Farewell 2009 and hello 2010!

Today is the last day of 2009 and what a year it has been. I have spent a lot of time this year researching and finding/photographing all sorts of wildlife. Our trips this year included Yellowstone, Vancouver Island, Algonquin, Killarney, French River, Amherst Island, Point Pelee, Minesing Swamp, Luther Marsh and many more. It has been just amazing to discover things like red-spotted newts, yellow and blue spotted salamanders, pine martens, coyotes, pikas and so much more. There have been many upsetting times as I would find an animal, visit them frequently (you feel like you start to get to know them almost like your pet greets you at the door) and then you find out the next day that they met their demise upon the front bumper of someone's car. As frustrating as this was to learn, it was always mildly comforting to know that another animal was quick to take advantage of these situations. Some of my favourite moments were winning the photo contest, seeing geysers and just learning how close nature really is to my front door. As enjoyable as 2009 was, I am eager for what 2010 has to offer (Florida, Tommy Thompson Park and Montreal to start). There are many animals out there that I still have yet to find, so stay tuned because there will be more!!