Downtown, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The carousel at the Frog Pond on the Boston Common is ready for the season of young riders.

Dating from 1634, the Boston Common is the oldest city park in the United States.  On this fine late spring day, many folks are enjoying the sunshine on this south-facing knoll.

The sound of bagpipers rolls through the park as this group practices.

Across the street from the Common but adjacent is the Public Garden.

Together with the Common, these two green areas are a popular magnet for both locals and tourists.

The gardeners had cleared this bed in preparation for a summer planting but left this stand of flowers. Why? Because smack in the middle is a duck nest with mama duck still sitting on the eggs! And with literally thousands of pedestrians walking by daily, this is truly an "odd duck." Kudos to the gardeners for not ousting her.

The swan boats waiting for tomorrow's customers. These boats have been pedaled around the Public Garden pond for over 130 years.  The operators seem to be mostly young folks who can pedal a bicycle-like paddle wheel setup with a full load of tourists on board.

Arguably the finest residential area in downtown Boston, this park is on Commonwealth Avenue.

Old, new, and in between.