Working in the Cold

Last week we went on our annual trip with our friends Olga and Robert. We had an enjoyable time in Algonquin. It was so cold it made working outdoors a bit difficult. But we bundled up and aside from a bit of discomfort it was fun.

Madawaska River, Ontario

There were the usual suspects to photograph: Black-capped Chickadees, Nuthatches and Jays. I had a Boreal Chickadee land in a tree above my head but it did not pose within focus range. We did get a few new Blue Jays and Gray Jays.

Blue Jay

Gray Jay

Working at -25C is hard, especially when you are trying to adjust a camera or work with a very cold tripod. We bundled up with several layers, ski pants, parka and winter boots. I find my hands suffer the most so use hand warmers in my gloves. This allows me to use thinner gloves and adjust the camera quickly.

Winter in Algonquin

Highway 60, Algonquin, ON

On our way home we stopped into Mew Lake where there is always a good chance of seeing a Marten. We waited in the cold for about 30 minutes before one made a brief appearance.

American Marten

It was a good start to the year!