January 29th-31st

 As January comes to an end there is still a lot of snow at the lake. It's a quiet time. Some days there is lots of wildlife around, but others the walks are quiet. Same goes for the people visiting. In some ways I like this time of year, when it is quiet to walk. There is a peacefulness around that is quite enjoyable. 

There are still the usual birds. 

The bluebirds have stuck around all winter. Once in a while I catch them near the birdhouses, but they aren't yet building nests. It will be a little while before the tree swallows come back and there are daily battles to see who wins the prime nesting spots. 

The robins have stuck around all winter too. Quite pleasant to see.  There have been flocks of them at the lake. 

What will February bring? 

January 24th - 28th

It's coming to the end of January. It's quite cold and there is a covering of snow over the fields and in the woods. The lake is frozen now. Most mornings there are fishermen out ice fishing. 

Asylum lake isn't just for walkers either. In winter it isn't unusual to see people out skiing. 

It was a week of temperatures well below freezing and minimal sunshine. Some days there were clouds in the morning and sunshine in the afternoon! These were taken on the 26th - clouds in the morning, sun in the afternoon. 

Down by the newer beaver lodge. It's all covered in snow now. The water around it is frozen solid. I don't think we'll be seeing them anytime soon!

The other beaver lodges are pretty quiet too. All frozen solid. 

The birds during these few days were pretty quiet too. I could hear them - woodpeckers, cardinals, chickadees and robins, but they weren't hanging around anywhere for too long. There were a few deer out finding what they could to eat. 

January 19th - Birds Galore

The birds were out enjoying the sunshine

Cedar Waxwing 

Downy Woodpecker

Female House Finch

Goldfinch

Northern Flicker

White Breasted Nuthatch

Robin

January 19th - In the Woods

 A nice walk. There are plenty of woodlands in Asylum Lake. 

I have recently 'discovered' the art of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and am enjoying experimenting in the woods. I like this as it gives the feeling of early morning, snow and the woods. Not to everyone's cup of tea, but I like it. I wanted to include something that expressed how I feel sometimes when I'm walking here. 

Others seem to enjoy the woods too. There are signs of people building shelters or structures. There were a couple of really big ones last year but unfortunately people pulled them down. These are two that are still here this year. 

Looking up through the trees to the sunshine.

January 17th - Litter, Lost and Found

 Won't dwell on it, but once in a while there are people who don't care for the lake. I feel sorrow and annoyance. I found this not far from the beginning of the trail this morning. I carried it all back to the rubbish bin that was less than a couple of minutes walk away. I had to make three trips, but it was worth not leaving this out in the open. 

Another part of life at Asylum Lake, the lost and found. Usually people put lost items up near the front of a trail or hang them up - especially in winter - so they are easily found. 

Someone will miss this on icy days!

January 12th - Peek-a-Boo

This squirrel made me laugh. I was watching him. He hopped in the hole and kept peeking out to see if I was still watching. He wouldn't come out! I finally went on my way so he could continue his day. 

January 11th - Steps Closed and Squirrels!

 Usually the steps are closed early in the season. Not this winter. To me it's always a sign of winter coming when the steps down to the stream are closed. 

Cold, cold, but sunny. 

Resident Squirrel in his tree. Glad to see he's still there!

Another Squirrel coming out of his hiding place. Is that where he's stashed his nuts for winter?

And another! Lots of squirrels about today. It must mean the hawks aren't around! Though this one seems to be hiding from something!

January 10th - Sunny, Reflections and Views

 Cold morning, but sunny. 

Only a tiny bit of open water left by the beavers' lodge. Lovely morning reflection. But only a little one. 

Snow-covered trees that were taken down by the beavers late last year. 

Looking up. 

Cheeky Grey Squirrel 

Beautiful skies. Such a change from clouds. 

January 7th Snowy Walk

Snowy morning in Kalamazoo. I managed to go for a walk though despite the weather. It was really quite beautiful and quiet. 

Snowy scene at the stream.

Snowy walk along the path. 

Softly falling snow. 

Through the trees ...

... and through the field. Snow and sky almost the same colour. 

Afternoon Walk - 6th January

 A beautiful afternoon at Asylum Lake. 

One of my favourite views down by the point where the beavers were really busy last year. Once upon a time there were several trees on the strip of land, but most were taken down in 2021 by the beavers. 

From the lake I walked up along the trail and instead of going through the woods continued on the main path. I like this view through this arched tree. 

Just beyond this tree I heard some birds and looked up to see some lovely bluebirds. They really are such beautiful birds, especially in winter when everything can be rather dull. 

These are male bluebirds. They are more colourful and a brighter blue colour. They can be seen most of the year round at the lake - you just have to look for them! The one in the top photo found a nice bit of green and berries to feast on.

As I walked along I was delighted to see lots of other birds out enjoying the sunshine and finding what food they could. Late last year several non-native berry bushes were cut down. I understand the reason behind cutting them down, but it has left the birds with fewer berries to feast on.

Cedar Waxwing. 

Red-Bellied Woodpecker in a crab apple tree. 

Robin. There have been a lot of these around this year. Usually, I see a few in the winter but not as many as I have this year!

As I was watching these birds I caught sight of some deer enjoying the sunshine too, bedded down in the snow. 

A fantastic day to see some of the winter residents of the lake. 

On my way back to my car I was delighted to catch sight of this wonderful Hermit Thrush hiding beneath some bushes. A treat! I can't remember seeing on in winter before.