The caressing sun is whispering promises to melt the snow by the end of the day.

Two years ago I spent Earth Day planting some trees. This year I’m still looking at the melting snow. And it will melt soon, as the Mother Nature was very generous with us this weekend (after last weekend lashes of freezing rain, snow, ice pellets and strong wind). But the nature is always recovering, and we along with her.

I invite you today for a walk in the park.

Nestled along the Credit River, Riverwood Conservancy is a 150 acres park with many trails, plenty wildlife, and glorious views.

Habitat to more than 475 species of animals and plants, including over 150 species of birds, the park is also known to fishermen for the historic Credit River, where salmon and trout swim up the river in certain season.

Riverwood is a nice example of how a large park with wildlife can co-exist with the sixth most populous municipality in Canada.

Squirrel eating birds food

Hairy woodpecker

Wood duck – a new species in the neighbourhood

Coopers hawk

A walk in the park is always relaxing me, and no matter which trail I take, cheerful birds follow me everywhere. Birding is a recent hobby I got, after last summer spent in the Kawartha Lakes area, and last fall in Cuba.

The trails are shared by walkers, joggers, or bikers. And of course by enthusiast birdwatchers like me.

White-breasted nuthatch

American robin

Squirrels never shy away from eating bird food

Canada geese coming our from the hidden nest

A pair of ground doves hurrying away from the main trail

Mallard duck

A little sparrow at the river

Even though springtime might be late this year, the bird’s songs are enchanting our senses. Some of them are shy, but some of them are daring, coming to eat the seeds from my hand.

Happy Earth Day my friends!