The warm temperatures of the past week made some good progress on ridding the pond surfaces of their ice blankets. I was feeling sorry for the geese and ducks that came back early. They were treading lightly on the ice, looking like they could use some winter boots.

Many of the small ponds along the parkway at Elk Island National Park have either very little or no water in them at all. Last year there were lodges filled with beaver families in them. I wonder where will they live this year?

The goose nest on top of the beaver lodge located at the turn off to Astotin Lake, has a tenant. Mama sat atop the lodge like a queen on her throne while papa swam round and round the base of the lodge.

On the drive home, I stopped by the Strathcona Wilderness Centre to see if the ice was off the beaver pond alongside the driveway. A pair of geese were swimming there. I watched as they came toward the shore and proceeded up to the hiking trail. It looked like mama will be laying her eggs very soon.

Spring is definitely here. The pussywillows are blooming. The shrubs in the yard are budding. The birds are busy building nests. The lawn is raked. The deer took care of fertilizing it. I'm ready for a good spring rain.

More photos at  https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-an-Outdoor-Girl-1015659961820012/