The Park is changing quickly at the moment. On several afternoons we have heard the green frogs calling back and forth, not the 'rivet, rivet' of the tree frogs that we normally associate with all frogs - probably thanks to Kermit - theirs is the sound of a broken banjo, a sort of 'thwang'. Exciting to hear them nonetheless.

After the earlier appearance of the damselflies, minute, flying, blue Q-tips, the dragonflies have now hatched. First came the blue ones, Darners, then the more sturdy-looking but less brightly coloured Skimmers and finally, the beautiful, red Cardinal Meadowhawks.

Along the Quaking and Bog-Forest trails, we are seeing Slime-Mold. It looks as though someone has spilt some molten plastic, which has then hardened into blobs. It is a reddish-orange colour, artificial and plastic looking. But scientists still debate whether this is plant or animal, it can move of its own accord.

Sundews are appearing in the Bog. This little plant is perfectly adapted to the harsh bog environment, trapping small insects for food.

Our reality show Robin is now brooding four eggs. The estimated time for hatching will be around 6th June.

On the East side of the Park, volunteers from Microsoft have built a length of boardwalk. And when we went to see it, we noticed flights of Spring Azures, tiny, luminous butterflies, the most breathtaking blue when they open their wings to fly.

Posted by Janis.

We have live nesting action, reality TV in the Nature House.

At the weekend, Rich put a webcam on a nest that was being built by an American Robin. Today we have watched the mamma bird sit in her nest and then shortly after lunch, she flew away but there was now an egg in the nest.

Posted by Janis

With Spring being a little shy this year, and reports of bee populations being down by 30% across the Province, we are pleased that our own colony is working well and breeding right now. I don't want to jinx that, so I'm touching wood whilst typing.

We also have a display of birdhouse designs from an architectural competition. They will soon be re-positioned around the Nature House and I must say, there are some interesting ideas. Drop by and have a look!

Posted by Janis.

  The East side of the Nature Park, the section accessible from Jacombs just off Westminster Highway is having a stretch of boardwalk built. A grant from the Evergreen Foundation has made this possible, but the City has also made a substantial committment to this.

Next week, a group of volunteers from Microsoft will be working on the project. It is going to make a big difference to this half-forgotten part of the Nature Park.