All God's Creatures

 "Then God looked over all He had made and He saw that it was very good!" Genesis 1:31

  My friend and I went for a walk in the conservation area across the road today. The sun peeked out from the clouds a couple of times, taking the sting out of the stiff spring breeze. Some of the clouds were dark and growly. It felt like rain was waiting just beyond the horizon.

  There's a man made lake in the park that is a stopping off point for many migratory birds. Some stay for the summer, others move further north to nest. The variety of waterfowl this time of year is astounding.

  I get excited when I see something new there. This time there was a small, Green Heron scampering along the brush lined shore. I've only ever seen one other and that was many years ago.

  The highlight of our walk was sitting on a bench by the beach. We watched four bald eagles soar and hunt and hover over the water. Three were juveniles but one had its gleaming white head and tail. It helped us figure out the others were actually eagles. It's good to know they haven't left the area and are continuing to nest here.

  I think I read somewhere that last year's chicks will often assist the parents in raising their young the next year but don't quote me on that. 

  The eagle nest up the road blew down a couple of summers ago. We haven't been able to find where the new one is. Maybe that's a good thing. If it's off the beaten path, people can't disturb the nest site in their eagerness to get a good photo of these beautiful birds.

  A flock of seagulls tried driving them off. They are a big bird, too, but next to the eagles they look small!

  On a previous walk, there were Trumpeter Swans at the lake. A male was defending the honour of his lady against the unwanted attentions of another male. It was quite the battle with the intruder eventually flying away.

  There have also been native Mute swans resting there at times. They are such beautiful birds!

  The swans are a relatively new species to the area. I wonder if it's because their migration patterns have changed over the last few years. Is this because of habitat destruction or environmental changes? Or both? Could be. I am glad they have become a common sight in the spring and some even nest at another small lake just northwest of here.

  This morning also graced us with fat Robins, Blue Jays, a Kingfisher, the ever present Chick-a-dees, Song Sparrows, and a smaller, unremarkable song bird that is hard to identify. I am always amazed at the variety.

  Cormorants, Mallard ducks, Bufflehead ducks and Mergansers are common to the area this time of year. Sometimes they squabble with each other but nothing like the Canada geese that are ever present. They are the noisiest bunch, constantly debating whatever it is geese debate about.

  We saw a beaver last week. There's lots of evidence throughout the park that they are there but it's rare to see one.

  I am blessed to have all this so close at hand. Walking through the park this time of year helps shake off the winter blahs. Signs of life are erupting in the forests and fields surrounding the lake. Trees are blooming. A few early flowers brighten the monotonous drab browns of dead grasses. 

  It won't be long before the green mantle of summer is everywhere.

  And that is the best part of all. 

  Until mosquitoes, biting deer flies, horse flies, and ravenous black flies make us walk along the road instead of entering the park for a couple of months. Thankfully the worst of them fades away as temperatures climb. Roll on summer!!