April 16th - 22nd

The field is starting to look a little greener, or perhaps it's just my wishful thinking. 

It's a good start to the week that there are such puffy clouds in the sky. I love that kind of sky. There are lovely clouds over the lake too. 

The beavers were out and about, swimming near their lodge

It was another busy week at the lake. There was a variety of weather, cold temperatures, warm temperatures, rain, sunshine and clouds. There were lots of visitors too. I have to say that my favourite of the week was one I'd never seen before - a weasel! At first, when I saw something moving through the fallen trees, I thought it was a squirrel as it was in an area where I had seen a lot of squirrels. I was so surprised when I actually saw what it was! I watched it dart and dive, looking beneath tree limbs and searching the ground. 

I think it was searching low to the ground for a chipmunk or two. They had been out and about, but most hid when they saw the predator coming. 

Or perhaps one of the squirrels

The weasel isn't the only one hanging out in the woods. The wood ducks are back up in the trees, getting ready for the nesting season. I usually hear them before I see them. They make a squeaking noise when they get a little agitated. I think it's really interesting how they nest up in the trees. They build their nests in abandoned woodpecker holes or natural cavities. 

There were lots of other birds in the woods this week. Looks like the birds are really starting to return. It's certainly nice to see them around again. The woods are quiet without them. 

Hermit Thrush

Winter Wren

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Tufted Titmouse

Brown Creeper - these birds are sometimes so tough to spot. They blend in with tree trunks that they have a habit of creeping up. I like the English name better, tree creeper as that is exactly what they do! 

And one of my favourites, the Eastern Towhee. These are such beautiful birds. They like to rummage around in the undergrowth. Their song is so very distinctive. Usually, it's their call that attracts my attention before seeing the bird. 

There are plenty of birds on the lake too. Lots of geese around, honking and causing a commotion. It's funny to watch them flying in making so much noise even when there is just one or two of them! Lots of them visit the lake in the spring, some just passing through and others building nests. 

There were some other lake visitors this week too including a couple of Northern Shovelers. Such interesting birds. I was so glad to see them and managed to catch a photo of one. 

And some Blue-Winged Teals

There was also lots of activity of Blue Herons. Most years that I've been walking at the lake there have been two, well, that's all I've seen at one time. This year I've been watching three of them. 

Phew, that's a lot of photos for one post. I think, once again, this week will be split into two. I saw lots of deer this week and some of the views were pretty nice too!