AMERICAN PIPIT
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology (www.birds.cornell.edu) at Cornell University is a world leader in research, education and outreach, and conservation of birds. My image of an American Pipit has been selected for consideration in their Handbook of Bird Biology to be published in 2016.
Canada’s former minister of External Affairs, Flora MacDonald, has died at the age of 89. Certainly one of the best Prime Ministers we never had.
FLORA IN ACTION AT THE UNITED NATIONS
I snapped the above photo a couple of years back when we shared a table at a PEN luncheon in support of Canadian authors and magazines who had had the audacity to claim their Magna Carta rights of Free Speech in defiance of woebegone provincial tribunals. She left the luncheon early to catch a flight to Afghanistan to support her charity in that war torn land. Sleeping in remote Afghan villages was something I was crazy enough to do in the 70’s. It was something she was BRAVE enough to do in the era of the Taliban when it counted. A very gutsy lady.
Locally she shopped at the same grocery store as I do. I would always give her a cheery hello with the title “Madame Minister”. It never failed to bring a smile to her face like the one you see above.
Two months ago I saw her at the Vietnamese community’s commemoration of the Boat People crisis. Ms MacDonald, frail but undaunted, was given a thunderous standing ovation for her leadership role in bringing so many of that dynamic community to Canada. A fitting send off.
Madame Minister,
AVE ATQUE VALE!
The very rare appearance of a Little Egret has created quite a stir in the birding community with enthusiasts driving in from all over the province.
LITTLE EGRET
WINGSTRETCH
ACTIVELY HUNTING
EYES ON THE PRIZE
SUCCESS!
LITTLE EGRET AT REST
MAINTAIN THE RIGHT OF THE LOWLY AND THE DESTITUTE. PSALM 82.3
My ISIS defying pilgrimage hike out to Runnymede last fall continues to pay dividends. The good folks at the University of York in Yorkshire have seen fit to use one of my images in the interactive display that they created for Worcester Cathedral (burial place of King John and the best royal effigy tomb in all of Britain!). Kudos to Patrick Gibbs and his gang on a job well done!
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT ET MOI!
FULL POSTER
Not too often that you’re going to see the names of Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt and mine all on the same poster panel…… and in a cathedral no less! That’s heady stuff!!
Besides having studied in London and our names appearing on the same historical display, the Mahatma and I share one other thing in common. We have both spoken (at different times!) at the Indian Merchants Chamber, Mumbai. (But that’s a whole different story for another day!)
MAGNA CARTA DISPLAY, NORTH TRANSEPT, WORCESTER CATHEDRAL
Just steps away from King John’s effigy tomb is the cathedral’s interpretive exhibit. If you’re heading to Worcester this summer check it out!!
I’ll have more to say as the summer progresses concerning the utilisation of my images by other noteworthy celebrants of the 800th anniversary. Stay tuned!
Was able to catch an American Avocet making a rare appearance on the Ottawa River. Many thanks to Wade and Cindy for the assist!
AMERICAN AVOCET IN SUMMER PLUMAGE
Today, Monday, June 15 is the year’s most important anniversary.Eight centuries ago, King John I found himself in the muddy field of Runnymede on a bend of the River Thames near Windsor Castle with the great foundational document of modern liberty under his nose and awaiting his seal.
Last Friday, good friend Dan Richardson and I were among the first to welcome Durham Cathedral’s 13th century copy of Magna Carta to Ottawa. You can check out Dan’s excellent article on the subject here. Congratulations Dan!!
CAROLYN HARRIS ET MOI!!
Two U of T grads celebrate the arrival of Magna Carta to the Canadian Museum of History. Carolyn’s book, Magna Carta and its Gift to Canada, has been written to explicitly support the tour of the Great Charter across Canada. Congratulations Carolyn!!
A quick trip to Toronto recently allowed for a brief stop in Thickson’s Woods, Whitby, Ontario. Although late in the season, the warbler action was impressive.
MAGNOLIA WARBLER
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
CAPE MAY WARBLER
NASHVILLE WARBLER
GLOSSY IBIS
Finally I spotted a vagrant from the American south in the Brighton Wetlands, Brighton, Ontario.
Unfortunately I missed the Swainson’s warbler at the Leslie Spit in Toronto. Better luck next time!
Encountered a fox with a mouthful of voles. I don’t know who was more surprised….he or me!!
Handsome and elegant (with enviable fishing skills), the Black-crowned Night Heron has graced my presence the past few days.
CLASSIC POSE
EYES ON THE PRIZE
CATFISH CATCH
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
WING STRETCH
Double click on image to examine fine feather detail on the wing.
Patience has finally paid off and was able to capture some of my best images for a couple of target warbler species.
BLACKBURNIAN
BLACKBURNIAN
YELLOW RUMPED MALE
BAY-BREASTED MALE
BAY-BREASTED FEMALE
