Presqu'ile Provincial Park in Mid-May 2018
Presqu’ile Provincial Park is less than a 20-minute drive from our home and we often neglect it because of its close proximity. However, when one of the best campsites in the park became available for the weekend, we thought we would go out and enjoy the lakeshore and evening campfires.
As in many parks, nature just presents itself and this weekend was no exception. We enjoyed the gulls and terns on the lake, the Song Sparrow that sang throughout the days, the ferns, wildflowers, and a variety of common birds.
Many photo opportunities can happen right on the campsite. A less common bird may pass through at any time, so it is wise to try to be somewhat prepared and ready. Spiders, butterflies and other invertebrates are around if we spend the time looking for them. Walks along the paths and roadsides and in the open areas provide opportunities for sun-loving plants and the variety of pollinators that visit them. The forest were full of fresh ferns, spring mushrooms and wildflowers.
We enjoyed a unique experience on one of the mornings. The lake was very foggy and it was clear only a few metres from the shoreline. This must have affected the morning commute to the fishing grounds of the gulls and cormorants. We had hundreds of them fly by our site, some landing for a brief moment right in front of us, perhaps to get orientated for the moment. It was loud and frantic for a while. Soon the sun dissipated the fog and the commotion subsided.
As nature enthusiasts and photographers, we all tend to want to travel to distance hot spots to see new landscape and different flora and fauna. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that and it is a great way to enjoy nature, the outdoors and expand one’s horizon. However, sometimes we forget that nature does show up virtually anywhere and our local parks can be a great place to visit on a regular basis. After all, the grass is really just as green on this side.
