Happy May Day, mates. Wilson here and as always I’m joining our pals from Adventures of the LLB Gang for this week’s Nature Friday blog hop where participants share slices of nature. Be sure to click on the link to see what they and other have posted. As I noted above, today is May Day where traditionally we celebrate the return of spring. May Day, like other early holidays that originated from ancient times, has its emphasis in celebrating the arrival of spring, the season of renewal. Festivities were filled with song and dance with doorways and livestock decorated with yellow May flowers. Historically, children would hold on to colorful ribbons, and dance around a maypole which symbolized fertility and the renewal of life. People would “bring in the May” by gathering wildflowers and green branches, and weave floral hoops and hair garlands. I told Mum there would be no ‘decorating’ my glorious floofness after she saw a wide swatch of pepperweed which has sprouted near the Ralston Creek trailhead. Thankfully she didn’t argue with me.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, May Day has its roots in astronomy since it’s the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It was one of the Celtic cross-quarter days, which marked the midway points between the (four) solstices and equinoxes of the year. Since we don’t have a maypole, we’ll just celebrate by admiring flowers in bloom that we pass on our walks. Mum hasn’t planted anything yet because the risk of frost is still possible but her naturalized Bachelors Buttons are full of buds ready to display their bright cornflower blue flowers soon.
The Mum: Good morning, House Pony…Happy May Day, buddy. After a couple of cloudy days that had a few sprinkles but mostly soft misty conditions, we woke up to clear blue skies but cool temps.
Wilson: Did you encounter rain yesterday when you traveled to Pueblo with your brother to see Grandpa?
The Mum: We did encounter some rain, but nothing too heavy mind you, but every drop was welcomed up and down the Front Range. What I wasn’t expecting was seeing a little bit of white stuff at my brother’s house with more on Monument Hill between Denver and Colorado Springs. It didn’t last long.
Wilson: I was glad I stayed home with your son, even though he keeps accusing me of snoring loudly. I. Do. Not. Snore. I rest peacefully. You know that, but why he keeps telling you I snore is beyond me.
The Mum: I think he just likes to tease you. And even if you do/did snore, so what…you’re snug as a bug snoozing comfortably and that’s all that matters.
Wilson: So we didn’t take a lot of photos this week but we did capture a few photos of some ducks. That was pretty exciting since I know you’d never seen Wood Ducks in person before. The males are really colorful but they are very shy and didn’t seem to want to get to know me very much so I was left out of the photo shoot.
The Mum: I am totally fascinated with Wood Ducks. The colorful males don’t seem real. We still haven’t seen any babies yet but hope they’ll be showing up soon. The males have stunning multi-colored iridescent plumage and red eyes, with a distinctive white flare down the neck. The female are less colorful with a white eye-ring. Both males and females have crested heads. Like other ducks, they do not mate for life but tend to stay seasonally monogamous. I could have watched them for hours but they were very nervous with my presence so after taking a ton of photos, I slipped away and let them feed and swim in the shallow canal.
Wilson: I just don’t understand why ducks don’t like me. Even the Mallards are skittish whenever I’m around.
The Mum: I’m sure they view us both as predators. After all, there are hawks, coyotes and bobcats who make their home along the trail. Don’t take it personally. I had to sneak up on this Mallard and he kept turning away from me keeping a nervous side eye on me. I only managed to capture a couple of pics and they were fairly similar so I only included this one in a sunny spot along the creek.
Wilson: Even though the mornings are still cool (in the mid-30’sF 1.66C) we should reach 60F (15.55C) today and are expected to stay sunny all day. The weekend forecast should be dry with perfect temps for celebrating May Day, as well as watching the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby and seeing local Cinco de Mayo festivities. So this weekend will showcase lots of fun. What will you celebrate this weekend? Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy and take opportunities to get out in Mother Nature.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Oona: “Wilson, you have excellent camouflage when sleeping in your bed. LIKE A NINJA. Oona approves!”
Haha. There was only one ninja here and she’s got angel wings now. He does do a nice job at camouflaging though, doesn’t he?
Ducks are very wary. They not only have to look out for the predators, but around here, they have to watch out for the Canadian geese which no longer migrate but just stay here all year. They tend to drive all the ducks away which makes us sad.
These are beautiful and I am so glad you posted them.
Thank you! Wood ducks are quite stunning. We saw a pair again yesterday morning. I was over the moon. They were watchful but didn’t seem quite as nervous. They are quite mesmerizing to watch as they paddle through the water. Our Canadian geese stay here year round too. Cheeky buggers and so aggressive. I love finding all these critters and look forward to sharing them here.
We hope you have a terrific weekend!
Mew mew mew Wislon you look so cozy an comfy inn yore bed!!!! As if you snorezzzzzzzzzzzz….
Those Wood Dusckss are furry purrty. Wee miss seein Mistur an Missus D. Duck who used to come heer. So wee enjoyin yore Duckiess!
Miss Monika this mornin as Mistu R was drivin East to Alora Bay; hee saw snow flutterss an had sum hail!!!! Fore REEL! Today iss only 44 F an North west wind…two chilley yo sit out again **sighss**
Have a grate weekend there!
***nose bopsss*** BellaDharma an ((hugss)) BellaSita Mum
Thank you, BellaDharma and BellaSita. Now that I’ve seen them in person, I’m a huge fan of Wood Ducks. They are soooo colorful.
We’re used to seeing snowflakes until May-if it does snow, it never lasts for long. We’re hoping some moisture falls on Tuesday, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Hola Wilson. You look bright eyed after your (silent) nap. The photos are beautiful. I don’t get to see many ducks around here. I need to visit the canal to find them, so I appreciate the photos. Sorry to say that we are experiencing a steady rain today and temps on the cool side. I hope you guys get the much needed moisture. I read something about some scientists talking about cloud seeding. I love scientific things, but I’m always leery of messing with Mother Nature.
I hope you guys have a good weekend, your horse wins and the limes are fresh.
Thank you, mate. When my Mum was a wee lass, they cloud seeded at least one year where she grew up. It was pretty effective and they’d get a shower pretty much like clockwork every afternoon. She said it probably coincided with the summer monsoon season but it helped. Wish they’d try it again now. Colorado has always needed water (at least along the Front Range) but we have so many more people now and reservoirs are being taxed. Today is a crystal blue sky kind of day with upper 60’sF temperature wise-so pretty much perfect if you don’t count the fact that we’re way below in moisture. There’s talk that we may get some Tuesday so we’ve got our paws crossed. Have a good weekend
Your fur-iend,
Wilson 🐾
I hope you guys get the relief you need.
Thanks, Dan. Appreciate the good wishes.
So lovely to see the wood ducks sweet Wilson and we wish you and your mum a very happy Spring weekend too 🤗💚🐾 xxx
Thanks, Xenia. It was such a treat for me! Hope you have a pawsitively wonderful weekend!
Love that fake bear on the rocks overlooking the pond with the ducks! You look good with the Mexican hat. Have a fun weekend!
Thank you. The bear is perfect for that pond. The ducks are the most realistic decoys I’ve ever seen. We hope your weekend is filled with all good things!
Oh, Wilson, you look marvellous with your sombrero and we loved to see the duckies. We don’t have these kind of duckies here, wished we had, because yours are so colorful. Peachy snores too, he’s like Grandpaw. Sometimes we have a full ochestra here in our house…MOL…Double Pawkisses for a wonderful weekend to the both of you🐾😘💞
Many thanks, guys. We just came in from the morning potty break and those ducks were floating around the canal again. It was so exciting to see them again! Wishing you all a lovely weekend that’s hopefully a quiet one with no loud orchestra concerts. 😂
That small pond with the wooden bear looks beautiful
Thank you. My brother designed that spot…it’s such a wonderfully peaceful place…especially when his Chesapeake Bay retriever is jumping in it! It’s such fun watching him enjoy it. 🤣 Have a great weekend!
Beautiful photos. You look great in your sombrero. Have a nice weekend. XO
Why thank you, Ellen. Wilson is such a good sport to wear hats for me. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. I always laugh at him and he just looks at me as if to say, “What?”. 😂 We hope you and the kitties have a wonderful weekend.
Those are all wonderful photos Wilson, love your hat too and the duckies!!! Have a fun weekend!!!
Thanks Terry. Glad you like this week’s slices of nature. Wilson was a good egg posing with that sombrero. Just goes to show he’ll do just about anything for a treat! Have a super pawsome weekend.
I’m thankful right now to feel like we’ve got someone important coming to the house! The neighbor boys did a great job mowing and edging the grass as well as cleaning off the gutter guards around the house. And Jeff hired 2 professional house cleaners to do a deep clean today! Yay!
I just saw a wood duck on LLB (Rosy and Sunny) site. I had to ask if it was just a wooden duck or if that was the species. Now I know, They sure don’t look real!
Tomorrow we have another dance with a big band at the American Legion and I’m looking forward to that. Your weekend sound fun and full!
Those wood ducks looked fake. I’ve never seen more colorful ducks! Glad you guys are getting things ready for someone special. Even if it’s for yourself. Feels good getting those projects completed doesn’t it? Have a furbulous weekend!
Love the duck pictures. We got close to 3 inches of rain this week. We are in a drought so it was much appreciated! Everything is green.
You’re so fortunate to have received that much rain. Good for you. I’m hoping we our forecast for moisture over the next 5 days is true. 🤞🏼
Wood ducks are incredibly beautiful. It’s like they’re the Picasso of ducks! Have a great weekend, Kate!
I’m looking forward to the Derby. Since we moved from San Antonio in 2012, Cinco de Mayo is not a holiday we celebrate. I hope you have a fun weekend, Monika.
Enjoy the run for the roses, John. Because of a high Hispanic population, Cinco de Mayo is kind of a big deal here wth a festival and parade. I don’t celebrate it but know there’ll be lots of folks there. May mint julips be a part of a good weekend!
WOW – snow? White stuff? We’ve had some WET stuff but not “the S word”! Anyway, want to say I’ve always thought male Wood Ducks were gorgeous. Those colors – like they were painted on. Wilson looks adorbs in that hat!!!
Hugs, Pam (and Teddy)
We can easily have snow into May. That skiff at my brother’s house was hardly anything to shout about-he’s at a higher elevation that we are-we just received a few showers. And it was just a skiff that was gone quickly. Monument pass received a few inches but they’re even higher up.
I have always wanted to see a male wood duck in person and was thrilled to find the pair. They are sooo striking! Enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Wow, you sure did see snow!! We might get frost tonight, too. Brrr, hey weather, it’s May, don’t you know??
Our local pet shop is having a Cinco de Mayo event on the 9th…Hmmm, but for some reason they are calling it Cinco de meow! Sheesh!
Those wood ducks, what a treat!
Happy May Day!
Cinco de meow! Ha…that’s very clever. Love it. I was blown away at my good fortune to see that pair of wood ducks. What a treat! Enjoy a wonderful weekend!
Woo! Spring feels like it has really sprung (finally) on this lovely first day of May! Love the ducks! And, oh, Wilson, you look adorable in. your Cinco de Mayo sombrero! Hope you get lots of yummy treats!
It definitely feels like spring…complete with a touch of snow to make it feel real. 😊 Have a splendid weekend enjoying the season!
Happy May Day! I am fascinated by wood ducks, too. Have only been able to capture them once or twice so I totally get your excitement.
Have a fantabulous weekend!
Go Habs Go! Cheering on our young lads to take out the Bolts tonight.
Thank you. Hope your May Day is complete with a win tonight. I’ll be rooting for your team. Enjoy a lovely weekend.
Thank you!
In that one photo, it’s hard to tell where the dog ends and the bed begins!
It’s true, he’s beginning to look like a bloody muppet. He’ll be getting groomed in a couple of weeks and it can’t come soon enough! Have a terrific weekend and give little Reiko a nice ear rub accompanied by a tasty fingertip of peanut butter.
Happy May Day! We have a maypole in the village, and whilst it is painted in lovely colours, it is never used for its proper purpose…
How fun to have one in the village! Our neighborhood is a bit too urban although I noticed they’ve planted some lovely shrub roses in the past couple of days at one of the common areas. I may go over there this weekend and take some photographs of some of the blooms. Enjoy your May Day as well as the weekend!
May Day is a day worth celebrating. 🥳 However, it’s hard to believe we are already halfway through spring!
You’re so right. Where has this year gone, Eliza. Have a lovely weekend.
we love the bear! that is such a wonderful idea… a happy furst may day to the ranch
Thanks. Isn’t that bear adorable? It’s at my brother’s house. His neighbors are yaks-at least he didn’t get a carved yak. LOL Have a pawtastic weekend!
I love that fountain bear sculpture, looks like he’s about to chomp a duck!
Thanks. That’s a recent acquisition for the pond at my brother’s house in Castle Rock. The koi didn’t survive so they opted for a sculpture. BTW, the ducks are fake. Hard to tell, huh? They fooled me. Have a terrific weekend!
Wow, that’s impressive!
Yeah, I had to touch them to make sure!
Wilson in his hat – too adorable.
Thanks. He’s a good sport about wearing them. Have a fantastic weekend!
You as well!
Good Morning from us here too Wilson and Mom. I loved seeing the wood ducks. Haven’t heard of those and they are PRETTY! Enjoy all duck and geese but maybe the Canada Geese are a bit too rude.
Greetings! We think rude is an understatement when it comes to Canadian geese. The people are so nice but their geese are decidedly not! 😂 Have a splendid weekend and enjoy what nature gifts us all.
When I was in junior school – 7 to 11 years – the maypole was set up for May Day, and we were taught how to dance round it, winding the ribbons until we all ended up in a tight circle and the pole was striped with the ribbons from the top to tail.
People still went maying – but it was thought unlucky to bring the flowering branches into the house. Father had a theory that it was to do with white being the mourning colour for French queens…..but where he got that from is beyond me.
How lovely, Helen. We used to make cone shaped baskets out of paper and put flowers in them to hang on neighbors door knobs. Mostly it held dandelions or clover flowers but it was a cheerful gift from an earnest child’s innocent face. Have a great weekend!
Lovely thoughts. I can’t imagine my world with Casey (my Lab). I know you feel the same.
Thanks, Jacqui. Indeed I definitely do. Have a fun filled weekend.