I left Elk Island National Park just before the big storm hit last night. I wanted to see if it was anything like the torrential downpour that I got at home so headed out to spend a couple of hours exploring. 

The ditches were full of water and it was still sprinkling. All was quiet at the park. It seems that people are not as likely to go out for a walk in the rain. That made my excursion even better. I love walking in the rain.

I was the only person on the Living Waters Boardwalk this morning. Just me and Mother Nature and she greeted me with an abundance of creatures.

A baby squirrel sat on a wooden rail and stared me down as I walked by. The red winged blackbirds were singing from the tops of a couple of cat tails. The male flew down and landed on the boardwalk in front of me. The grebes and their chicks were swimming in the pond. Mama coot and her babes were foraging in the rushes for food. As I rounded the bend and came toward the dock, a blue heron flew across the lake. A loon popped up through the water just north of the dock. The pelicans flew in formation overhead. 

I couldn't believe my luck. The number of creatures that I got up close and personal with today was outstanding.

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

One of the highlights of living in a 'wilderness' area is the abundance of wildlife that I get to see while commuting to and from work.  During my thirty minute drive, I often see white tail deer, porcupines, skunks and moose. On one rare occasion I saw a large mink crossing the road in front of me.

The moose is my favorite animal.  I was fortunate to see a bull moose cooling off and feeding in a

pond along side the road.  I'm always on the look out for wildlife and my camera is never far from the front seat in case the opportunity arises for a photo.

The day was very hot and I noticed this big guy right in the middle of the water with the waterfowl.  He was in no hurry; taking his time drinking and feeding.  A red-winged blackbird sat on a cat tail close by.  I could hear the bird scolding the moose.  There was probably a nest close by.

I watched this beautiful animal for about ten minutes before he decided to exit the water and head to the closest willow stand for some tasty twigs.

Every now and again I'm able to capture a once in a lifetime photo.  This was one of those days.