May has always been one of my favorite months.

As a kid, my anticipation of summer was nearly unbearable. As an adult, watching the iris, rhododendrons and peonies come to life is invigorating.

Shifts in bird activity begins in May, and many take to nesting in the gardens. To watch them provides hours of entertainment.

If you missed Jim Ullrich’s presentation at Cocktails & Fishtails, part of Harbor WildWatch’s new social science series for Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula residents and visitors, you missed quite a treat. Jim spoke about how developing a backyard wildlife sanctuary can boost regional ecology. But don’t despair.

Jim, owner and operator at Gig Harbor’s Wild Birds Unlimited, is available most days at WBU along Harborview Drive, and can answer anything about birding.

Coming in May is another presentation by Harbor WildWatch. Join the Steward Club for Cocktails & Fishtails at The Hub, Gig Harbor at 5:30 p.m. May 17 for a presentation by Donna Sandstrom, from the Seattle-based organization The Whale Trail. Learn all about the Orcas of the Puget Sound. We have had our fair share of orca visitors lately! Visit the Harbor WildWatch website to learn more about Cocktails & Fishtails and the other educational programs they have to offer, and let them know if you plan to attend.

Speaking of water, May is a great time to get out on it! The sun starts to warm the air — and the desire to be outside kicks in. What better time is there to take a gondola ride around the harbor? Recently I met John Synco, owner and operator of Gig Harbor Gondola. John is a super-talented gondolier with more than 14 years of experience. He had the opportunity to purchase an authentic Venetian gondola in 2014, and has started his business right here in Gig Harbor. For the past several months, John has been touring with passengers on his Italian-style wooden gondola (it fits up to six people) named Nelly. He serenades during cruises around the historical and colorful waterfront. Trips come with a small appetizer and folks are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favorite drink. A trip in Nelly would make for a wonderful Mother’s Day gift. To find out more about John and his business, visit gigharborgondola.com.

Looking ahead to June, Gig Harbor gardens are just waiting to be explored. The Gig Harbor Garden Tour is a two-day, self-guided event, showcasing six outstanding gardens in the Gig Harbor area. It is one of the premier gardening tours in the Puget Sound. The tour is in its 19th year and is always popular.

Proceeds from the GHGT benefit literacy programs through the Gig Harbor/Peninsula area. Tickets to the garden tour sell quickly and would also make a great Mother’s Day gift idea. You can purchase tickets online at gigharborgardentour.com.

To find out more about events and activities happening in Gig Harbor, watch for the 2016-17 Official Visitor Guide in your upcoming Gateway newspaper. The guide will also be available at our Gig Harbor Visitor Center on Harborview Drive and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce on Judson, in addition, the Gig Harbor Civic Center on Grandview Street.

The guide is chock-full of information about staying and playing in Gig Harbor!