Hello blog friends! How are you doing? I hope all is well with you. In my March Wrap-Up post, I wrote about keeping a routine. This week I took a few cues from nature and mapped out a number of activities that made me smile and feel positive.
Family and Friends
Nature: Three sparrows stood on a wooden handrail and chirped almost non-stop to share their news. They were so busy “talking”, they let me take a group photo. Their brown feathers blend them well with their habitat.
Me: I made my round of phone calls and texts to touch base with my family and friends. Wished one of my dear friends a happy birthday. Sent an email to my friend in Finland. Had a fun virtual party with my extended family, and a good phone conversation with my cousin who lives in France to share updates. Also did hand clapping every evening at 7 PM to show my support for the essential health care professionals and front line workers.
Health
Nature: Two Canada geese and two ducks swam happily in the calm harbour. They are exercising or meditating while physical distancing, LOL.
Me: I did my daily meditation, three yoga sessions, and three workouts at home using my own body weight and a Theraband resistance band. Also did short walks outdoors by the lake when there was no one around, just the birds.
Leisure
Nature: A variety of spring flowers are showing up in different colours, shapes, and sizes. Each is pretty on their own. The skies change daily, from clear and sunny to clouds and short showers. Why not try different leisure activities?
Me: Nature is my endless source of art and inspiration for sure. What else did I do from home and all for free?
- Visited art exhibits at the Virtual Museum of Canada.
- Wrote one blog post to wrap up March.
- Read the thought-provoking Dear Life book by Alice Munro.
- Took daily French and Spanish lessons on Duolingo.
- Watched Charlie Chaplin’s comedic masterwork in The Gold Rush movie.
- Watched the amazing Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet The Nutcracker at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre (Russia’s most famous theatre).
- Watched an incredible Cirque du Soleil Premier show at CirqueConnect.
Trumpeter Swan Sightings
About ten days ago, when I was at the Toronto lakefront, I saw two Trumpeter swans flew by and heard their call to each other. This week I got to see them up close in the marina, right under my feet. Their black bills distinguish them from other species. I saw the tags, P24 and T63, on their wings.
The bright yellow numbered wing tags mean the Trumpeters are from Ontario. They are tagged by volunteers, often when on their winter feeding grounds. The two swans lingered near me for a while then swam away gracefully.
Did you know that the Trumpeter swan is North America’s largest wild waterfowl and that it was almost driven to extinction early in the 20th century? The All About Birds web site gives an excellent overview of Trumpeter swan and clear audio of their unique sound.
Biologist Harry Lumsden began a provincial reintroduction program in the early 1980’s to re-establish the Trumpeter swan population in Ontario. With a lot of staff and volunteer efforts, the restoration of the Trumpeter swan in its former habitat and range has yielded good results.
I consider myself fortunate to be so close to these magnificent birds and to spend a few moments captivated by the sights and sounds of a pair of Trumpeter swans. They made me smile and gave my week a nice ending.
How did your week go? What wildlife have you seen recently? I’d love to hear your comments.
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Natalie the Explorer 
A very inspiring post, Natalie, as it reminds us that life is still beautiful even in the midst of a global pandemic. I will bring my camera with me this morning on our walk to the beach, and look for interesting scenes to capture. Wonderful idea!
I’m likewise motivated to stretch my cooking hand a bit now that stores are once again fairly well stocked. I did make sundried tomatoes for the first time last week, in an effort to not let some close-to-spoiling tomatoes go to waste, and they turned out delicious!
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Congrats, Tamara, on your successful first try to make sundried tomatoes. It’s satisfying to make something delicious out of fresh produce and have no food waste, isn’t it? Enjoy your walk to the beach. I look forward to seeing your photos.
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Nice post. Nature goes on quite well (maybe better) without us, right? It’s nice to see the change of seasons. I understand why they tag those beautiful birds but I kind of wish they didn’t have to make them so obvious. Happy spring, Natalie!
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Yes, nature continues. It’s remarkable how quick things grow and transform in spring. The tags were helpful when I saw the trumpeter swans from afar. This pair is hanging around the Toronto harbour. I called them by their ID now. Happy spring to you, too, Janis!
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I am surprised at the size of the swan’s tags. They look as large as the ones I used when i raised cattle. Anyway, a nice post with great photos. Thanks for sharing.
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The big and bright tags help with easy identification when the trumpeter swans are way out in the lake. Thank you, Maj and Sher, for stopping by. Hope you’re well.
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Hi Natalie, I love how creative you are with this post. A wonderful idea! I am always touched by the 7pm hand clapping and genuine acknowledgement. The geese and ducks physical distancing made me smile. I have read and greatly enjoyed all of Alice Munro’s books. You might know, she used to live in Victoria. I learned something new about the Trumpeter Swans.
We are fortunate we live near a rural area and have access to open spaces for walks. I always greatly enjoy your posts, Natalie. Enjoy this Easter weekend. Take care.
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Thank you, Erica/ Erika, for your kind comment about my creativity. I hope you and your family are all well. Alice Munro’s writing is a gift to the world. Having open spaces for walks is so wonderful during these challenging times. I’m grateful I can walk to the waterfront. Take care and have a nice weekend!
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The swans are very beautiful. Nature continue amaze us even in the midst of craziness. Thank you for this positive post.
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I’m glad to share a positive post with you. Thank you, Maria, for stopping by.
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Very cool to see the trumpeters. When I was a kid we used to vacation in a place that had a nest – we were in canoes, so they’d let us come pretty close. These days I see far too many mute swans. They are beautiful, and here on the east Coast not too bad, but I know they have been part of the force driving the trumpeters out of some areas. Glad that you got to see a bit of nature 🙂
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It was wonderful to see and hear the trumpeter swans in the last couple of weeks. They have wide wing span and can fly quite a distance. Thank you, Trent, for stopping by.
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Great choice for the Weekly Smile 🙂 Life and Trumpeter Swans.
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Thank you for hosting Trent. Have a great week!
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Seems like you have created a perfect routine to keep you mentally healthy during this time.
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Yes, I think I have. Hope you’re doing well and enjoying the holiday weekend. Thank you, Colline, for stopping by.
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Just lovely. There do seem to be more birds now that the planes have mostly stopped – or maybe I just hear them now? #Lifethisweek (and good for you on 2 languages! I keep meaning to but not! Though i have taught myself to hula hoop…as you do.
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Hula hoop is fun and gives you a good workout. The birds are very active here at this time of the year. I do the two languages that have similarities to challenge my brain a bit more.
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Good for you! #MLSTL
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Taking cues from nature is such a wise thing to do.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Wishing you and your family continued health and happiness.
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Thank you, Donna. I hope you and your family are all well and in good spirits.
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I love how the swans are making a comeback – such a beautiful bird. Loving how this weeks post is reflecting nature in all its wonder.
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The trumpeter swans are very big IRL but they swim so gracefully. I saw them again today and got some photos when they opened up their wings. I hope to see their offspring by June.
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I was wondering about the yellow tags!
I love that you’re finding ways to keep things ‘normal’. I’ve got to visit my mother but we had a Facetime and Zoom call with my sibling, his wife and my niece as well. And I’m chatting to people online more than I used to!
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Staying connected helps during these unsettling times. I’m sure your mom appreciates your visit and your sibling and his family appreciate your calls.
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Such a lovely way to share nature in your words and photos Natalie. We’re noticing lots of birds around at the moment. I’m enjoying daily exercises and chats with my mum and sister, we all live thousands of kilometres away so it’s a nice way to stay in touch. I’m also messaging people more than before and staying in touch turns out to be fun with lots of apps and ways to do it. I’m also enjoying bike rides on our new rail trail, keeping my distance from others of course. #lifethisweek
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Deb, I’m glad to hear you’re making the most out of the current situation. Your new rail trail opening is very timely. We’re fortunate to have easy access to technology and the internet. Thank you for stopping by.
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Those swans look majestic. And they have even been tagged which is a sign to me that they are rare.
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Thank you, Frank, for your comment. I was pleased to see the rare trumpeter swans and to hear their sounds. When they open their wings and fly, they look amazing.
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Glad to read you are keeping busy, Natalie. Getting out in nature is good for the soul, especially these days. There is a lake near our house that is a meeting place for snow geese and tundra swans on their way north every spring. Hundreds of thousands of the geese and tens of thousands of the swans congregate there every February and March. I got to see them again this year. Just beautiful!
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Thank you, Laurie, for your comment. It’s wonderful that you can see so many snow geese and tundra swans every year. The trumpeter swan was driven almost to extinction so even with years of restoration, their number in Ontario is still small.
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These pictures are absolutely lovely, thanks for sharing 💖💖
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Thank you, Saania, for your comment. Glad you liked my photos. Hope you’re staying well. I guess your school work is now online?
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My pleasure, Natalie. I am well, how are you? Yes, online school!
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I’m well, thanks. I hope you enjoy your online study.
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Life still sounds busy, Natalie. I admire the self-discipline. I try to make progress with Portuguese but haven’t found a consistent routine yet. It’s a case of commitment, isn’t it? I’d far rather be outdoors, walking or enjoying nature. Your swans are beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing them 🙂 🙂
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Being outdoors and walking in nature is truly wonderful, Jo. I spend about 30 minutes per day to do the language lessons so not too much of a time commitment, mainly the self-discipline like you said. It’s my way to exercise my brain muscles 🙂
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Hi Natalie, I love how you have incorporated nature and what you have been doing during isolation. I’m finding that daily walks by the ocean and just enjoying the beauty of the sun, sand and surf is helping to keep me positive. Thanks so much for sharing at #MLSTL and I will be sharing on SM. Take care xx
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Hi Sue – You’ve chosen a fabulous location to live. Daily walks by the ocean are wonderful for our mind, body and spirit. Thank you for hosting MLSTL. Have a beautiful week!
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So very beautiful. The amazing thing is that nature just keeps on going. #MLSTL.
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Yes, nature continues and that gives us strength to continue. Thank you, Patrick, for stopping by. Hope you’re safe and well.
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Lovely post and gorgeous pictures of the beautiful birds!
I’m so happy that you joined us over at at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
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Glad you liked my bird photos. Thank you, Betty, for hosting MCoW. Have a beautiful week!
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I did enjoy reading about your birds. Always good to learn as we go along isn’t it? The spring flowers are great. About to plant a few bulbs in some pots here to see what they do in the spring.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt is 16/51 I Heard 20.4.2020 …hope to see you there too. Denyse.
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Yes, learning new things is good and fun. Thank you, Denyse, for hosting LTW. Stay safe and well.
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The swans are beautiful! Isn’t nature amazing!?
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Nature is always amazing. Glad you liked the swans. Thank you, Veronica, for stopping by. Be well!
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Hi Natalie – I love how you’ve managed to find interesting and engaging stuff to do while you’ve been isolating. Also enjoyed the bird pics – we only have black swans in Western Australia – my mum always comments on the white ones when she travels.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
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Hi Leanne – Watching what’s going on in nature is fun and interesting, much better for my mind than the grim news. Thank you for hosting MLSTL and sharing. Have a beautiful week!
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We have swans that meet in our area every fall, I find it interesting that you see them in the spring. They are so beautiful. Visiting from MSTL.
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Thank you, Amy, for your comment. These trumpeter swans are beautiful IRL. I’ve been looking for them every time I go out for a walk.
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Hi Natalie, Shared this post on FB and appreciate the beautiful nature shots and your insights into how to stay positive during this challenging time. Visiting from #MLSTL. Be safe, stay well, and keep on blogging.
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Thank you, Nancy, for your kind comment. Nature is our amazing teacher. Hope you’re safe and stay well, too.
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I love swans but I have heard stories that they are pests. I have no idea as I don’t see any near my home.
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Thank you, Christine, for you visit and comment. The trumpeter swans have black bills. They’re not the same species as the mute swans that have orange bills. The trumpeter swan was driven to near extinction and with the restoration program in Ontario, their number has improved but still not as popular as the mute swans.
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Ok, silly question maybe…are Mute swans really mute?
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No, they make sounds and are more aggressive than the trumpeter swans. The All About Birds web site gives good overviews and sounds of the different swan species (and other birds).
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Thanks!
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We have definitely had more wild life in our garden with the lack of traffic. I managed to photograph a fox last week. We have had goldfinches this week but they are too quick for me.
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Goldfinches are lovely and a fox is a rare sighting (for me). Thank you, Anne, for stopping by. I hope you’re staying safe and healthy.
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Love this post and how you gave us a nature and a Natalie update! I see you have been keeping very busy and how beautiful are those swans. When I’m outside, with the birds singing and the sun shining, it’s hard to believe what’s going on in the world right now. Mother Nature never disappoints, does she?
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Thank you, Sammie, for your comment. Mother Nature is a great teacher and transformer. Enjoy your walks with Teddy and stay safe.
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Those trumpeter swans are beautiful Natalie, and you are amazing with your positivity – still producing a post showing a well balanced effort for the month on all fronts. Take care and stay safe. xo
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Thank you, Min, for your kind comment. I feel grateful that I’ve only had to make minor adjustments to carry on, compared to many others who have had their lives upended due to the pandemic. You take care and stay safe, too.
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I didn’t know trumpeter swans had black beaks. I guess I thought all swans were the same. Thanks for the information! And boy, you got a lot done this week. Lovely photos too!
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Yes, trumpeter swans have black bills and they make nicer sounds than the other swan species. Hope you’re doing well. I stay focus and tackle one thing at a time. So far so good. Thank you for stopping by.
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This is the first time I’ve ever heard of a Trumpeter Swan. I love that I’ve just learned something new. 🙂
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Glad to share something new to you with you 🙂
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Natalie, how wonderful that you saw Trumpeter Swans. I remember learning as a child in school that they were near extinction. I’m happy to learn that they are gradually making a come back. I’m sure a lot of people have worked very hard to track and protect them in order for this to happen.
Jude
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Hi Jude, I’m happy to see the Trumpeter swans, too. There is an organization in Ontario that keeps track of the trumpeter swan population. This pair seems to hang around the marina. I’ve seen them several times now. If they nest, I hope to see their babies in May-June.
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