My City's Hidden Treasure

Right off the main highway going through my town is the most wonderful island. Yes, we have our own island and it's a true treasure. Not more than 20 feet behind me is the highway with cars zooming by. But as soon as you cross this bridge, you are alone with nature.

If you click, you can read this sign which shows the different areas of the island.



Late this afternoon DH and I took a walk around the nearly one-mile perimeter of the island. We were in search of nesting swans (mute swans).
In less than five minutes we found one. I was so excited! I have never seen a nesting swan before.


See her sitting there? Right behind her is the highway and our hospital.
Here's a close up.

Isn't she beautiful?

We continued walking around to the back of the island. There are walking trails all through the island.



Certain places even have stairs taking you right down to the water.



We saw 5 or 6 nesting swans. Some of them were way out on other tiny islands...too far to get pictures.

Here's another lady waiting patiently for her eggs to hatch (I believe it's about a 35-day incubation period).



while her Mr. is out guarding the nest. He was chasing off a goose who was swimming too closely by.




It was a beautiful walk because it's been too cold for the mosquitos. We will have to fight off the pesky bugs when we go back to see the cygnets. Did you know a baby swan is called a cygnet?

I will most certainly post pictures when the little bundles of joy arrive.