Friday, November 25, 2011

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Yesterday was one of those days when the weather was dubious enough to make one think that it might rain .. at least that is how the day started out. Once the morning household duties were done and I’d dutifully spruced up the three litter boxes… I pondered “what should I do today”.

It wasn’t raining, so I decided to not do the “inside” jobs .. ie .. shortening the drapes. I’m waiting for a very rainy day to do that chore.

So, I went outside, to check on the supply of birdseed in the back yard. And once I’d spent a few minutes enjoying the feathered flurries .. I’d made up my mind to visit Swan Lake again. And shortly thereafter, I was on my way there. With a bag of flatted oats to feed to the Mallards .. and I sure looked forward to visiting them again. The babies from spring are all grown up and it’s been awhile since I’ve seen them.

Ah, it felt wonderful to be walking along the pathways once again. No birding groups were seen and I only saw a few people along the way, included some joggers and others like me .. just wandering around.

A soft carpet of leaves covered parts of the walkways, random sizes and types creating a luxurious layer of earthen beauty. The now-bare branches of the deciduous trees punctuated the edges of the grassy meadows casting a dramatic aspect to the fall scenery. The tall marsh grasses, in all their muted shades of gold .. swayed gently in the breeze .. creating a whispery orchestral song that filled the air. Wow … I sure love this place!

Along the way, I stopped off at the little observatory .. but no joy .. couldn’t see any ducks .. the wind was picking up .. sending sweeping ripples of water along the surface of the lake.

Continued on my way … enjoying the tranquility of this most lovely place. Eventually I reached the main observatory .. and again .. could not see any ducks! When I reached the floating boardwalk .. there was a sign showing that the walkway was closed .. and there was an alternate route, but this involved walking along roadways and neighbourhoods and I just wanted to get away from that right now .. preferring to stay in natural surroundings … sigh .. so I retraced my steps.

And on my return trip, decided to stop at the observatory. This time I saw a little otter undulating through the water near the shore. Such a smooth swimmer and it was just the tiniest movement that caught my eye. He swam to shore and then played around the base of the tall marsh grasses.

I noticed that the tall grasses by the edge of the observatory had shrunk from the tall glory of spring and the remnants of the Marsh Wren‘s nest were no longer visible.

Stayed here for a while … looking out at the waters of Swan Lake, drinking in the beauty of this place .. fully appreciating the work of those who had worked so hard to retain this natural gem .. thank you thank you thank you thank you

Resumed my walk along the pathway .. stopping now and then to look at creatures along the way. A grey squirrel, sitting on his haunches in the middle of the pathway … caught unawares of my presence .. stood still for a full minute .. and then I finally brought my camera out of its case to take a pic .. and…. Murphy! he scampered away into the bushes!

Then a group of Robins flew past me .. settling in the trees! So lovely.

Soon I’d reached the concrete stretches of sidewalks and shortly thereafter I was back home. My walk had lasted for 2 1/2 hours .. so it was a decadent bit of time that I fully enjoyed.

Now I was all set to garden and so I stepped outside .. all ready to do just that .. but the rains stopped me! So I spent some time painting glasses! But more about that tomorrow!

It’s been a day .. and I’m happy that my fall nature walks have again resumed.

🙂