A beautiful day for a walk in the park.  - Friday May 19, 2017.
 
Swan Lake Village area, Markham, Ontario.
 


Great News with pictures pictures of Juliet sitting on nine eggs in her nest.


Swan Lake Park - Apr 26, 2017

 
 
Romeo racing to the swan feeding station for dinner.
 


 
 
Male House Finch poses for a picture in a tree near the east pond.
 


 
 
The female was staying close to her mate on a nearby branch.
 


 
 
Close up of Romeo's head showing a more detailed view of his beautiful feathers and face.
 



Swan Lake Park - May 3, 2017

 
 
 


 
 
Canada Goose coming in for a landing on the lake.
 


 
 
First time in quite a while that I've seen turtles in the east pond.
 


 
 
Very young Black-capped chickadee. Almost identical to the adult but it's tale is extremely short at this stage in it's life. The nestlings phase is only about two weeks and then they are flying to look for food.
 


 
 
 



Swan Lake Park - May 7, 2017

 
 
It is very difficult to shoot a picture of a Swallow in flight over the lake. They are small, move very fast, change direction often. Not a great picture but the best i've gotten in years of trying to capture one in flight.
 


 
 
Lots of turtles can be seen from the the bridge over turtle inlet at the far west end of the park.
 


 
 
 



Swan Lake Park - May 17, 2017

 
 
Cindy took this picture at the Swan Feeding Station. Romeo is having dinner and keeping an eye on Cindy.
 


 
 
A few Mallard Ducks were waiting on the shore beside the feeder. Hoping for left-overs when Romeo leaves.
 



Swan Lake Village - May 15, 2017

 
 
Beautiful flower in a Neighbours garden.
 



Swan Lake Park - May 17, 2017

 
 
Romeo has claimed the landing area for himself and has just chased David B. back towards the path.
 


 
 
Herring Gull diving down towards the lake.
 



Swan Lake Park - May 18, 2017

 
 
The day was very windy and the birds did not want to fly if they could avoid it. So as I walked by the landing intead of flying off he hopped up onto one of the benches and stayed perfectly still in this pose.
Great opportunity for a close up shot.
 



Swan Lake Park - May 19, 2017

 
 
On the way to check up on Juliet and the Eggs
Romeo tries to force us back to land as we row over towards the nesting area.
 


 
 
Juliet was very protective of the eggs but kindly stood up to let us count them. She made sure that we did not leave the boat or come any closer to the nest.
 


 
 
Close up of the 9 eggs she has been sitting on for the last few weeks.
Not sure when they are going to hatch but likely sometime in the next two weeks.
 


 
 
Juliet says that's enough and sits back on the nest. Time for us to leave.
 


 
 
Doc Sal and the Mighty Blinn crewed the boat and counted the eggs. David Huntley secured our landing area and helped us to get back on land.
 


 
 
I haven't seen one of these in a long time. it was on the grass by the East Pond. Like many Canadians this bird comes back to Canada in the spring and leaves for Florida and Mexico when fall arrives.
 

Link to list of all "A beautiful day for a walk in the park." 

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Email: Donald Fowler (fowler@bluenose.ca)