June 2017

Ping and Pong, the loon chicks, are now five days old. They have been discovering their tiny wings! All is well with the loon family. Mother and Father Loon are providing the best of care to darling Ping and Pong. These images are sure to bring a smile!

To describe a rainy, dreary day as a beautiful day does not seem quite right, but actually, the lake and hills in shades of gray can be absolutely stunning! Lovely, old-fashioned Weigela is in bloom, branches drooping under the weight of hundreds of trumpet-like flowers. And hasn’t it been a wonderful spring for Iris? The flowers glow, even in the rain, and transform raindrops from clear to purple-blue.

The loon family certainly had their challenges today! They were attacked at least twice by another male who is intent on defeating Father Loon and taking over his territory.The intruder actually came into the “swimming pool” area protected by the buoy lines before he was driven away. But most of the day was very peaceful.

There has been much excitement on the loon raft in Turtle Cove! Late last night the first chick entered the world of Pleasant Lake! The Esten Family has the honor of naming the chicks this year and the first chick is to be named “Ping!"

The Rosa Rugosa are in bloom! Their scent carries us to the sea, reminding us of billowing dunes and seagulls calling. But how is it that a tiny chipmunk can be hiding among the prickly branches? Two baby robins came to visit this week. Mother and Father Robin brought them to the front lawn and gave worming lessons...

The loon’s cradle rocks contentedly in the cove, singing a lullaby to the two little chicks growing inside the smooth speckled shells. Sometimes the loons find themselves lulled to sleep. Precious moments...too precious to miss, and never the same ever again...

Thank goodness that there have been rainbows this week, to smile the clouds away! So much rain, and every brook and stream filled to capacity. Even the ducks are talking about it! Lilacs, rhododendrons, and the last of the tulips...drenched and droopy as one rainy day turns into another...