I just got back from two glorious hours at Elk Island.  The first was spent hiking the Amisk Wuche Trail.  A symphony of sound was lead by the boreal chorus frogs.  Their songs were music to my ears even though they were deafening. 

The second hour was spent at Astotin Lake; staking out the beaver pond.  I found a spot where I thought there would be some action.  I hunkered down and waited.  It didn't take long for the first one to show up.  It circled round a number of times, checking to see if I was friend or foe.  There were no tail slaps so I guess I passed the test.

While I watched the busy beaver, flocks of cranes flew overhead.  About 30 minutes into my stake out, a second beaver joined the first.  They worked together; bringing branches and mud to a culvert that they were plugging up.

On the drive out of the park, one tick-ridden moose crossed the road.  Bison in small herds, grazed alongside the highway.  They drank from the puddles in the ditches.  A couple of hares nibbled on the new grass growing on the edge of the forest.

What a great way to spend the evening!