Cannons at Queen's Battery

On Signal Hill, the last battle of the Seven Years War was fought. Ruins of old forts with their ancient cannon can still be seen.

Tied Up at the Wharf

Today I wandered around the Boat Basin on the south side of St. John's Harbour and was attracted by the vibrant "patriotic colors" of the Covenant II.

Queen's Battery Barracks - Signal Hill

Signal Hill rises above the entrance to St. John's harbour and because of its strategic location it was a natural site for a signal station and fortifications protecting the harbour and the city. On the lower slopes of the hill, one can visit the the restored Queen's Battery Barracks, a remnant of the Napoleonic period.

Greater Scaup

The Greater Scaup is a diving duck that enjoys lakes, bays and ponds. It is often seen on salt water in large rafts often composed of thousands of birds. It is a particulary hardy bird capable of withstanding severe cold and rough weather in winter. This duck appears right at home on Quidi Vidi Lake.

To view a similar species - the Tufted Duck - click "here"

After the Storm

A violent blizzard hit the Avalon Peninsula yesterday accompanied by 110 kilometre an hour winds. All over the city, roads and cars were buried. The storm dumped 40 - 50 centimeters of snow, with drifts reaching the tops of garages and sheds. My driveway received 3 feet of snow plus the snow from the snow plow.

I ventured out early with my snowblower and later my good neighbor, Dave tackled the drifts in his driveway with his vintage Honda snowblower.

American Coot - Quidi Vidi Lake

The coot is a slaty duck-like bird that prefers fresh water but is sometimes found on salt water inlets and bays. It is a casual visitor to Newfoundland. This particular bird has found friends amongst the myriad other waterfowl at the western end of Quidi Vidi lake.

The expression "silly as a coot" probably originated from the peculiar appearance of the coot with its dark head, white bill and clumsy movements. When swimming it moves its head back and forth like a chicken.

Snow Squall on Quidi Vidi Lake

Visibility was poor for about twenty minutes and suddenly I stood at the very edge of the squall with the sun streaming through the distant trees.

The Rower - Dressed for the Cold

The Rower, Morgan Mac Donald's cast bronze scupture on the shores of Quidi Vidi, sports a hat to shield him from winter's frigid breath.

To see the entire sculpture, click "here"

Evening Over Quidi Vidi

Today I walked around Quidi Vidi Lake and experienced what Newfoundlanders call "weather". One minute the sun shines and another minute I am engulfed in a snow squall. The lake is frozen now but at the inflow of Rennies River the waters are open and gives refuge to hundreds of black ducks, mallards, tufted ducks, pintails, gulls and teal. Quidi Vidi Lake, of course, is the site of the Royal St. John's Regatta in summer - an event that has been held since at least 1826.

Sliding on Saturday

"Gliding, sliding, slipping, tripping

If ice skating's too exhilarating
Try sliding, it's quite exciting."

Northern Pintail in Winter

This slender white-breasted duck normally flys south for the winter but the plentiful food supply in Bowring Park has tempted several pairs to over-winter along with its neighbours - numerous black ducks and mallards.

Caribou Memorial in Winter - Bowring Park

The stately bronze Caribou, a tribute to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment stands fast against bitter winds of winter amid the snows of Bowring Park. The Woodland Caribou is the symbol of the Regiment. This breed of caribou lives a solitary life in the forest, unlike the barren-land herds that roam our province.

The Walker

Today, the sun warmed mid winter in Bowring Park to a balmy -4 degrees Celsius thus luring me out of my cosy warm home. It began to snow just as I arrived at the park and I was able to photograph Margaret as she crossed the bridge .

A & W on a Thursday Afternoon

I dropped into the A&W today for a large Coke and a Chicken Grill. I try to eat healthy but I can't seem to let go of that Coke Classic at 390 calories. I am what is considered a patron of this establishment with it's very friendly staff and of course the daily newspapers. I photographed this image as I left my vehicle in mid-afternoon.

To see another version of this photo click "here"

Northern Flicker

The Flicker is the largest woodpecker in Newfoundland and is certainly my favorite visitor to the feeder. It is often quite noisy and commonly perches on a high dead tree druming for insects. This cautious bird will fly away as soon as I step into the garden but I had no problem taking his protrait from the kitchen window.

Rising Tide Theatre

Throughout the summer Rising Tide Theatre's summer company of over 40 theatre professionals produce the "Summer in the Bight" Festival in Historic Trinity. This festival consists of a series of evening and dinner theatre performances that celebrate Newfoundland's rich culture and heritage. The performances are presented in the Rising Tide Arts Centre, a replica of a 17th century fish store.

Iris - Waiting for Spring

In Greece, Iris has two meanings: that of the goddess Iris and that of “rainbow.” The Greeks say that the goddess Iris leads the souls of women to Heaven over a rainbow bridge."

The Iris is such a beautiful symbol of life and spring awakening that I thought that this image in the depths of winter would renew our hopes of an early spring.