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Monday 3 September 2018

The boardwalk in late summer

It’s been a hot and humid summer, with weeks of heat advisories. My husband and I have not walked the boardwalk in Summerside, Prince Edward Island for a few months, so when the heat advisories ceased, off we went. 





Numerous Cabbage white butterflies flit around the foliage along the boardwalk. However this White admiral pauses long enough for me to take a photo.




The birds are active as usual, especially the blue jays. There are dozens of them in this area and their calls fill the air. On a day when there is no wind, the calls of the jays drown out the crows and ravens.




Chipmunks are back again. I didn’t see them this past spring. They are more timid than the squirrels which approach people. Chipmunks are more shy and less trusting of people. 




Squirrels take every morsel offered by passersby. Every generation of the furry creatures learns quickly to approach all who happen by. They are rewarded often enough to keep them interested.





The Common grackles take interest in the bird seed left by people. They watch stealthily as they approach the seeds, like bandits!





Song sparrows attract attention as they sing and hop among the branches. Rarely do they land on the walkway. 





Their friends the Mourning doves mosey along the boardwalk, oblivious to the walkers.




In the water, American black ducks periodically hide among the grasses at the edge of the stream.





A muskrat takes time to check for peanuts. The younger ones are trained by their parents in what to watch for and when to hide.





Greater yellow legs find their way to the stream every year. This year, one is commonly around on her own with occasional yellow leg visitors.





A Great blue heron loves this marsh area as well. Often found wading in the water, on this day she is stood guard in a spruce tree. This is the first time we’v seen a heron in a tree. 





I also caught her flying past on her way elsewhere.





Osprey nests looks abandoned. Their property needs a ‘Vacancy’ sign.





As a tribute to all the people who bring peanuts and seeds to feed the animals, a single sunflower seed, carried by the wind, water or dropped by a bird, took root along the water’s edge. She shines for all to see as people and animals go about their business. It will be interesting to see if birds eat at the seeds when they mature.






33 comments:

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Isn't it lovely when the weather cools down a bit after a hot summer, you certainly saw a diverse series of critters on your walk that probably feel the same way 😊 Super post Marie ✨

Anvilcloud said...

As per usual, you narrate your observations very well. Meanwhile, over thisaway we are in a heatwave through Wednesday. It seems to happen every year at this time.

Joanne Noragon said...

All your pictures touch my heart, but especially your header, when I click on your blog. I will be sorry, I'm sure, when the season absolutely dictates the end of lavender and pink. Your chipmunk is a happy little fellow, and the heron is fabulous.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I'm glad that September is here with its cooler weather. Sounds like you are too!

DJan said...

Just a wonderful walk, with myriad feathered friends to keep you company. And also some furry critters. Loved it, Marie. Thank you for the lovely pictures. That heron in flight is wonderful. :-)

Elephant's Child said...

How you must have missed this walk and the companions along the way while the heat was on. I suspect a lot of the residents missed people too.
Thank you so much. These birds, flutterbyes and critters are exotic to me, but so very beautiful.

Bill said...

What a fantastic journey you took us on with lots to see and enjoy. All of your photos tell their story along with your narrative. Well written and photographed, a big thank you for sharing this. Enjoy the week, Marie.

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised the sunflower was able to grow and blossom! I can't get over how cuter your squirrels are...cuter than our's. Lots of nice wildlife on your boardwalk walk! Andrea

Stewart M said...

Great set of pictures - I do really like all the little mammals!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Debbie said...

you saw some really wonderful wildlife on your walk!! it's been hot and humid here in new jersey, i think it's 95 today!! loved the butterfly capture!!!

it's funny how some flowers bloom in the middle of nowhere. i see a lot of daffodils along side of the road and blooming in the woods!!

William Kendall said...

The muskrats are my favourite of these. I smiled about the squirrel too, remembering yesterday watching a photographer at the War Memorial using fallen acorns off the trees to draw a squirrel closer.

Rhodesia said...

Beautiful set of photos and I love seeing the cratures that you get there. Have a good day Diane

Mage said...

Thank you so much for taking us along on your walks. I don't walk well now, and I really miss walking near the water.

Marie Smith said...

I imagine the animals are glad it has cooled too Grace.

Marie Smith said...

It is hot still but the heat advisories are lifted here AC.

Marie Smith said...

I’ve been looking for a new header Joanne. I’ll post it later this month I guess.

Marie Smith said...

At least the heat advisories are gone Debra.

Marie Smith said...

I love all of the animals but the heron is a favourite Jan.

Marie Smith said...

It is hard to imagine these creatures as exotic since we see them all the time EC. But that’s how I see all of the creatures you share on your blog.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Bill. I love this walk!

Marie Smith said...

These are red squirrels. They are smaller than the ones you have Andrea.

Marie Smith said...

I do too Stewart.

Marie Smith said...

It is a wonder this sunflower survived. I’ve never see daffodils as you see them, Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

He’d have no trouble attracting a squirrel here William.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Diane. That’s how I feel about the creatures you share on your blog.

Marie Smith said...

There are people in power chairs who ride along the boardwalk all the time Mage. They love it. It’s sad you can’t drive along by the water.

Catarina said...

All the little creatures look relaxed except the squirrel... he/she looks a bit apprehensive. I wonder why!

Jenn said...

SO much wildlife to see!! Great photos.

Danielle L Zecher said...

I absolutely love the picture of the butterfly! It does seem like squirrels always figure out humans are a good source of food.

Marie Smith said...

The squirrel wanted to jump on us by the look of him, Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

It is a great place to walk Jenn. Kids love it too.

Marie Smith said...

I find butterflies hard to photograph, Danielle. They flit around so much

baili said...

Dear Marie thank you sooo much for sharing your walk .you made me feel as if i were there with you:)

and what a lovely series of beautiful photos!

each made me smile and grateful for blessings that God has created to amuse our aesthetic sense!