Sunday, November 9, 2025

autumn days

After arriving at two separate Parks outside the city only to see loads of construction vehicles and some closures at both (I should have done my homework), my third choice became Elliston Park. By this time I had almost lost total interest in doing anything other than heading back home. I was here, a very slight interest remained, I made the most of it!  There was no ice whatsoever in the lake, the ducks and geese swam freely throughout.  

female & male Mallard

Great White-fronted Goose (juvenile)

I recognize what this male Common Goldeneye is up to!

He put on a show.....

.....splashing about!

He was working at making an impression on her, the female Common Goldeneye.
I spent about an hour strolling about the Park.  It felt good to have done something after all that unnecessary driving around. I did wonder with all this gorgeous weather so late in the year, would the wildlife be confused!  


"My Name is Maverick"

If you have been following me since June then you will know I wrote and illustrated a children's book about a Canada Goose Gosling.  The title of the book is "My Name is Journey", I shared information about it here blog post.  I had three requests to purchase copies but I declined the offers. During the time of putting the book together, I was on a very personal journey of my own. Being deeply creative helped me along and I now feel I successfully reached the end of that journey. I still have a connection to the book but I've let the possessiveness of it go. I am happily beginning another journey, it's called "My Name is Maverick"! It's about a Bald Eagle Eaglet!


a recent watercolour painting

This unusually warm dry weather we are experiencing locally, so late in autumn, has been great for easily getting around while being out & about. Bodies of water are open, trails are dry, roadways are clear. It confuses my mind while my soul yearns for otherwise. Stay Tuned!





14 comments:

  1. Hello Alexandra,
    Wonderful captures of the ducks. The Common Goldeneye is a favorite. It would be a lifer for me.
    I love your paintings of the eaglet and the landscape. It is getting colder here now, a cold front arrived and our lows will be in the 30's. Great photos and post. Thank you for linking up and sharing your critter link! Take care, Happy Sunday! Have a great weekend. PS, thanks so much for leaving me a comment.

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    1. The Common Goldeneyes are very common around here yet the first time I saw one when I started birding I was quite excited. I wonder will the cold weather be there to stay for you now!

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  2. It has been a warm autumn. I was surprised to see mallard ducks in Jasper last week. And here the roses and dahlias are still blooming. Glad you had a nice outing despite the frustration of finally getting someplace where you could walk.

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    1. A friend spent some time in the Victoria area and north towards Sidney recently and her photos look like late summer very early autumn. My understanding is that November is not supposed to be that way in your area.

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  3. Aww sweet pictures of the ducks, they are always nice to see and watch.
    I do like your watercolours.

    I hope the coming new week will be a good one for you.

    All the best Jan

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    1. I enjoy seeing when the sun shines on the male Mallard neck and it shows off the vibrant green. One way or another, I will make this week a good one.

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  4. This has been a very good fall weatherwise.

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  5. That Common Goldeneye putting on a show is a fantastic sight! Also, congrats on starting your new book project! The watercolor is beautiful.

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    1. Those were only two photos of about a couple dozen I took of the Goldeneye splashing about. The new book project is turning out to be a very fun pastime.

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  6. I especially love the first and last images. Very glad you didn't go home. Have fun with Maverick.

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    1. The ducks usually scurry away when I get close to them but these two stayed and went about their business.

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  7. I’ll be waiting with anticipation to see and read about Maverick! ❤️Norma

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