THE NEW NATURE WALK BLOG BY MARLENE WALKER

WINTER BLISS As I embrace winter, ice and snow embrace the landscape. Tree trunks standing tall, barren of their foliage, cast long shadows on the forest floor. Ice formations, like snowflakes, are infinite and ever-changing. Limitless photographic opportunities present themselves to me in this winter panorama.  The more I observe nature, the more attuned I become to the nuances and subtle beauty. While many are in lockdown during COVID-19, try searching for the beauty in the small things. These miniature wonders will bring a smile to your face, even transcending masks.  Our eyes smile................... Your in nature, Marlene

THE FIRST MAJOR SNOWFALL  After two days of persistent snow, today the sky is clear and the sun shines on a winter wonderland. I put on my high winter boots, grab my binoculars and camera and embrace winter. The beauty of fresh snow draping the landscape penetrates my soul. I wander through the woods and am met by a constant parade of images. So today, I present you with 'winter'. Dress according to the weather and enjoy the spectacle of this special season. It is calming and brings solace in these challenging times. Yours in nature, Marlene                                                      

 ORANGE AGLOW IN THE COLOUR SPECTRUM Each foray outdoors provides infinite photographic opportunities! Today's blog focuses on the colour orange in the colour spectrum. When I'm mindful of a particular 'something', my attention is drawn to more of the same. The orange fungus in the first photo caught my eye. Unfortunately it was off the road and beyond a lot of bramble vegetation. These rough, tangled, prickly shrubs are difficult to navigate because their thorns grab one's clothing making it difficult to move. Despite this challenge, I pushed forward to capture the shot.  Other 'orange' objects accompany this blog - a leaf frozen in time, a 'flower-like' mushroom decorating bark, a White Birch scraped to expose orange beneath its bark, and more fungus amidst a decaying Yellow Birch and leaf litter of the previous season.  What can you find? Yours in nature, Marlene

The Wonder of Wood  Today I am focusing on the wonder of wood. Trees are captivating subjects from their buds, leaves, branches, trunks and when they decay. They provide nesting opportunities for many species on branches and in cavities in their trunks.  Many years ago I had a touching conversation with a woman while my car was being serviced. We talked about birding and she described her affinity to nature, particularly when she was younger. As we talked, she felt her need for nature re-ignited. At the end of our encounter, she turned to me and said “Thank you for reminding me to look out and look up.” And so today, I encourage you to do the same.  You will discover the beauty in the barren branches statuesque in the autumn landscape, and infinite patterns in fallen leaves, decaying tree trunks and roots embedded around rocks, surviving despite all odds. We too, are challenged by life events, but we can adapt and find wonders in many places and spaces. Yours in nature, M...

A NATURE EXPERIENCE As I was researching mushrooms in preparation for this week's blog, I had a fascinating nature experience. From the corner of my eye, I sensed movement on the deck. Immediately I recognized the attractive American Marten, a mammal in the weasel family. I grabbed my Iphone camera and got a quick documentary shot, not sufficient to post, of its buffy colouring, white face and long tail. It meandered along the deck and approached our winter woodpile, dislodging a log with a bang. I was  excited as I hadn't seen one in a very long time. I resumed my research, and a little later I sensed more movement. This time it was a fox following the marten's trail but as I watched, I realized that the marten had gone in the other direction. I actually laughed out loud, and wondered which animal would be my next visitor.  Yours in Nature, Marlene Fox following Marten trail A species of Puffballs  Polypore Intriguing Leaf pattern Underside of Leaf Mosses and ferns decor...

NATURE POTPOURRI Fall is a wondrous time for exploring nature. With barren trees, hidden features become apparent and bird species are more visible. Every day as I walk and explore, I find new nature gems. Even the same route yields discoveries. The more I train my eye to 'really see', the more I 'see', just as ideas generate more ideas. Be open to the natural world; it is full of wonders. Yours in nature, Marlene Male Hairy Woodpecker - a permanent resident Notice the red patch on the back  of its head indicating the gender   Male and Female Common Mergansers  prior to Fall migration  I was attracted by the bluish tinge  of these leaves.   Despite the muted colours of Fall, fungi are in sharp contrast  with their brilliant hues. The massive size and intriguing design of this  mushroom caught my eye. Kaleidoscope of colour  Leaves and water droplets continue  to captivate me