The Perfect Spring Morning

A rain shower last night made the air so fresh this morning.  I opened the backdoor and had to take a big breath.  It smelled wonderful.

I left earlier than usual so had time to stop at a nearby pond to see what the waterfowl were up to.  There was no traffic noise. I could hear the ducks calling from the opposite shore.  The water was calm and looked like a sheet of glass.  A mist was rising and the morning sun was lighting up the aspens.  It was so peaceful.


 


 The Canada Geese were swimming across the middle of the pond.  The ducks that were on the shore, were swimming toward the geese.  What a wonderful way to start the morning.

 One duck in particular caught my attention.  It must have been the blue bill.  I've never seen one like this before.  It bobbed its head up and down as it called and its tail was held straight up in the air.

My new bird ID book came in handy to determine that this was a Ruddy Duck. This was a first time sighting for me.  It was beautiful!

As I turned to get back to my vehicle, I looked to the east.  The dark clouds from the rain shower were off in the distance.  The morning sun's rays reflected off the wet pavement.  A mist was rising off the road surface and the bright, tender grasses glistened.  The scene was heavenly.  I wanted to remain there; taking in the beauty and the freshness of a spring morning in Alberta.