This has been a fabulous week of firsts. First time seeing elk on the Biodiversity trail. First time this year seeing a doe and her new fawn. First time seeing a cow elk and her new calf. First time seeing the pelicans this year. First time seeing 4 blue herons on the same outing.
I got to trail only twice in the past week, yet I managed to see all these amazing things.
The trails are lush and green. The leaves on the trees have fully opened. The wildflowers are in bloom. The birds are active. The mosquitoes move in a big cloud over your head, much like the dust cloud that follows Pig Pen in the Charlie Brown cartoon.

Today's visit to the Biodiversity trail and to Elk Island made up for the fact that I didn't get out this week. The pelicans are back at Astotin Lake. They are always entertaining to watch. 

They swim in unison; much like synchronized swimmers. The herons flew overhead. I've had occasion to see a couple of them on the same outing but today we saw four!

I went for a second visit to the Biodiversity trail today and noticed an elk grazing along the 'swan pond'. On a previous visit I noticed about 8 of them making their way through the forest. The one that I saw today had a tag in its ear. It appears to be on the loose; animal number 126 from somebody's herd.

My busiest time of year at work is almost over. I'll be sure to take advantage of any free time to get to the trails. Things are changing daily and it is great fun to watch the new babies as they come out of hiding.

I encourage everyone to try to get out to a trail near you to experience nature at its finest.