Spring arrives

As predicted, the temperature climbed into the low teens on Wednesday, filling the air with the sound of running water.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday cooled to around zero.  And then, today, both the clocks and the weather jumped forward into spring.

Along with many other people -- young, old, families -- I sauntered down to the Rideau River to enjoy the fine afternoon.  On the way, I noticed the first shoots sprouting from the damp, warm earth.

The warm, southern air had brought with some new arrivals to the gardens along Somerset Street.

 

On the river, the ice had broken.

And the waterfowl abounded.

Mallard

Black duck

Mallard in flight

Goldeneye and two common mergansers

Common merganser (female)

Male goldeneye in flight

Wood duck

On the way home, I encountered another sun worshipper.

Here's the species list for today's outing: 

• Common crow
• Cardinal
• Starling
• House finch
• Pigeon
• Ring-billed gull
• Downy woodpecker
• Robin
• Cedar waxwing
• Canada goose
• Gray squirrel
• Mallard
• Common goldeneye
• Black duck
• Herring gull (juvenile)?
• Wood duck
• Hooded merganser (alas... no photo)
• Common merganser
• Black-capped chickadee
• Red-winged blackbird
• Red squirrel.