Today was mostly sunny, though breezy and cool, and it looks as if it will stay that way for the rest of the week (it’s nice to have a respite from the rain - I had started to imagine that the animals were traveling in pairs)! It was just the sort of day that called for a bicycle, so I hauled mine out of the basement and let loose for Forest Park.

First stop, Kennedy Forest; it really does have the feel of midwestern woods (that’s because it is), and I spent some time there listening to the sounds and appreciating the Mayapples spread over the forest floor. From there I wound around the Art Museum and down to the Grand Basin, across Picnic Island and over past the Boat House (where I parked my bike), before continuing on foot to the Deer Lake Savannah. Along the way I listened to a Robin sing (they can when they put their minds to it), said “hi” to Moe, the Great Horned Owlet, saw 2 BIG dogs walking their owners, half a dozen Egrets (great and otherwise), a Green Heron, Northern Flicker, Belted Kingfisher and a bird I haven’t yet identified. Add all that to the couple talking on cell phones and a great sunset and you have a most satisfactory day in the park.