optimism May 28, 2026

 

In every which way, I like to look on the bright side!  At times being optimistic takes work yet worth it to get to that state of mind.  It can be a mind game getting to that state, that's a game I will always choose to play. The Yellow Warblers have migrated to the city in full force.  When I hear them and then see them, I can't help but smile. When googling to learn a little more about the Yellow Warbler, I found out they symbolize "bright optimism". 

On this morning, I ventured to Nose Creek at Confluence Park with hopes of seeing Yellow Warblers.  Once again I went early to beat the heat and was joined on the pathways by many others. Right at the get-go, I forgot I was also supposed to put lots of kilometres on my walking shoes. The chorus this morning was a distraction, a distraction I was happy to get caught up in. 

male House Finch

male Red-winged Blackbird

Common Grackle

Goldfinch

Grey Catbird

Barn Swallow

I was already in a state of being cheer-filled, 

when I saw the Yellow Warbler, my happiness was magnified! 

out of curiosity, this is a Chipping Sparrow, being curious

As I write this post, night is falling and we are still in the midst of a heat wave. It is due to be gone by the morning, being replaced with a rainfall and flood warning over the next few days. This was the earliest ever I arrived at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, once again to beat the heat. How early do I have to go to these parks to be the first these days! I joined many others already walking the trails.    

Family swims were in full swing!  I knew I would see Goslings yet I was optimistic I would see other ducklings of some sort.  These Canada Geese parents and their Goslings were looking for a grassy area, they swam towards where I was standing, so I snapped my shots then moved on to give them the space.

This female Mallard and her Ducklings were swimming in a very tight group. For the first time ever, I saw a male Mallard continuously grab at the Ducklings. I was not sure what that was all about so did some homework when I got home.  There are a few reasons the male was displaying that behaviour.   

The female Wood Duck was in the reeds with about eight Ducklings. I watched for awhile while she watched her babies swim about.  Every now and then one ventured out far enough that I could get a somewhat clear shot. 

The female Common Goldeneye and her Ducklings swam for quite a distance.  

The waterways are running fast and high and lagoons are full. Water was released from the local reservoir to make room for the rain, snow melt and water which will come from the mountain areas, which is also under a rainfall/flood warning, over the next few days.  I stood on the bridge and watched the Goslings and Parents navigate the area.  I have never seen so many Goslings all together. They came in all different sizes, how do they even know which Adult they belong to.  They kept coming and coming and coming.  Even though the video ends at sixteen seconds, the Goslings kept coming. 

the water running high and fast

the Lagoon is full

When I got home and looked at my photos, I thought about how will all these Babies whether the weather over the next few days. I am optimistic their Parents have been teaching them well and will take great care of them. The Babies:  Goldeneye Duckling, Mallard Duckling, Gosling, Wood Duck Duckling.