Greg Shchepanek

 A Good time for Duck Photography American Black Ducks ( Anas rubripes ) Britannia Conservation Area, Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Always a good time to spot ducks as they huddle along the open waters of the Ottawa River. Sometimes getting lucky to see a new species that is over wintering in Ottawa. American Wigeons fly in and spend the winter amongst the crowds of Mallards along the shore. American Black Ducks can be seen close to the open waters of the river or streams. They are hard to distinguish between the Mallards just appearing darker and bill colour differentiating the two species. American Wigeon ( Mareca americana ) Britannia Conservation Area, Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Mallards are the norm for any season along the river. Seeing a few Black Ducks here and there amongst the crowd. The American Black Duck ( Anas rubripes ) being seen less due to interbreeding with the more frequent Mallards.  Sometimes we get lucky and see a  Northern Shoveler ( Anas clypea

 A brand new year to bring hopes & prosperity Northern Leopard Frog ( Lithobates pipiens ) Baie de les grenouilles, Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area, Quebec, Canada. Ramsar site no. 361. This past year saw only one trip to  Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area for my birthday on June 17. Mostly frogs were popular photo subjects on the outing that was lots of rain and lots of bugs. Another memorable trip was to  Missisquoi Delta and Bay Wetlands, Vermont, USA. Ramsar Site no. 2200. Once again the bugs were bad Midland Painted Turtle ( Chrysemys picta marginata )  One pleasant surprise to photograph this year was a Racoon at Mud Lake.  Raccoon ( Procyon lotor ) Britannia Conservation Area, Mud Lake, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Not much for 2023 hoping 2024 will bring more adventures and hiking new trails, comings across nature's blessed gifts it gives to us. Nature is still there just harder to find now a days.