American Bullfrog
After a good night's sleep in Leamington, and of course stopping for our morning coffee, we hit the road to Point Pelee National Park. Thankfully this wasn't a long drive to get to the park. We hardly had any coffee gone when we hit the main gate. Being Canada's 150th birthday, and the government being generous (I know you thought you'd never hear that) we were in possession of our Discovery Pass which got us into the park free of charge.
Northern Leopard Frog
On entry we were given a map so we could find our way around. This was a good thing as it had been many years since I was there. On our drive down the road, I spotted another Great Blue Heron. It was a long ways away for pictures, but I stopped and took a few pictures anyway.
After several pictures we continued on and arrived at the boardwalk that goes around the marsh. So I parked the car, and couldn't wait to see what photo opportunities there would be. Just as we started out on the boardwalk, I looked up and there was a Bald Eagle soaring around. It was a little too high for great pictures, but not too high to watch in amazement as it glided along in the warm morning sun. I was sure to let Shannon know to look up, and this also alerted some other people enjoying the boardwalk. I didn't realize they were there, so it was very nice of them, as they walked past, to thank me for letting them know the Bald Eagle was there.
Painted Turtle playing peek-a-boo.
Fly hanging out on a Water Lily.
The next photo op we had, was an American Bullfrog sitting on a leaf on a Lilly Pad. Reminded me of the song frog on the bump on the log. Well you know the rest. This frog seemed to like having its picture taken as I was able to get a few different angles as it just sat there enjoying the heat of the day as well. As we walked along I also got some pictures of some Northern Leopard Frogs and Pickerel Frogs.
I had just stated that it was a great day for a turtle to be out sunning and enjoying the weather, when we came around the corner of the boardwalk and found just that. A turtle sitting out enjoying the day. I took a lot of pictures of this turtle from several different angles as it posed perfectly on what appeared to be some old roots sticking above the water. It was like it was just meant to be. I have to say that this was very difficult as there were several people on the floating boardwalk. Needless to say, not only did you have to avoid getting sea sick, you had to time the picture perfectly to avoid camera shake and get the turtle in the frame where you wanted it.
Painted Turtle enjoying the sun.
After the boardwalk, we got back in the car and drove further down the Point to the Shuttle pick up point, and took the shuttle to the most southern tip of Canada. It certainly wasn't what I remember, but well worth the wait for the shuttle.
At the Point of Point Pelee. The most southern mainland point of Canada.
We took a few photos of the tip as we fought through the crowd. Shannon posed for some pictures as well. Everything was going swimmingly until a wave ventured a long way up the beach and completely covered our feet. This made us scamper to higher ground in a hurry. I had thought we were the only ones that had this issue until we were on our way back, and I spotted four Semipalmated Sandpipers. They were very comical birds as they seemed like they didn't want wet feet either. Every time a wave came in, they ran up the beach to avoid the water. This was very funny to see and I found it extremely entertaining. It's times like that, that I wish I was shooting a video, but all I was doing was shooting still shots as these birds never held still and were always on the move.
One of the four Semipalmated Sandpipers.
This was the end of our Point Pelee adventure as we hopped back on the shuttle back to the car, and hit the road again. Next stop was Greenview Aviaries Park & Zoo. This always causes mixed emotions for me. It's great that I get to see the animals I would otherwise have to travel far and wide to see, but also it's sad to see these animals caged up and not roaming free like they were meant to be.
Double Crested Cormorant wondering what I was up to. Not sure if it was part of the Zoo or just visiting.
Zoos are certainly not the best place for photography as there are usually multiple fences and things off in the distance. I did what I could to make the best of the situation. We saw some lions and tigers and bears oh my. One highlight was a Timber Wolf letting us know that this was his territory and not ours. I definitely recommend this zoo. Lots of good things to see including a miniature village. Be sure to tell them that 3 West Photography sent you.
Snow Monkey looking very sad.
Young Tiger cooling off in some water.
Timber Wolf.
Finally after a very long weekend, it was time to head home. Heading home is always bitter sweet. It's great to get home but also hate to see the weekend end. Our trip home was fairly uneventful except for seeing a very large Hawk on a fence post. We tried to turn around and get a picture of it, but unfortunately it flew away before I had a chance to get a picture. Also we saw a White Tail Deer on a hill running parallel with the road, but the camera was already put away. Can't wait to get out again.
Till next time,
Please note: If any species have been misidentified, please send me a message for a correction. These photography adventures are also educational adventures as I am not an expert in identification. I learn as I go. Let's learn together. Thank you for your help.