Happy Victoria Day from Canada's "Deep South"!

The magnolias are blooming, the turtles are swimming lazily along the edge of the pond, damselflies, bluets and swallows skim the surface, while tadpoles wriggle and dart in the pools between the reeds. Red-winged blackbirds send shrill notes from nearby perches on rails and wires.

Now everything, from the tulip trees to the maples, oaks and willows, is lush and green in Carolinian Canada. And every blade of grass shimmers after the rain.

This is Canada's Deep South, and another sultry deep south summer is upon us.

Bring it!

Fawns: A Cautionary "Tail"

With spring comes new life, and fawns are born in May. Here's a word to the wise:

If you happen to come across a fawn alone in a secluded spot or in tall grass, do not make the mistake of thinking that it has been abandoned by its mother. Nothing would be further from the truth. A doe can leave her fawn unattended for hours at a time. This is possible because of the natural camouflage of the fawn's spotted coat and its almost scentless condition, both of which help to conceal it from predators. The doe knows that her fawn will be safe.

So the little animal should not be touched! Rest assured, the doe will eventually return to her offspring. But if she does detect human scent on her baby, chances are she could abandon it. In this case, your well-intentioned efforts intentions could have disastrous consequences.

Just walk away.