Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths and Rock Cress

Spring colors near Dantonia Park.

Prowling in a park

A tabby planning a hunt at Dantonia Park.

I noticed this house cat at the park. She was moving very slowly towards the target with a single-minded concentration. Then she lowered herself near the ground to minimize her profile. She was gently wagging her tail with excitement. Her muscle seemed tense and she was ready to pounce. I think this prowling behaviour might be common to the whole feline family. She was eyeing a little sparrow near the path.

Fortunately, her bell and tags were enough to warn the little birdie, who immediately took flight towards safety.

She seemed a little bit dejected by this missed opportunity as she watched the bird fly away. I think she knows that she is not allowed to hunt but no one can take away a bit of excitement from her.

Hi! I am Albert!

Albert, the pink magnolia tree in our neighborhood.

Winter's last hurrah

Heavy snowfall at this time of the year in Toronto is a bit unusual. Temperatures in the preceding weeks were regularly into the double digits. Tree buds along with the hardy bulbs like woodland crocus, daffodil, hyacinth, and tulips all woke up earlier than usual and started to show off their distinctive colors. It seemed that the Spring season was firmly in place. 

But this is Toronto and its weather sometimes oscillates like the mood swings of a teenager. A combination of cold arctic air from the north and a storm system from the US dumped nearly 10 centimeters of snow overnight. Now there is a sheet of white fluff everywhere outside. 

Weather conditions are again expected to sway back in a day or two but it feels good to say a proper goodbye to the outgoing winter season.

Early Signs of Spring

Spring is a bit early this year. There was less precipitation during the season. Then the weather started to warm up in March and the whole month remained nearly snow-free. Ring-bill seagulls and other migratory birds also returned earlier than usual.

Woodland Crocus and tree buds, which started to show signs of life in the previous fortnight, are now visible at many places and are adding color and life to the outdoors.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg hunt is an Eastertime game for children in which colorful eggs are hidden for children to find. Traditionally, real hard-boiled eggs were decorated and hidden at different places for children. Now mostly plastic eggs are used that are sometimes filled with candy or chocolate. These eggs may also lead to bigger gifts and prizes. 

The above pictures are of Dentonia Park in East York, where a similar egg hunt was arranged. Toys are patiently waiting for the children to arrive.

Easter Egg Tree

Easter Egg Tree is a centuries-old German tradition. Eggs being an ancient symbol of life and rebirth were used to decorate trees and bushes as a way of celebrating Easter. Nowadays, colorful plastic eggs mark this custom in a similar fashion.

International Mother Language Monument

International Mother Language Monument, which was under wraps during the previous month, is now almost complete and ready for inauguration. The monument honors city’s linguistic and cultural diversity of nearly 200 languages, dialects, and cultures.

International Mother Language Day is commemorated on February 21st on the anniversary of the students who died during a protest for Bengali language rights at Dhaka University in East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) on that day in 1952.