In lieu of beavers

"Let's go check on the beavers," Laurie said. It was raining and miserable in Strathcona, so we cancelled our plans for the afternoon and went home to Delta, and down to Cougar Creek to see how the beaver were doing.

We didn't see them, as usual. They've rebuilt three dams, and something was swimming about underwater, blowing bubbles; an otter or two, or a beaver. We never saw anything break the surface.

But there were ducks, and new spring growth, and reflections on the water; we weren't disappointed.

Reflections of trees in duck-disturbed water

Wigeon and squiggles

Male hooded merganser, between dives.

His mate, far in the distance

Mallard pair, on mirror-like water

Indian plum, just starting to bloom

I love how these early salmon berry blossoms start out all crinkly.

Laurie just had to take this view of a wild rose tangle; stems and thorns. Wicked thorns.

Robin hunting for worms in the grass.

Blogger has been uncooperative tonight; it wouldn't load any of my photos, nor would they upload to Picasa for Blogger's use. I linked these from Flickr, but over Blogger's protests. If they're not showing up, let me know in the comments. Thanks!