JUNIORS IN THE RED

 We stayed in the city for last weekend's Victoria Day holiday. After two years of restrictions the crowds are returning for harbour tours, Beaver Tails (look it up!), and boats almost too big for their bridges.

The fun event was the "Junior" at Harbourfront Centre. Fun for families in 26 tents and shows. Toronto's diversity showcased bigtime. Bollywood got everyone up and posing. Our hips still hurt!

Rare and unfamiliar guitar-like instruments. Do you know what these are?

Colourful and proud native peoples' spirit circle drew us in. Then Afro-Caribbean-Canadian air-o-batics kept us spellbound. Not one fall or bruise!

Back at The View we picked it and nailed it!

It looks like Red Season up here. Rhubarb, strawberries, the last tulip.

And more. Red maple, smoke bush, Japanese maple, and 50 shades of reddish.

But the blossoms and petals have had their days. Like the weather, a change is coming in the city...

SOMETHING FISHY GOING ON

 It's the Victoria Day long weekend, supposedly the unofficial start of summer with cottages, boats and fireworks. Our fireworks are at dawn when sunset lights up all directions. The pond comes alive --- how many frogs are dancing on the head of this pin?

Tulips and other bulbs have had their show. Now comes the next spring wave with peonies, lilac, and redbud. Are they early this year --- or late compared to your zone?

Mayday harvest is the yummy fresh asparagus almost every day. For later in the season, in go the tomatoes and lettuce. Chef salad coming up!

Also out there in May is the traditional free pile. Lumber goes fast, tires not so much. In the pond, a pile of free floaters ---- water hyacinth that provide oxygen and shade.

The storm that caused death and damage in southern Ontario formed over us but passed by. Creepy. We had the full "blood" moon ---- is that why the bats literally spread out?

Hope springs eternal. Not one fish survived the last winter in the pond. But another May ritual ---- the stocking of a couple dozen orange and browns. They're called "feeder" fish"---- I hope not!

PEAK BEAK ++

Every year there's a wave of birds arriving up here. Peak Beak 2022 was Tuesday when an unbelievable parade of exotics, first-evers and the usual others showed up like long-lost friends and neighbours. Birds galore this week... First indigo bunting, first scarlet tanager (more than one!)

Seasonal yard work on schedule up top.  

Shipping season also on. One biggie in the harbour, one being pushed out full of grain.

Birds get a lot of attention. We feed 'em and look for 'em. Sheets are hung so they won't fly into the glass. But some like this phoebe still glance off and need TLC to recover.

More birds. These are regulars and all-seasonals:

Meanwhile from the ground it's time for fiddle heads and other wonders emerging. 

Oh, the fox is back on patrol but she seems a bit thin. Presumably she gave birth and needs some nourishment herself. And finally a raccoon sighting, in the early morning gloom.

More beaks that have musical speak:

The sky has been as changeable as the weather. Fog bubble!

More birds to finish up. These are some colourful favourites: