Spring’s April Appearance

The month of April is almost at a close and I’m already in full anticipation of May ahead.

April turned out to be crazy busy in all the ways that are good …. making plans, starting new things, exploring, and watching nature come alive again after another winter.

As usual, weather has taken centre stage.  We’ve seen a lot of rain and wind, particularly earlier in the month, with creeks running full and Lake Ontario stretching its boundaries.  Flooding hasn’t been a huge problem, although large sections of the beach in Toronto’s east end have been under water.

Early morning at Ashbridge’s Bay

However, it’s said that April showers bring May flowers and this year flowering seems to be well ahead of schedule.  Spring has been exploding in leaps and bounds.

I wish all my photos turned out this well

If I didn’t have pollen allergies, this time of year would be perfection.

April has been about being outdoors more and I’ve wasted no time to explore some of the park land on the west end of the city which I don’t know well at all.

What’s curious about Lake Ontario’s shoreline is how it occasionally curves on itself creating unexpected perspectives.

Humber Bay Park East

I like the optical illusion created by the curving shore which makes the Toronto skyline appear so close when in fact it’s quite a distance down the shore.

Port Credit

The warmer temperatures have lured us out of our winter hibernation and the trails have been beckoning.   In particular, we’ve been chipping away at the Trans-Canada Trail heading north from Toronto.   The patches of snow that survived the thawing of early April are now gone and as the month comes to a close, the trees are already in a deep green haze.

My new steed rides like a dream

Abandoned rail track in Tottenham

With the warmer weather, humans aren’t the only things that have become more active. The chirping and calling of birds has once again become a common sound early in the mornings and throughout the day.

I’m not the only one who’s noticed the increased activity of the bird life.  My chubby, spoiled furball is also enjoying the wonderful arrival of spring as he spends more time outdoors.  There is just so much to smell and explore.  It surprises me that Theo hasn’t given himself whiplash trying to track the birds that flash by the backyard.

This April, spring has come early and given us a taste of what to expect in the summer months ahead.  I can hardly wait!

Changing Seasons is a monthly photo feature hosted by Max at Cardinal Guzman.