Green. Everything is so green. The trails are lined with lush growth. There are wildflowers adding pops of color amidst the tall grasses and underbrush. The mosquitoes lay in wait for the next tasty human that wanders along the trail.

The wildlife, waterfowl and insects are active at all my favorite trails. Pelicans and great blue herons soar over Astotin Lake at Elk Island National Park. Baby geese feed on the young grass growing in the ditches. New bison calves romp through the herd. Dragonflies are everywhere.

At the Beaver Hills Biodiversity Trail, the swan eggs hatched this week. The cygnets have not been swimming yet but it is fun to watch mama try to sit down on her nest. It is a feat for her to have all those babes tucked underneath. She moves one into place with her bill and another pops out on the other side. The beavers are busy working on new dams. There is action everywhere.

The birds in the backyard have been active as well. A couple of Baltimore orioles sing from the tree tops. Their bright orange feathers really stand out against the green leaves. There are gold finches, purple finches, hummingbirds, chickadees, nuthatches, robins, magpies, blue jays and a couple of yet undetermined birds making frequent trips to the feeders. The bees and butterflies are feeding on the flowers that are blooming.

I glanced out the window this morning and saw a skunk running from the forest behind my yard to the back of my garage. I hoped my yard cat was not in his usual spot because the skunk was headed straight for it. 

I encourage you to take a stroll through your neighborhood if you cannot make it out to a local trail. Watch for nature in action. You may not have moose or elk or deer to watch but the nesting birds, the bees and butterflies will provide some great entertainment. Happy trails.

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