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 ...

 One of Ottawa's Hottest Birding Areas Hairy Woodpecker ( Dryobates villosus ) at Shirleys Bay , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is just hanging out & watching what is going on. Birds abound at the feeders' of Hilda Road at Shirleys Bay . If it isn't the squirrels or bunnies you are interest in then there are so many birds to observe & chase at this location that is part of Ottawa's Greenbelt , almost surrounding the city. Almost every bird you can imagine for the  Ottawa Region can be found here. These are just a few I came across this weekend but I spent most of my time with the  Showshow Hares .  In a box ... Common Redpoll ( Acanthis flammea ) enjoying the seeds at Shirleys Bay . Ready for take off : Black-capped Chickadee ( Poecile atricapillus ) at Shirleys Bay.

 Flickr Site : http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmspanek/ Coming in @ number three on the photography site is the most " liked " capture of the  Say's Phoebe ( Sayornis saya ) Salton Sea, California, United States. I was so very lucky to come across this little poser that found me interesting for some reason ? The little guy spent some time flying & hanging out with me by the shores of the Salton Sea. I found the trip to California a most beautiful one and had a great time in such places as Death Valley National Park, Mojave National Preserve and Joshua Tree National Park. Number four is the most adorable  Columbian Ground Squirrels ( Urocitellus columbianus ) of Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, Alberta, Canada.  Long periods of torpor have earned the squirrels the moniker "Seven Sleepers", since the rests last around seven months. The Columbian ground squirrel came to the attention of the scientific community through writings produced by  Lew...