Elk Island National Park and my backyard were the places to be today for watching birds and wildlife.  The bison were stopping traffic on the parkway.  It's not often that the entire herd is in the Bison Loop area but it appeared that they were all there today.

An adult coyote lopped across the road in front of us.  We slowed to see if it was still in the trees.  It stopped long enough to glance back at us and then continued on its way.

A female grouse gave us a good laugh.  It was crossing from one side of the road to the other moving very slowly and stealthily as if we could not see her if she moved slowly.  As soon as she reached the tall grass in the ditch, she was gone.

We hiked the Lakeview Trail that borders Astotin Lake.  It's a short scenic trail that passes by the lake and some beaver ponds.  It continues through the forest where you can see very large spruce trees that have toppled, almost in a domino effect.  It was on one of those trees that we saw a black-backed woodpecker.  What a treat!  They are not a common bird in this area.

My favorite area on the trail is a boggy spot where numerous trees lie on the ground.  Each is covered in many different species of moss.  The variety of green textures adds color to the forest floor.

When we got back home, the birds were busy in the backyard; flying from branches to feeders.  It was close to being dark when I noticed the deer coming into the yard.  A doe and two fawns came in first.  Something scared them off.  As they were jumping the fence, I saw another large one coming straight to the feed dish.  It took me a while to realize that it was sporting some antlers!  This was the first male I noticed this year.  I went outside onto the deck to get a better look.  He glanced up at me but didn't run.  It was like he knew who filled that dish.  What a beauty!

I visited the Mistaya River Canyon this summer.  The hike in is not very long.  Beautiful little Calypso orchids added a splash of color amidst the green forest floor on either side of the trail.  As I approached the canyon, I could hear the roar of the rushing water.

I've visited the area previously and try to get back at least once a year because it is so scenic.  When the trail reaches the canyon, you can see the snowy peaks in the distance, the powerful river that flows into the canyon and the deeply carved canyon walls.

There is ample room to stand on the boulders before the river drops off into the canyon.  It is a wonderful spot to watch the power of the water and to feel the fresh, cool spray.  The sound of the water can be deafening.

Bright green moss covers the upper boulders and spindly evergreen trees 
grow from cracks between the rocks.  It is truly remarkable how these trees are able to sustain themselves.  The canyon walls are layered and craggy.  When you look up you can see tall trees on either side.  Chipmunks and squirrels run along the downed trees; all the while chattering at hikers as they protect their middens.

A trail runs along the upper ridge.  It weaves through the forest and eventually reaches the Waterfowl Lakes campground.   I've camped there only once and would love to try it again.  It will be on my list for next year.

This is the perfect spot to view Mother Nature at her finest.

 

Ahhhh. That's all I can say.

There is a full moon tonight in a cloud free sky.  It is lighting up the night and streaming through my windows.  The wood stove is lit and I'm in front of it with a cup of coffee.  It's the perfect ending to a relaxing outdoor day.

I hiked one of my favorite trails at Elk Island National Park.  On the way, I came across a young coyote along the roadside.  It was showing off its hunting prowess.  I watched him for less than 10 minutes and during that time he caught at least 5 mice. 

It isn't the first time that I've seen him in the ditch but it is the first time that I was witness to his successful morning hunt.  As he snacked on his wiggling treats, he gave me a toothy grin.

I had not been on the Amisk Wuche trail for awhile and so didn't know if there was still some opportunity to take in the autumn colors.  

Most of the leaves had dropped but the grasses provided color along the boardwalk.  There were still a number of ducks in the pond.  As I watched, they dunked their heads under the water to reach the plants, leaving me to see their duck butts above the water.

While standing on the boardwalk, a couple of squirrels were having a squabble.  One was chasing the other at top speed.  The one in front came within 6 inches of running right into my leg.

My favorite part of the trail snakes through a stand of spruce trees.  It reminds me of a mountain trail.  I can smell the sap that seeps through the bark.  I love to stop here for a few minutes and take some deep breaths.

The squirrels have a number of middens at the base of the trees where the remains of their chewed up spruce cones lay in heaps.  

I noticed that there is a number of young trees that are only about 4 inches tall, growing up through the leaf carpet.  As I admired the new growth, I heard a pileated woodpecker.  It was difficult to tell where the sound was coming from.  I scanned the tree tops but was surprised to find it on the ground.  The sun shone from behind the large bird, illuminating its red feather crown.  It too, was putting on a show for me.

The walk through the woods this morning was very calm and peaceful.  The only sounds that I could hear were those of the forest; trees creaking, blue jays squawking, ducks quacking, squirrels nattering and the woodpeckers boring for insects in the bark.

I came across a decaying log that caught my attention.  The bright green moss that covered it stood out against the brown vegetation.  The contrast was a beautiful sight.  I could see that the squirrels were using the log to store their winter food.

Autumn has been beautiful.  Last year at this time there was snow on the ground.  It seems to be holding off with no mention of it in the forecast.  If the butterfly that I saw today has anything to say about it, the snow won't be coming anytime soon.

My Perfect Outdoor Day

"I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine and fir and cedar and poplar trees.  The trail has strung upon it, as upon a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets.  It has given me blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern day.  It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful.  Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I am happy."  ~Hamlin Garland, McClure's, February 1899

I left home as the sun was coming up this morning.  My plan was to spend the day outside.  I started at the Strathcona Wilderness Center.  The air was crisp and the grasses and leaves were frosty.  It was the perfect beginning to a glorious outing.

 

The morning rays of the sun shone through the bare branches of the tall aspen trees.  The trunks cast long shadows on the trail.  The frosty leaf carpet glittered like gold.  

 

It was still calm and silent except for the little chickadees.  They were busy collecting seeds from the shrubs.  I stopped to watch as they flitted from branch to branch; singing their 'cheeseburger' song.

There were a number of little ponds along the trail that I was on.  I could see them through the trees.  The moose and deer created a well worn path to one of them.  I decided to follow it.  I'm glad that I did.

Moss covered logs lay on the edge.  The water was not deep but it was calm, clear and reminded me of a sheet of glass.  The bright yellow color from the few remaining leaves reflected in the water.  The area was like a little piece of heaven.

When I finished exploring at the SWC, I made my way to Elk Island National Park.  I wanted to revisit a trail that looped through the forest on the north side of Astotin Lake.  

 

Along the parkway en route to the lake, a young coyote searched for food.  It lopped through the ditch.  Every now and again it would pounce into the tall grasses but each time it came back out empty handed.  

As I made my way to the trail head, I could hear honking above me.  The snow geese were on the move.  Their white bodies against the blue sky were a sight to behold.

My first stop was at a bench that overlooked Astotin Lake.  The wind had picked up and was creating little white caps on the water.  Ducks and geese bobbed up and down in the waves.  This was an ideal lunch spot.  There was still some autumn color directly in front of me as well as on the island.  The bench was sheltered and the sun warmed me as I sat and took in the sights and sounds.

There are a number of rest stops along the trail where hikers can take a break and relax.  It was at one of the stops that numerous paths lead into the trees.  I followed one and found a skull leaning against a broken branch.

Chickadees and nuthatches provided entertainment as they were foraging in the spruce trees.  The forest smells were amazing.

I marveled at the scene around me.  There were decaying logs covered in a carpet of bright green fern-looking moss.  A tree stump was covered in a soft layer of brown/green moss.  Lichen grew upright through the layer; reaching for the small rays of sun that found their way through the thick boughs overhead.

My outdoor day was perfect.  I am so fortunate to live in such a beautiful area.  All my favorite activities can be found within a 10 minute drive from my home.  Hiking, x-country skiing, skating, snowshoeing, and so many natural areas for photography.  I take advantage of this every moment that I can.  There is nothing better than spending time in the forest.

The Perfect Weekend

As I watch a gentle rain shower out the window, I'm reflecting on a great weekend spent outside. Not one, not two but three opportunities to witness autumn in all it's splendor.  

We tried out a new trail today.  It ran alongside Astotin Lake at Elk Island National Park; passing through wetland areas and mixed forest.

The morning started off with some rain showers that intensified the colors and the smells.  The yellows were especially vibrant.  Photographs do not do justice to the scenes along the way.

We parked in the main lot, hiking a paved path along the lake until it ended at the actual trailhead for the Lakeview Trail.

There were still a good number of waterfowl on the lake and in the small ponds.  We could hear geese honking overhead.  Muskrats created v-shaped ripples in the water as they swam.  When the ripples disappeared, the water was as smooth as glass.  The beautiful fall colors reflected off the surface.

As we hiked, the smell of ripe cranberries filled the air.  Every now and again, we glimpsed clumps of red amidst the yellow.  If it was not a cranberry bush, it was a colorful rose bush with its bright red rosehips.





 



One section of the forest had numerous decaying logs.  Each was covered with a soft blanket of moss that varied in texture and color.  Brightly colored orange lichen added contrast to the bright green. 

We could hear bluejays calling in the trees and smaller birds in the underbrush.  I heard something skitter through the dead leaves.  When I glanced over, a little brown mouse stared back at me.  It's partner was not as daring; taking off down the bank on the left side of the trail.

As we came back to the paved part of the trail that bordered the lake, we found a number of benches on a viewpoint.  It was a great spot to sit a spell, have some snacks and take in the beauty.  Ducks were swimming and dunking for food in the water just in front of us.  In the distance a red canoe was spotted along the shore of the island.  To the south of us, some hardy picnickers were set up close to the dock. 

 
On the way out of the park we stopped at the Bison Loop.  A herd of Wood Bison were gathered in the field.  They put on quite a show for the onlookers.  Young calves were feeding on their mothers.  Bulls were creating dust clouds as they rolled in the dry dirt.  Yearlings made their way onto the road, creating a traffic jam until they decided to move into the field on the other side.

Today's outing was a great way to end the weekend.  The weather was superb and the sights spectacular.  This quote says it all.  I could not have said it better.

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air."

Nathaniel Hawthorne