It’s melting early this year

Observe the Yukon River melting surprisingly early this year. Today laughed as I heard an ad on the radio saying “yeeeee we did it Yukon! Another winter is done.”

Stop by the Yukon river

Benches are installed throughout the Millenium Trail, offering a view of the Yukon river in Whitehorse.

Squirrels emerge with the warm weather

The weather’s been unseasonably warm and you can see squirrels emerging from their dreys.

Growing baby muskox at Yukon Wildlife preserve

The Yukon Wildlife preserve has seen baby muskox this year.

The new animals are growing fast and even breaking into occasional short runs.

In the beginning they hardly emerged from the protection (and insulation) of their parents’ undersides.

Now they are learning a balance between freedom and the safety of the herd.

 

Hesitant caribou

This shy caribou was spotted on the turnoff road to Carcross. Appropriately, the community’s name is a shortening of Caribou Crossing.

Robins of spring

 

   

The American Robin or Turdus Migratorius is seen from Alaska to Mexico.

The birds are known for hopping around listening for worms and grubs in the soil. They’re a sure sign of spring weather.

All these photos were taken  during the same walk. Busy birds these days.

 

Colours of spring

Early May brings the return of plant life. Buds are now starting to open on the leafy trees along the Hidden Lake trail in Whitehorse.

Snowshoe hares in the spring

The Yukon Wildlife Preserve keeps snowshoe hares. This time of year they are shedding their white winter coats for better camouflage.

These hares are named for their large feet which they use to stay above the snow.

Spring burst

This tree damage is caused by freezing and thawing of the sap. It looks like the trees exploded from within.

Melting snow on Yukon river

 

The mighty iceberg is reduced to miniature size.