park
June 21, 2014 - I took a 24 hour trip to Cape Chignecto Provincial Park on Thursday and Friday. I left Thursday afternoon and after chec...
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Troop Island Journal
June 18, 2014 - Yesterday Laura and I were delighted to enjoy an outing to Troop Island, off Seabright, in St. Margaret's Bay with Beth...
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A Visit to Rainbow Haven Provincial Park
June 14, 2014 - I visited Meisner's Point yesterday in the hopes of photographing a Blackpoll Warbler but the weather did not cooperate...
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The Visit of the Queen Mary 2 to Halifax
June 14, 2014 - The Queen Mary 2 visited Halifax last Wednesday and I never miss an opportunity to see and photograph this grand ship. S...
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A Visit to Brookfield Marsh
June 14, 2014 - On my way to Truro I stopped for a short tour of Brookfield Marsh. It was too early for wildflower activity but I did en...
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Wildflower Walk Around the Frog Pond
June 14, 2014 - Laura and I took a wildflower walk around the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming Park, on Sunday primarily for the Pink Lady...
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Black Swallowtail
June 11, 2014 - Laura and I were enjoying our picnic lunch behind the Greenwings Legacy Interpretative Centre last Sunday when a butterf...
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Old Annapolis Road Trail
June 04, 2014 - I was pleased to hear from reliable sources that there may be changes in the works to curb the ATV activity in the old B...
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Flycatchers and Warblers
May 30, 2014 - I visited three places in recent days, Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park, Dollar Lake Provincial Park and Meisners Head, Ea...
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Painted Trillium
May 26, 2014 - Yesterday, Laura and I went to look at the Painted Trilliums along the Post Road, Mount Uniacke Museum Estate Park. Ther...
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Bay-breasted Warbler and Swainson's Thrush
May 26, 2014 - I took a drive on May 24 up to The Old Annapolis Road Trail system with Bay-breasted Warbler and Swainson's Thrush as my...
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Pine Warbler and Least Flycatchers
May 17, 2014 - There are at least two generations of Pine Warblers that may have bred at their breeding site. Two years ago Fulton Lave...
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The Warblers of Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park
May 16, 2014 - I visited Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park for the first time this year. The gates which were supposed to be open at 8AM w...
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Say's Phoebe at Sandy Cove's Beach
May 12, 2014 - On May 13 Richard Hatch phoned my house, Laura answered, at 8:45AM about a Say's Phoebe at Sandy Cove's Beach. I of cour...
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Master of Light and Dark
May 05, 2014 - · Hans Toom: Master of light and dark By Beverly Clarkson, Chebucto News May 2014
If you happen to be a senior who is l...
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Harlequin Ducks at Duck Reef
April 30, 2014 - I walked the reef loop this morning starting from Duncan's Cove then along the high ridge to the WW2 bunker and then dow...
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Snowy Owl at Hartlen Point
April 30, 2014 - I made another tour of the eastern shore yesterday from Hartlen Point to Grand Desert and the Dyke Road. Everything star...
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Great Egret and Snowy Egret
April 27, 2014 - I visited Conrad's Beach yesterday morning at 8:30AM. After parking my car a quick scan revealed a Great Egret in the no...
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Birds of the Eastern Shore
April 23, 2014 - I took a trip along the eastern shore between Martinique Beach and Cole Harbour yesterday. My first stop at Martinique B...
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Snowy Owl and Fog
April 15, 2014 - I took a trip up the eastern shore yesterday as far as Dyke Road, East Chezzetcook, and back to Lawrencetown Marshes, Ra...
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Northern Saw-whet Owl and Other Recent Highlights
April 12, 2014 - On our evening walk along Sandy Cove Road, Halifax Regional Municipality we heard a Northern Saw-whet Owl calling agress...
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Northern Cardinal at Portuguese Cove
April 01, 2014 - Northern Cardinals are not often seen here in Portuguese Cove. Our home faces the coastal barrens and the surrounding fo...
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March 2014 Edition of the Bridge
March 22, 2014 - Please find attached a link to the March 2014 edition of The Bridge. Highlight link to open.
http://www.hanstoom.com/d8...
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Snowy Owl at Hartlen Point
December 26, 2013 - It's always sad when a mass invasion of Snowy Owls happens. It usually means they are either starving on their breeding...
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The Great Bean Goose Expedition
December 09, 2013 - I awoke at 6AM in hopes of a 7AM departure to Yarmouth. The weather was awful with drizzle and fog at Portuguese Cove bu...
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