It’s our last day in Algonquin. It’s time to go home. How has this time already come? I’m not ready to go back to the city just yet. *sigh* I’ve packed my gear into the car but it’s not over just yet. We have one more trail we’re going to check out – Peck Lake Trail.
Green Eyed Dragonfly
Just like the other trails we were inundated with the mosquitos but we had some help in controlling the numbers. There were dragonflies aplenty on this hike.
Just Chillin’
We also spotted a snapping turtle taking a daytime nap on a log by the side of the trail. I wish I could spend all day by the water enjoying the summer sun but unforutnatley it was time to head home.
Today the three of us headed out to Mizzy Lake trail to do some snowshoeing. Unfortunatley one of party had come down with a cold so we didn’t get too far down the trail before we headed back. In lieu of the trek through the forest we opted to see if we could find and photograph the elusive Pine Marten. When we got to its favourite spot all we found were Blue Jays flicking peanuts and snow into the air.
Flicking Peanuts Successful Capture of the Peanut
After spending some time here we decided to warm up at the Visitors Centre and see what the views were like from there.
Snow Covered Valley
Let’s just say they were pretty darn good.
There was a light snow falling by this time so we decided to head back to Bongos and see what we could find for dinner. We decided for tomorrow we would check out the Visitors Centre for some bird photography and get in another trail before heading home.
Our last day in Algonquin Park we headed out to the Spruce Bog Boardwalk located off of Hwy 60. We had heard that there was possibly a Boreal Chickadee in town and this was the place to get our eyes and our cameras on this little guy. We set up shop and waited for almost an hour but to no avail – the chickadee did not want to visit. We did however, see many an American Goldfinch…
Backlit Goldfinch
and Black Capped Chickadees.
Chickadee
Not to mention squirrels.
For Me?
We definitely did not walk away empty handed from this trail.. After an hour we decided to head over to the visitors centre to warm up and see what was in store for us there. There were many birds here among them the Evening Grosbeak…
Evening Grosbeak
and the Pine Siskin.
Pine Siskin
There was no American Marten looking for a quick meal so before we headed home we made one last stop at the campground to see if the we could find one there. It wasn’t long before the curious little marten showed up and came to check out what all the crazy people were doing.
Curious
The curiosity wore off quickly and the marten went about his business in search of food which meant it was time to drive home. Until next winter Mr. Marten.
I am up in Muskoka this weekend to help shoot a wedding with Brad Quarrington Since I was up here thought I might drive over to Algonquin Provincial Park for a quick look-see before heading home. The day started out with cloudy skies over the park which made it much easier to get some great shots in the snow (less glare from the sparkling white snow).
Roadside Algonquin Park
But as I headed homeward the clouds parted to show off the blue sky behind it.
Snow Dusted
You can’t go wrong doing an Algonquin drive-by in winter.
It’s finally here!! The colours of autumn are at their prime in the Muskoka area so you know I had to drive back to Algonquin Provincial Park to capture the moment. And boy did the colours look amazing. So much had changed since we were last here – only 5 days ago.
Oxtongue River
Upriver from the bridge that we shot at a few days ago I took the photograph above and the one below. As beautiful as the river and the changing colours look the small world of mushrooms is beginning to really get going. Although you can find them all spring and summer, its the fall when you really see them flourish.
Ring Around the Mushroom
Below is a similar view of the bridge that I took five days ago except for a couple of things. Today we have bright blue skies making it a little more challenging for taking photographs during the day. Five days ago we had overcast skies so the contrast was more muted and we also had a drizzling rain which makes colours pop. This is why as a photographer you want to get out when it’s raining.
Autumn Bridge
On the other side of bridge there are two shore paths on either side of river. We decided to stay on this side of the river but explore further downstream. Entering from the road we were greeted with a sea of red leaves. Looks like here a good portion of the leaves have made their way onto the ground. This can make tricky walking because you don’t always know what you are stepping on.
Carpet of Red
Of course it wasn’t long before I found some mushrooms along the path and this is where Nigel lost me. He continued down as I laid down into position to get the best possible view of these tiny fungi.
Mushroom family
Too soon it was time to pack up the car and get back on the road but I was happy to have had two great trips out here this week. Sometimes I wish that Autumn lasted longer.
