Hurricane Sandy Bringing Rain and Strong Winds Southern Ontario

Hurricane Sandy bringing rain and strong winds to Canadian territory 

50KM winds sustained

Monday October 29 2012

This “Article” is a re-post from DW Photography at   http://pics4twitts.com/2012/10/29/hurricane-sandy-bringing-rain-and-strong-winds-southern-ontario/  The above image “Hamilton Harbour” was after 50 KM winds sustained for six hours, with Sandy, we are looking at much more.

Calm before the storm

Hurricane Sandy strengthened before dawn this morning and remains on course to hit Canada tonight with howling winds and drenching rain after blowing through the U.S. eastern seaboard.

Drought and strange weather

Hundreds of Air Canada flights have already been affected and the airline is advising travellers to check the status of their flight ahead of time.

Drought hits home

The Canadian Hurricane Centre expects the so-called Frankenstorm to punish parts of southern and eastern Ontario and western Quebec with potentially damaging winds up to 100 kilometres per hour.Below is am image after winds were 50KM an hour.

Results High Winds and rain

It is a massive storm with tropical storm-force winds that extend some 800 kilometres from its centre. Please do-not underestimate this storm

RBG Fishway low water

Fall ride

With the flooding and probable Canadian deaths from this storm comes much needed rain. The great lakes “our drinking water” is down over one foot.This storm will not make much difference, we need this too happen a few times a year.

Water One foot below level

 Stay safe

Yellow legs-look like little boots-ready for a flood

Photography

Doug Worrall

HAMILTON HARBOUR FISHING DERBY 2012

Friday August 10 1022

“only trace amounts of rain expected 40% chance” you will not melt

Also try  pics4twitts.com for more information and Images

Children and wildlife -Wonderful learning experience

Be aware of developing Thunder/Lighting Clouds/Wind and take cover- safely

Happy fisherman

One great delight is to see a child catch his or her first fish.The achievement an fascination in there eyes is worth there weight in Gold. Prizes will be rewarded to the three biggest {weighed} fish, for each species, so this includes Carp. Weights can reach very high for these large fish.

Big Carp

The Hamilton Harbour watershed covers an area of approximately 500 square kilometres at the western edge of Lake Ontario and is a region of great physiographic diversity as a result of extensive glacial and glaciofluvial processes. The watershed can be divided into four subwatersheds which drain into Hamilton Harbour and include Spencer Creek, Grindstone Creek, North Shore and Redhill Creek subwatersheds. The watershed supports diverse fish communities and offers unique aquatic habitats to both migratory and resident fish species. The Niagara Escarpment represents the region’s most prominent geological feature with its limestone and dolomite ridge bisecting the watershed as it extends from the Niagara River to Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.

Lets go fishing today

Myself will be looking for the Wolf of the Lake (The Pike )

Bob’s Pike

Take your camera, wildlife is plentiful

Black crowned night heron

Fish

Hamilton Harbour

The wetlands function as a seasonal fish nursery for Lake Ontario, and despite the historical degradation, most historical species of fish can still be found using Cootes Paradise and in increasing numbers. As with birds and plants the location is the biodiversity hotspot for Canada with over 60 species present. Each spring thousands of spawning fish migrate in through the fishway from the harbour and lake, laying eggs and leaving shortly after, allowing the marsh to function as a giant fish hatchery.

fisherman

Annually between 5 and 20 million fish are produced for the lake depending on water levels and water pollution events. The species present reflect the degraded marsh habitat with the most common the Gizzard shad.

Jerry’s catch

 Also common are night time predators species Channel Catfish and Brown Bullhead, along with invasive species such as Alewife and White Perch. Popular angling species present in limited numbers include pike, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch, but the large adults are only present in the marsh during the spawning season which is closed to fishing. The spring and fall season also brings several migrating salmon and trout to the marshes main inflowing river.

In 2007, when there was low water level in Lake Ontario and a favourable wind, all the water was pushed out of Cootes Paradise and the remaining carp swam out into Hamilton Harbour. RBG staff removed the fish gates and herded out the last of the carp, and then replaced the gates. Since then the Paradise has been relatively carp free. In the absence of these large destructive bottom feeders there is a gradual return natural native plant species populations.

Larcel caught a few 10 -15 pound carps

Now in 2012 Cootes Paradise is threatened once again by increasing numbers of Carp and Goby fish. Goby fish is a feral species that destroys our environment.

I have images of the Goby fish so if you catch one, “Dont throw it back in water, and especially donnot use as bait . Put the fish in the garbage to save our Great lakes …..please.The Goby grow too two and a half inches long, a very destructive, invasive species are  from  illegal Ballast water dumping by Ocean Craft . Remember the Zebra Mussels?

and Thanking  you in advance

Doug Worrall

Throw into trash receptacle please

Event is Date below:

The Hamilton Harbour Fishing Derby takes place this Saturday, August 11th from 8am to 12pm.  Prizes to be awarded at 1:30pm – – – THIS IS A FREE EVENT FOR ALL AGES!

Rainbow trout

Pier 8

47 Discovery Drive

Hamilton, ON

Check in Stations:

While you are out fishing, take your camera, you may see some wonderful animals……………………

Pier 8 – Scoops Ice Cream Hut
HWT Centre – North Side
Bayfront Park Boat Launch
Fishway on Waterfront Trail
LaSalle Park Boat Launch
Marine Police Basin

3 age categories:

Child 10 and under
Youth 11 to 17
Adult 18 and over

Fishing, Environment and
Water Safety Demonstrations

_________________

1000 Free Fishing Rods for Children 12 and under

Rainbow trout

Silent Auction Fundraiser
9:00am to 1:30pm
Pier 8 – Hamilton Waterfront Trust

Information: Hamilton Waterfront Trust, Wikipedia

Rbg Fish-way escapee

Photography

Doug Worrall

Information Dragonflies-Butterflies – Hamilton

Did you know that they eat mosquitoes, have over 20,000 eyes

Wednesday July 18 2012

Dragon Flies so colourful

Wildlife This year at Harbour-front Trail, Cootes Paradise and the great lakes are few and far between.The lack of snow-pack , Spring rains has left the water level three feet less than last year, therefore less wildlife and fewer Images. Last year there was over 12 Signets born in Hamilton Harbour, this year due to the City of Hamilton Oiling Swan eggs and Canadian geese eggs there was only one signet born, all because they say the swans are causing e-Coli Bacteria and making it dangerous for people to swim in the water. I am against the oiling of eggs because the swans sit on the eggs for three Months without any offspring. People complain to the city that there is too much Canadian geese  droppings where they walk. The wildlife was here before us, please leave Mother Nature alone, Humans think they can control everything they come in contact with. Now look at the world we live in, nothing for children too be amazed and nothing to learn, It is like a Silent Spring-Shame- Shame

eight eggs and only one signet-city oils eggs Hamilton.

Readers at pics4twitts send me images quite often, Lois McNaught also walks the Harbour-front trail  Daily and has the same observations as most regulars, “where have all the wildlife gone?”

Morning Hamilton Harbour

Information on dragonflies. Did you know that they eat mosquitoes, have over 20,000 eyes, have been the subject of an old wives tale, and have even been mistaken for fairies? Find out many more interesting fact…

Dragon fly

Dragonflies

Usually living near water, the dragonfly is one of earth’s creatures that are not only very useful, but also beautiful. They belong to thee insect group Odonata. Dragonflies come in varied colors; their bodies often blue, green, purple, and even bronze. Their wings seem to shimmer as if made of silver, especially when under the moonlight.

Dragon fly

Starting out life as small nymphs underwater, they grow to be approximately three inches long, with a wingspan averaging two to five inches in width. While this may seem large for an insect, keep in mind that as they have evolved from pre-historic times, they have gotten considerably smaller. Evidence shows that at one point in time they may have had a wingspan of over two “˜feet’! One very interesting fact of the dragonfly is his six legs. Each of the legs is covered in short bristles. Using their bristle-covered legs to form an oval shaped basket allows them to scoop insects, such as mosquitoes, right out of the air. Dragonflies not only eat mosquitoes; they also keep the fly population and other flying insects under control.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

The Bee and the Butterfly

Surprisingly, dragonflies will spend only a very short part of their life span as actual dragonflies. They will live as nymphs for up to four years, shedding their skin up to fifteen times, yet when they finally mature into adults, the dragonfly stage, they will survive only a few months.

Mangrove Tree Nymph

Gray catbird

Dragonflies have fascinated modern man for years. They have become the basis of both legends and old wives tales. One such old wives tale refers to a dragonfly as a “˜darning needle’. An old legend tells of people who would wake up after falling asleep outside to find their ears and eyes sewn shut by these crafty insects. If dragonflies were seen swarming over a doorway, it was said to foretell of heavy rains on the way.

Painted Lady Butterfly on Coneflower

Painted butterfly.

For as long as man and dragonflies have coexisted, people have mistaken dragonflies for fairies. “˜Fairy tales’ have been told of little people fluttering about worldwide. Upon closer inspection, the fairies are found to be groups of dragonflies.

Question Mark Butterfly

Facts about Dragonflies

How fast can dragonflies fly? In excess of sixty miles and hour!

How many eyes does a dragonfly have? They have two main eyes, but each of these eyes are made up of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 tinier eyes, allowing them to zero in on the flying insects that are their daily meals.

Post and image Doug Worrall

Doug Worrall

 Photos by Lois McNaught

Yanni Raises The Roof Hamilton

Yanni Has People Dancing Hamilton

Sunday June 24 2012

Yanni Plays Hamilton Place

Born: November 14, 1954 in Kalamata, Greece
Years Active: 80 ‘s, 90 ‘s, 00′s
Genre: NUAGE

Last night at Hamilton Place, many people,  a full house were dancing after four encores.Being a Musician myself I was shocked at the number of professional musicians backing-up Yanni. He played all is top hits and the show lasted over two hours non stop.

Yanni In Concert Hamilton Place

Between each song Yanni conversed with the Audience and had them dancing in there seats. It was a wonderful performance and would go see him and his Orchestra next time he is in Hamilton.

Yanni and Orchestra plays Hamilton Place

Audience dancing too four encores

Biography

Armen Anassian

Of the artists who rose to popularity as part of the new age music boom of the 1980s and ’90s, few (if any) enjoyed greater or more lasting success than Yanni. Composing and performing instrumental music with a pronounced sense of drama, dynamics, and romanticism, Yanni broke through to a significantly larger audience than his peers, thanks to adult alternative radio airplay and a commanding performance style that attracted fans through frequent appearances on public television as well as world-wide concert tours..

Yanni was born Yiannis Chryssomalis on November 14, 1954 on the Greek island of Kalamata.

Back-up musicians fill out the sound

He displayed a talent for a music at a young age, playing piano at the age of six, but rather than enroll him in music school, his parents encouraged their son to follow his own muse and learn the instrument at his own pace and in his own way. In 1972, Yanni traveled to Minnesota to attend college, and while he majored in psychology, he didn’t walk away from music, playing in a local rock band and continuing his personal study of piano and other keyboard instruments. In 1977, after receiving his degree, Yanni joined a Minneapolis-based rock group called Chameleon, who toured regionally and cut several self-released albums, but in 1980, he began striking out on his own, recording and releasing an album of his own material, Optimystique. In 1984, Yanni signed a deal with Atlantic Records, who re-released the privately issued Optimystique; his deal with Atlantic proved short-lived, but the album attracted the attention of the noted independent label Private Music, who released Yanni’s second album, Keys to Imagination, in 1986. (They would also reissue Optimystique a few years later.) Yanni relocated to Los Angeles, where he began composing film scores as well as recording as a solo artist, and in 1987, after releasing his third album, Out of Silence, he set out on his first major concert tour; the band included John Tesh on keyboards and former Chameleon drummer Charlie Adams. In 1990, after the release of Reflections of Passion, Yanni performed a special concert with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, a preview of the large-scale events he would stage in the future.

Charlie Adams

Charlie Adams on Drums

In 1992, the album Dare to Dream earned Yanni his first Grammy nomination, and his music began popping up in television commercials and during coverage of sporting events, bringing his compositions to a new audience. His concert tours became larger and more spectacular as his fan base grew, and in the fall of 1993, in support of the album In My Time, he performed a special show at the Herod Atticus Theater in Athens, Greece, a venue that was over 2,000 years old.

Daniel Reyes- Percussion

The concert was recorded and videotaped, and the subsequent Yanni Live at the Acropolis album and home video became major successes, selling over seven million copies worldwide and becoming a fixture on public television broadcasts in the United States.

Karen Briggs

The success of Live at the Acropolis led to Yanni staging prestigious events at London’s Royal Albert Hall and major venues around the globe, as well as special concerts at the Taj Mahal in India and the Forbidden City in China, both in 1997 (material from the two shows appeared on the album Tribute).

 In both cases, Yanni was the first Western artist permitted to perform at these historic landmarks.

Ric Fierabracci

After concluding a world tour in 1998, Yanni took a well-deserved vacation for two years and relocated to the East Coast; his 2000 studio album If I Could Tell You offered a more personal and intimate sound from the composer (it was also his first album for Virgin Records), and he explored world music sounds on 2003′s Ethnicity.

Russian Cellist

In 2009, he launched his own label, Yanni-Wake Entertainment, in association with Disney, and released Yanni Voices, in which he collaborated with vocalists for the first time in his solo career, teaming with a handful of gifted newcomers. Yanni took his vocalists on the road for a Yanni Voices concert tour, and in 2010, he explored his interest in Latin music on the album Mexicanisimo. A new studio effort, Truth of Touch, followed in 2011.

Photographer Doug Worrall

Things To Do Victoria Day Hamilton

What To Do Victoria Day Hamilton

Saturday May 19 2012

Hamilton Harbour

Over the last week I have been seeing the very quick change from Spring to Summer.Each day I would experience a new treat.Today was no exception. Being quite cool with  NW winds this morning it was still cloudy at 8AM by Hamilton Harbour and Cootes Paradise. Then the sun came out and viewing my images from last year at this time I noticed I saw my First Deer. Today I saw my first Five Deer. Two gracefully pounced into the woods when they saw me chasing them with stealth. Something a Nature photographer must learn.

Whitetail deer

Whitetail deer

Whitetail deer

This summer I highly suggest checking out Hamilton Harbourfront Park, which is easily accessible by car, e-bike, bus, or ride the Tramway from Haida all the way into Cootes Paradise. The Harbourfront Park not only offers activities, festivals and events all year long, but a place where you can take in the many sights and sounds of the RBG Centre. You can also bike, walk, hike, kayak and canoe into Cootes Paradise. Should you drive there, you’ll find ample parking close to all the amenities.

Last year, after biking the trail for three months, I still have much to discover, observe, and accomplish as a photographer. It seems the potential is endless, as each day the water beckons me to awaken before first light and immerse myself in Mother Nature’s cycle, which is always brimming with life.

Turkey Vulture

Proud mother

Blue Heron

I welcome you to join me on a journey to the hidden gems in Hamilton, Tobermory, Niagara Falls, and many other places. My hope is that together we enjoy an enlightening experience, to gaze through the camera lens together, to see the power, beauty, and wisdom of Mother Nature’s gift

Dundurn Castle is an historic chateau built to house Sir Allan MacNab, later prime minister of the united Province of Canada between 1845 and 1856. He hired architect Robert Wetherall and construction of this stately home was completed in 1835. It became the property of the City of Hamilton, and in the late 1960s, it was restored as a Centennial project. It is now designated as a National Historic Site.

Dundurn Castle

It operates as a civic museum, and its grounds house other attractions. Dundurn Park, and associated green spaces, is a favourite for wedding portraits. The Hamilton Military Museum is housed in an outbuilding which was relocated when York Street was widened as York Boulevard in the 1970s. Another outbuilding, the Cockpit Theatre, occasionally housed outdoor events and dramas.

Fireworks Hamilton Harbour

Operating Hours Victoria to Labour Day: Daily 10 am – 4 pm Labour Day to Victoria Day: Open Tuesday to Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm. The admission prices is $10 and also includes a ticket to the Hamilton Military Museum.

Great Blue Heron

Canada’s largest Botanical Gardens, the RBG has five garden areas, including RBG centre, Hendrie Park, Laking Garden & the Arboretum. It also has four nature sanctuaries, including Cootes Paradise, Hendrie Valley, Rock Chapel & Berry Tract.

RBG Centre – The main centre for the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Centre has indoor greenhouses with a vast collection of cactus & exotic plants and flowers. Most popular is the Mediterranean Garden(cool, so bring a coat), where the bloom season is actually winter!

Pier

Hendrie Park – Gardens featured include Rose Garden (beautiful @ June & Early Summer), Medicinal Garden (herbs & spices), Small-flowered Clematis, Garden Lily (Lilium) Collection, Scented Garden (plants with attitude!), Thyme Garden, The World of Botany, Vines, Climbers and Espaliers, Kids’ Gardening Zone (plant veggies), The Morrison Woodland Garden, Border Buffet (whole collection of plant borders to give you creative edge), Queen Beatrix Narcissus Collection (daffodil gift that Queen Beatrix gave during her visit in 1988) & a Collection of Canadian-Originated Trees. This garden really tickles of five of your senses & offers a comforting atmosphere.

It is open all year (except Christmas & New Years), from 9 a.m. to dusk. Remember the gardens are seasonal, so come when your favourite flowers are in bloom.

The Hamilton Waterfront Trail (7.5km):Known for its heavy industrial waterfront, Hamilton will surprise new visitors. The past decade has dramatically changed the waterfront bringing with it new recreational uses and restored natural and cultural features.

Sunset Hamilton Harbour

Shake it up baby

The trail follows Hamilton Harbour from Princess Point (Cootes Paradise) through Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park, the Discovery Centre and on to HMCS Haida. You’ll also find Williams Coffee Pub, a Waterfront Ice Cream stand and the Hamilton Harbour Queen Cruises nearby

At Cootes Paradise there is an impressive staircase with a cycling trough leading to Dundurn Park and some amazing lookouts. From here you can connect to Burlington via York Street- extreme caution is needed when crossing the ramp from the 403.Note: The staircase at Coote’s Paradise is quite large and steep and can be a challenge for cyclists with full paniers.

Main Access Points (with parking)  Hamilton Waterfront Trail:

Dundurn Park-York Blvd.

Bayfront Park-Harbourfront Dr and Bay St.

Pier 8 – Canada Marine Discover Centre

HMCS Haida at Catherine St.

The Haidia

Enjoy The Images and the bountiful wildlife this weekend

Have a fun Holiday

Webster Falls

Doug Worrall Photographer

Bed Bugs and what to do Hamilton

Good Shepherd And Bed Bugs Hamilton

May 16 2012

Hello,

This post is to inform People living in Hamilton Housing that if you get bed bugs, learn to live with them. Good Shepard (a Religious Organization) is “trying” to Take on the Job of Bed Bug Control . Oh My, what a Disaster……….

If They cannot find evidence of BB’s after there 5 minute ridiculous search, You will not be helped and will be eaten alive.They expect you too Not clean it -up, sleep in it until they get there, one week later.Silly right? Then why is this happening to all in Hamilton Housing? I do not know the answer .

If you think you are suffering from Bed Bug Bites or if you have seen a strange bug or other signs, the photos below will help you determine if you have them.

Obviously, you might find the bugs themselves! They can look vastly different based on life stage (there are 5 nymph stages and one adult stage) and whether they’ve fed recently or not. For reference, see the following bed bug life cycle images:

Life Cycle

After the bed bug bites someone and feeds for the first time, it turns red.  This is the same first instar once it has fully fed (it will be larger now; taken by Sorkin and Mercurio, American Museum of Natural History):

Full of your blood

To get an idea of the size, this is a 1st instar nymph feeding on Lou Sorkin’s finger. You can see them, but they are small:

nymph so small

More advanced instars and adults are reddish brown or brown.

Bassommeijer’s photo of an Argentinian adult bed bug in a book:

Bug In Book

Other signs of bed bugs:

Cast skins: bed bugs cast their skin each time they grow. So you might find cast skins from a 1st instar nymph or a 5th instar nymph and the size will vary a great deal.

Understanding just how small

Good luck  to you all

 

UPDATE: Today spoke with a rep from Good Shepard, Tuesday May 22nd the dogs will be here to sniff, and a preventative spray for now, so some action.”The Squeaky wheel gets the grease”

Thank-you Christine

Post by Doug Worrall

Yearly Nature Images Hamilton Trails

Nature Images And Hamilton area Trail Systems

January 2nd 2012

Sunrise 5:30 A.M. May 2011

A Happy New Year to all from DW Photography and readers images and our writers. Special thanks to Jacqueline, Lois and Steve

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers here at DW Photography.Each passing year brings many obsticles to the revitalization of our natural habitat

throughout the world, We are still destroying  what we should be preserving. More than any time on our calendar our best friend Mother Nature needs our help.

Pick your small piece of nature and keep it clean and healthy. Find garbage that other people have left behind. Take ownership “stewardship” of your environment more than ever this year.

Thanking you in advance

Doug Worrall

“Living in Hamilton has many perks with the proximity of Lake Ontario and Hamilton Harbour.  By foot,  Bike,  Bus or drive down to the Harbourfront Park,  Cootes Paradise,  Princess Point,  The Harbourfront Trail is very long with many attractions starting in Hamilton then Burlington and further.”

June 5AM 2011

Known for its heavy industrial waterfront, Hamilton will surprise new visitors.

Sunset Hamilton Harbour

The past decade has dramatically changed the waterfront bringing with it new recreational uses and restored natural and cultural features.

Dundurn Castle April 22 2011

The Hamilton Waterfront Trail (7.5km):

Harbourfront Trail

follows Hamilton Harbour from Princess Point (Cootes Paradise) through Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park, the Discovery Centre and on to HMCS Haida. You’ll also find Williams Coffee Pub, a Waterfront Ice Cream stand and the Hamilton Harbour Queen Cruises nearby.

Kayaking Cootes Paradise

At Cootes Paradise there is an impressive staircase with a cycling trough leading to Dundurn Park and some amazing lookouts. From here you can connect to Burlington via York Street- extreme caution is needed when crossing the ramp from the 403.

Whitetail Deer

Like Flies on

Male American Goldfinch

The Hamilton Beach Recreation Trail:

Skyway Bridge

Lift bridge

 follows the Lake Ontario shoreline for about 8 km taking people from Burlington under the Lift Bridge to Confederation Park and into the former Stoney Creek. Interpretative panels describe the history of Hamilton’s waterfront and explain the restoration process. Please note there is a new way to cross the very busy Eastport Drive/Beach Blvd.-take the path that goes under the bridge rather than crossing the road.

Getting the shot

Webster Falls

Gosling shaking all about

Blue Heron Harbourfront Park June 15 2011

Dundas Conservation area

• Confederation Park – Van Wagner’s Beach Rd. and Centennial Parkway
• Van Wagner’s Beach beside Lakeland Community Centre – Van Wagner’s Beach Rd. East of Confederation Park
• Beach Blvd south of lift bridge

Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron

Night Heron

Signet and pen June 2011

Hamilton Waterfront Trail

Rainbow trout

Harbourfront Park

The Pride of baltimore leaves hamilton harbour

The Pride of baltimore

• Dundurn Park-York Blvd.
• Bayfront Park-Harbourfront Dr and Bay St.
• Pier 4 Park – Leander Dr. and Guise St.
• Pier 8 – Canada Marine Discover Centre
• HMCS Haida at Catherine St.

Photographers

The Speed of Deer

Lois McNaught

Steve Loker

Jacqueline

Doug Worrall

HAVE A GREAT YEAR

Doug Worrall Photography