In the Early Days

In the early days, before the ice is out and snow lingers, we watch .

Hope stretches for signs that spring will soon surge forward.

We go to places where current pushes at ice edge

And crystals form on shorelines.

We go hunting the early ones, the Buffleheads and Mallards, and Canada Geese but the Swans' white on navy blue

Arrest us on the shore.

Leaving slowly, savouring life's reach for spring,

Peering deer, robins  on rails and  cautious chipmunks 

Lift winter’s pursed lips

To a smile.

Swans

Canada Geese

Mallards

Male Bufflehead

Canada Geese and Mallard pair

White tailed deer

Robin

Chipmunk

Checking Real Estate

The male Starling is calling to a female this April 7th morning. It was such fun watching these two, the male trying to impress the female. She did not seem impressed by his choice of lodging and perfunctorily flew away.

Male calling for female attention.

Female joined him

Flirtation

They communed

He convinced her to check it out

She did

Went in

Turned around, looked out

and flew away!

guess he blew it.