Northern Ontario Wildlife & Vistas

It is Labour Day and the official end of summer break and the start of a new academic year.  Traditionally, this weekend also marks the end of summer fashions such as white shoes though strict adherence to such practices have rarely characterized the social circles I move in.  Summer in Thunder Bay can be quite pleasant though this year was a little cooler than usual. Nevertheless, the scenery this year was greener than usual due to the rain and the cool temperatures.  The trees in my yard filled out very nicely and their canopies provided a home for quite a few birds including this visitor under my pear tree...a Red Tailed Hawk I believe.

Red Tailed Hawk from my dining room window

And from the basement window

We were alerted to the hawk's presence by some shrill shrieks outside and it appears the hawk had managed to find something to eat.  The hawk's presence may be a factor in why the yard has been so quiet today when it comes to bird song in general.

On another day while walking along the nearby trail, came across one of nature's armoured tanks.  I was surprised to see this out in the middle of the day and plodding along on its way to the nearby river.

Also managed to get out to Nipigon this summer for a day trip that involved a visit to the waterfront, a short hike along the trail to Red Rock and then a very nice lunch at the Edgeview Restaurant.  A shot of the Nipigon River from the trail and another that also manages to include the new bridge - which incidentally is still a ways from being finished.

 

Not a bridge too far, a bridge that does not yet go far enough

The scenery in Nipigon was very pleasant and the visit also include a stop at the recently unveiled Paddle to the Sea Park.  Those of you who are of a certain age will likely remember the children's book and NFB film.

And one final picture from my summer sojourns around Thunder Bay and the North.  A shot of me and one of my minions!  Every self respecting economist must have an abundance of minions to support their policy prescriptions and points of view.