opportunistic windows

When the weather outside was frightful, I took a watercolour lesson on washes.  It was a good way to pass time until the weather window opened presenting an enjoyable opportunity to be "out & about". The wash includes the blue, brown and green. Small amounts of very wet paint are strategically dropped on wet paper.  While wet, you move the paper all around and up and down so the colours spread and blend.  I got what I hoped for after it dried, a scene that looks like a sky, mountains and a meadow.  Then my mind wandered and instead of creating a mountainous scene, I went with where my mind wandered to, a view of a girl in a flower field admiring tulips!  

With the weather window now beautifully opened, I aimed for Creekside and Hanson Ranch to check for Mountain Bluebirds and crocuses.  It had snowed heavily the day prior and it was still cold on this morning but I could not pass the opportunity to be outside under a blue sky.  From the top of the ridge, I had a view across to Nose Hill in the middle background and a snow-covered golf course below me.  

I did find a few crocuses, but this was the only healthy one.

It was in a spot where the sun shines.

A yawning coyote!

One of two that were digging in the snow for snacks. 

I saw no Mountain Bluebirds but I did see this Black-necked Stilt!  

I waited for another lovely day where the weather window opened once again after being shut for a couple of days.  I read where there were opportunities to see new arrivals at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. I spent a couple of hours strolling the area, the scenery was beautiful and filled with birds songs yet I heard no new songs.  

The Wood Ducks continue to increase in numbers.  This male sat on the snow at the edge of the water watching the ladies swim by, no doubt with hopes of an opportunity to do a little dance to make an impression.   

The male and female Mallards jumped from the water to the snow and strolled across to the grassy area. No doubt they were scouting out a place that may be perfect to build a new home for when the time comes to lay eggs. 

This Robin found a small spot in the water where the sun shone down on.  

It was a good opportunity to splish splash take a bath. 

Here we go, the Canada Geese couple are once again perched on the bridge railing! 

On another day when it was better to be inside rather than wandering "out & about", I went to a local book store to stroll.  This book jumped out at me, I knew I had to have it not even knowing what it was all about.  It has to be OK if it is a bestseller.  In a few days I will have lots of downtime.  I will take that window of opportunity to delve into my new book!