NORTH THAMES NATURE

PHOTOGRAPHY

I'm publishing this website to promote a closer, more positive awareness of our local natural environment. For me this means the north branch of London's Thames River. I've been playing along it's banks (or right in the water) for years and years and I would like to share what I have to offer before much more of it (and indeed myself) have devolved into degradation.

While many species have disappeared, others have returned. I hope our grandchildren can freely fish and search for frogs along it's banks, and I hope Bald Eagles can productively nest in the valley for many decades to come. London's Thames River, despite fluctuating water quality, is still an incredibly valuable asset to our community and for some species it is life itself. I sincerely hope that the "Forest City" will develop a stronger conscience toward environmental conservation and that we actually preserve to the best of our abilities what is surely our most important resource.

Let's not forget to smell the roses. Let me share some observations and offer up some images from my "backyard" for your enjoyment and mine. The website is new and my site building skills are novice but there is more content "in the wings" and lots more on the other side of my camera lens. Check back for weekly updates. I know you're all with me on the habitat conservation thing and that you can help me with your knowlege and personal observations about various things seen in the field. Please bear with me during the never-ending learning process and enjoy the pictures! Contact me with your issues and help me to understand what I see.

Jeff Higgins Spring 2009

It's been a glorious season of Springtime, with great weather and just the right amount of rain. The natural processes of the environment have unfolded remarkably well within the little pockets of unmolested landscape that we still allow. The vegetation has grown to a luscious state and creatures of the land, water, and sky seem to be faring well within their limited existence.

The River Valley continues to shrink alarmingly in "my neck of the woods" as Urban Development continues to eat away at the Good Green Earth. Problems also continue farther downstream. I visited Springbank Park and was quite disappointed by the dirty mess in and around "MoneyPit Dam". Perhaps we should redub ourselves as : London - the "Metallic Tree City". Forest is sadly lacking and growing sparser each year.

I've been out "smelling the roses" almost daily. The River seems to be healthy at least to the north where Soft-shelled Turtles and Queen Snakes can still be found. Crayfish roam amongst the riverbed rocks and the water yields enough fish to feed the hungry creatures of land and sky. The Bald Eagles have raised two more youngsters while gangs of Warblers tumbled through the Honeysuckles and Kingfishers screamed up and down the River. Those Honeysuckles are now loaded with fruit and hanging to the ground; their flowers sweetly freshened the air as I hiked the valley in May.

Check out the Wrestling Frogs on the "Frogs,Turtles" page.

The website has fattened up a little as time marches on and I'm afraid the mechanical parts of my camera are going to wear out soon. My hard drives are stuffed with images and I cringe as the summer storms thunder over the city. More capacity and electronic protection are required so I will soon be offering prints for sale so that "North Thames Nature" can sustain itself.

Speaking of summer storms, the moderate temperatures so far this summer have been quite welcome for many of us. I'm calling it the "Silence of the Air Conditioners" and I thank Mother Nature each time the Hydro Bill arrives. Anyways, enjoy your summer, and onward to Autumn 2009.

Jeff Higgins Summer 2009

WOW, with all the great weather and all the time I've had to wander the River Valley, summer has zoomed by even faster than normal this year. Apples are falling to the ground and fall wildflowers are blooming like mad. The Eagles nest has been ravaged by wind and weather and will need extensive rebuilding for next year's occupation. Perhaps my favorite sighting of the season was the Cecropia Moth. What a Beauty.

As the year winds down I'm working on a calandar for 2010. It should be ready for the annual Christmas Craft Sale at the London Regional Cancer Center in November. So now it's onward to Winter 2009/2010.

Jeff Higgins Autumn 2009