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Turtle Rocks |
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Two rocks at the beginning of the drive line up to look like a turtle from the right angle. In the spring the flower bed has tulips and daffodils. |
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Laneway in Spring |
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The laneway through the property is a few hundred meters long. A great place to walk at sunset to try and catch deer walking the same path. |
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Trillium |
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There are a number of Trillium patches throughout the property that bloom in the spring. |
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Wild Strawberries |
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Just another of the multitude of plants that start to grow in the sping. There are also wild raspberry bushes too. |
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Red Squirrel |
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At least one red squirrel has taken up residence between the front of the cottage and the lake. Spring is a great time to visit the area as with the leaves gone at the beginning of spring it is easier to see the various animals in the forest. |
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Grouse |
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This bird (slightly smaller than a full grown chicken) just wandered through the yard about 15 feet from us. We even had time to go inside and get the camera. I think it is a Spruce Grouse but I could be wrong. I have seen a lot of Ruffed Grouse (with the head feathers standing up) on the property too. |
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Male Downy Woodpecker |
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Throughout the property we've also seen Pileated Woodpeckers (quite large), Hairy Woodpeckers, Bald Eagles, many other types of birds, various types of grouse, partridge, pheasants, mink, fishers (similar to mink), weasels, and lots of deer. I'm learning to always have my camera with me. |
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Deer - Lots of Deer |
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From this picture on the photos are taken within a short drive of the property. The estimate from the MNR is that Manitoulin Island has over 30,000 deer. From early spring to early winter (in the winter you need to find a deer yard - place gear huddle up over the winter) you will likely spot deer in the fields while driving around the island. See summer photos for some deer photos on the property.
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Misery Bay Nature Reserve |
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About 1/2 hr from the cottage. The park is known for its large stretches of flat rock known as alvar - some of the best samples in the world. This type of rock formation leads to special flora and fauna. The park has many km of cross country skiing in the winter. |
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Misery Bay Beach |
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The perfect beach for people who hate finding sand in their bathing suit. Named Misery Bay because farmers couldn't grow decent crops because of all the flat rock. Large flat sheets of rocks, 100's of feet wide make up the beach area. The park is open in the spring but you may not see anyone else (park is busier in the summer) on the park trails - the perfect place to reflect.
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Sandhill Cranes in the Spring |
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This picture was taken near the Gore Bay airport. It shows Sandhill Cranes migrating back north during the Spring Thaw. |
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Hawk |
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A small unidentified hawk perched on a hydro line. |
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Lots of Waterfowl |
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In the spring as the ice thaws (usually early April to early May) you can see lots of waterfowl at the edge of the lakes. From loons, various ducks, Buffleheads, Goldeneye, Horned Grebe are some of the birds you might see. |
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Common Goldeneye |
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A male and female Common Goldeneye with migrating Bufflehead in the background. I just missed catching an Otter. Just as I got him in focus he dove under the ice. |
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Common Merganser - Resting |
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One of the largest of Canada's diving ducks. Also one of the earliest to head north in the spring (and south in the winter). |
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Common Merganser - Taking Off |
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The female is the one running on the water with the red head, the male has already lifted off. |
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