Peony

Beautiful Peony that was growing at Reader Rock Garden on 7th July 2010.

I believe today was the first full day that I've had out in a long, long time - the sun actually came out today. This was so well timed, as a few of us did the May Species Count all morning at Votier's Flats, and then just three of us spent all afternoon at Bebo Grove, both in Fish Creek Park. Just had time to dash home for lunch in between and post my photos to Flickr : ) Now I can barely move and can hardly keep my eyes open, lol! Tomorrow, some of us are doing a second day of the May Species Count, this time spending a long day south of the city, recording all birds, plants, insects, etc. that we happen to come across. It is more of a driving day, thank goodness, with various stops. Actually, this morning's walk started at 8:00 a.m. with the sighting of a Turkey Vulture, of all things, flying high over the trees at Votier's Flats! It is so rare to see this species and a thrill when it does happen. Three Cormorants also flying high overhead, a spider guarding her eggs and even a rather strange looking Morel mushroom. So, a very varied day : ) After our days of heavy rain, many parts of Fish Creek Park are flooded and the small creek has become a raging river! Parts of the park have been closed off. Quite spectacular and quite horrifying to see the power of water, though at only a fraction of the strength as was seen in other parts of the country. Apparently, 51 species of bird were seen between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. this morning.