Author Archives: bilyreid

VISIT TO CHAFFEY’S LOCKS

Posted on May 15, 2024 by bilyreid

A day’s trip to Chaffey’s Locks and the Opinicon Road yesterday produced a good variety of species. One disappointment was the lack of a Golden-winged Warbler. However, I was able to improve my captures of the following. All in all … Continue reading →

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TULIPS FROM AMSTERDAM

Posted on May 11, 2024 by bilyreid

“When it’s Spring again, I’ll bring again, Tulips from Amsterdam” TULIP FESTIVAL, PARLIAMENT HILL, OTTAWA Once again a flood of Dutch tulips graces the environs of Ottawa and brings forth a wave of personal memories on this the 79th anniversary … Continue reading →

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SNAPPING TURTLE

Posted on May 8, 2024 by bilyreid

SNAPPING TURTLE Gigantic and prehistoric snapping turtle crawls laboriously out of the water to lay eggs on a stony slope.

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SAINT GEORGE’S DAY 2024

Posted on April 27, 2024 by bilyreid

In celebration of England’s patron saint, Saint George. THE MALL, CENTRAL LONDON

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IRANIAN DRONE ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

Posted on April 14, 2024 by bilyreid

Last night Iran launched a sustained drone missile attack on Israel. At this hour, reliable information is scarce but it would seem that most of the drones have been neutralised by the Israeli Air Force with the help of RAF … Continue reading →

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GRAND NATIONAL 2024

Posted on April 13, 2024 by bilyreid

Today is the running of the Grand National Race at Aintree, England. The spectacle will be viewed by 600 million people round the world. The race was introduced to a North American audience by the film National Velvet, starring Mickey … Continue reading →

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FRANK STRONACH

Posted on March 22, 2024 by bilyreid

I attended a briefing at the Macdonald Laurier Institute by legendary Canadian businessman Frank Stronach. Still going strong at 91, he gave a detailed and passionate plea for an Economic Charter for Canada. Mr. Stronach regrets that the empire he … Continue reading →

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KILT SKATE DAY

Posted on February 19, 2024 by bilyreid

The Rideau Skateway is suffering another sorry season of poor weather. Skating has only been allowed for a few days and limited to just a short stretch of the old Rideau Canal. Nevertheless, today is the great Kilt Skate day … Continue reading →

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THE FEAST OF SAINT STEPHEN

Posted on December 27, 2023 by bilyreid

Today on certain religious calendars is St. Stephen’s day, ie. the day Good King Wencelas and page marched through a snow storm to provide a surprise feast for a lowly peasant.  ST. STEPHEN’S GATE, TEMPLE MOUNT, JERUSALEM According to legend, … Continue reading →

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IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

Posted on December 24, 2023 by bilyreid

Christmas Eve  2023 A time for counting one’s blessings and thoughtful reverence  for the true spirit of Christmas.   A time for reflecting on Christmas eves past which in my case go from the sublime to the ridiculous. First the sublime. … Continue reading →

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