There they were – Precious and Marlika, floating in the holding pond, exchanging quiet little bleats of conversation. What’s wrong with this picture? OH NO! WHERE’S “JUNIOR???” He’s never been out of his parents’ sight since hatching on May 21st – whatever happened to him? Mom and Dad seemed pretty calm under the circumstances, and I waited about half an hour, reflecting, “Maybe he’s just in the wetlands? Maybe he found a quiet spot and fell asleep? Maybe he’s not feeling well……maybe he’s hurt… OH NO!”

Imagination working overtime, I continued further around the lagoon, looking in all directions, then doubled back. On nearing the underpass to Stanley Park, I stared across the lagoon where the bright afternoon sun cast a glittering diamond swath over the water. Visible in this radiance were only the outlines of several Canada Geese around the middle of the lake and….. wait a minute …… a larger goose ….. a MUCH larger goose…. with the silhouette of a swan? Could it be? Too far away to tell – he needs to come closer.

There I stood on the shore, at one of the busiest intersections of the path, trilling “peep-peep-peep-peeeeeep-PEEEEEEP” in the hope he might recognize an ‘echo’ of his own sound – if it really were he – and come close enough to confirm. After 5 minutes more of peep-peeping, and some very puzzled looks from passers-by, my “goose-swan” silhouette slowly moved closer, and sure enough, it was our Junior, launched out on his own for the first time! He was happily bobbing up and down on the little waves the afternoon breeze had stirred up, and clearly had no intention of “heading for home.” No matter, he was safe and happy, and I could breathe easy once again. Kids! You never know where they are!