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Wednesday 18 April 2018

Lunch at Northport

It is a tiny strip of land which juts into the water at Northport. Every year my husband and I visit this place and have a picnic. We are early this year. The far western portion of Prince Edward Island still has lots of snow, so our picnic was among the melting drifts. While the breeze was cold, the setting was invigorating. 




There is nothing like a cup of tea in the great outdoors. Today, the heat of the mug warms our hands. We enjoyed our sandwiches as if they were a gourmet meal, the bread made the previous day. We listened to the lap of the water and the birds. No need for conversation.


The gulls were busy around the water, talking to each other while we enjoyed lunch. Normally, we watch the boats go by too, but we are a few weeks early this year. In the distance we can see the activity in the port around the wharf as fishers prepare for the season.





Then a group of three juvenile bald eagles take our attention. The eagles circle the area, scanning for any movement on the sand or in the snow. They cross the water and disappear on the opposite shore for a few minutes but come back again. Two circle each other closely in what could be an aggressive move, then disappear in the trees nearby.





One reappears and plays with a sea gull. They circle each other high above us and take turns chasing each other. They glide on the breeze sometimes, in an effortless use of the air currents. They are birds at play.





You couldn’t pay for the experience.





40 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

I think you guys must be fighting cabin fever in these early trips. Sue actually accompanied me to the grocery store yesterday just to get out of the house after three days in. She does not love grocery shopping.

Joanne Noragon said...

Thanks for the pictures. I see a lot of birds up there, too, using all the heavy wind currents. Silly children.

Mage said...

Oh, wonderful.

William Kendall said...

Wonderful captures on that eagle!

Angela said...

Ohh what a great shot of the birds!! Such majestic creatures! It's melting nicely over there. We too have some snow around yet! Have a great week!!

The Happy Whisk said...

I love when a simple sandwich tastes so happy as that.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

What a magnificent final photo!

Barbara said...

Wish I had been with you except I don't have a "real" winter coat.

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Those eagles are truly magnificent birds. The weather here has suddenly changed to summer, though I expect it'll turn back again in a week or so.

Elephant's Child said...

Love that final shot.
How I would adore being able to soar with the eagles (or indeed any soaring bird).
I am so grateful that you take us on your picnics.

Debbie said...

i know exactly what you mean about "not being able to pay for the experience"!! most of the most wonderful experiences in life are free!!

gorgeous, thrilling images!!

Catarina said...

That was a great picnic in good company!
:)

Love the bird!

DJan said...

What a wonderful excursion you had. And I agree that hot tea consumed outdoors is lovely. I think I'll carry a thermos on my hike today so I can have one, too. Love the shots of the birds at play. :-)

Anonymous said...

Sounds and looks like a delightful outing.

Bill said...

A great picnic, a great bird show and all you had to do was show up. A wonderful day!

Rhodesia said...

Wow how lucky to see the eagles and to get photos, well done, Take care Diane

Marie Smith said...

I think we are too, AC.

Marie Smith said...

They look like they are enjoying it, Joanne.

Marie Smith said...

It was, Mage.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks, William. He was a beauty.

Marie Smith said...

Snow again tonight, Angela.

Marie Smith said...

A simple sandwich can be elevated by the setting, HW.

Marie Smith said...

That bird was magnificent, Debra.

Marie Smith said...

You’d need a winter coat here, Barbara.

Marie Smith said...

Snow again here tonight, John. Warmer next week!

Marie Smith said...

That bird was magnificent, EC.

Marie Smith said...

My favourites times, other than with family, are in nature and cost nothing, Debbie!

Marie Smith said...

It was a wonderful picnic, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

That cup of tea was exceptional, Jan.

Marie Smith said...

It was Mildred.

Marie Smith said...

It was so good to be out again in spite of the cold, Bill.

Marie Smith said...

They were beautiful floating on the currents, Diane

Ginnie Hart said...

The best thing you said was that you can't pay for this experience. That is so true, Marie! That's how I so often feel about what I see while out-n-about. I especially love that you have a picnic even when there is still snow!!! :)

Rick (Ratty) said...

You make me want to visit a place like that very much. And the pictures of those birds are amazing.

Jenn said...

That eagle photo is great!!

Marie Smith said...

Determination after the cold and snow gets us out, even though the snow still lingers, Ginnie.

Marie Smith said...

The birds stole the show that day, Ratty.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks, Jenn.

jenny_o said...

What amazing shots, Marie. You did well!

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Jenny. The birds put on a show for us.