Wildwood Park, Harrisburg PA

As I arrived at Wildwood and started my walk on the
nearest path I was surprised and impressed by the Dogwood
that was already in bloom.

The petals were so beautiful I just had to take a few shots.
I was reminded of the Legend of the Dogwood:

Blossoms like the cross.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me (Jesus)

Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

It was mid afternoon and pretty quiet as I walked along

Looking out over the wet lands I was seeing little wildlife
but the sky held beauty in it's fluffy white clouds and
the earth as it turned green surrounding the water
whispered peaceful serenity to me.

Two ducks were lazily sleeping on a piece of driftwood

A male Mallard fishing for unknown tidbits

Something small out there on that log....

It's a turtle catching a few rays

I came upon a pair of sleeping Wood ducks

Later I caught the awakening..

and each departure into the water.. first the Male

and then the female

I had been seeing swallows flying above the water
hoping to snag an insect for lunch.. too fast and
far away for my camera to capture..but

When one landed nearby on a dead branch I was able to
get it! I believe this is a Rough winged Swallow.

Of course the proverbially Canadian Goose was present

Lily pads were starting to grow and in a month
the yellow flowers will fill the water and be gorgeous

As I was preparing to leave I saw something big and white
come flying in.. Yep! A white Egret

I left it there ....
standing on long skinny black legs grooming it's feathers

and I praised the Lord for some solitude and peaceful
moments in the midst of a day that was laden with stress.

To God be The Glory ~~ Great Things He Hath Done