Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Goslings.

Steller's jay.

An exotically colored rhododendron.

 Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in the springtime is one of the loveliest spots in town.  Not only are there rhododendrons in nearly every shade bursting into bloom, the resident water birds are busy tending their babies.  The park is always a wonderful place to see a huge variety of birds, and when the park is full of ducklings and goslings, it is especially amazing.  My friend, awesome homeschooling mom Sharon put out the call to our homeschool group to come see spring's miracles.  I thought it was hilarious to see the contrast between the geese, surrounded by their goslings, and us, always wondering where our offspring had gotten to!   

All kinds of birds, as well as squirrels, show noticeably less fear of humans here, because so many people feed them.  We'd like to get the word out that if you do feed them, please make sure it's something that's nutritious for them, like cracked corn, and not bread or crackers.  And of course, don't pick up the babies!  (This is something we observed there.  To our horror, they were dropped! We think the babies weren't injured.)

Horatio, the resident African goose, serves as a bodyguard for a group of goslings.

Cormorant.

Horatio on guard.

I loved these apricot colored rhododendrons.

The kids were fascinated with this egg, perhaps eaten by a predator.

Wood duck.

Scrub jay.

Duckling.