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Wednesday 1 July 2020

Joy of early morning

We always start a walk at the gazebo. It overlooks the saltwater marsh and the stream which empties into the Summerside Harbour. There are usually ducks in the stream or hidden among the reeds and wheatgrass. 





However, other feathered friends often drop by the area and spotting and observing them are always pleasant for my husband and I. Our early morning outings now, ahead of the heat later in the day, always start off with avian-induced smiles.


The chattering male Red-winged Blackbirds are always about,





flying amongst the reeds and trees. Occasionally, a female leaves her nesting duty and feeds in an area where she is visible. 




European Starlings congregate in the part of the stream which empties into the Summerside Harbour.





We see them later on the bridge overlooking the area.





Most of the time, Common Grackles dart around too quickly for me to photograph. This one was the exception 





and later it met up with some friends for a chat in a nearby tree.





Over a period of two weeks, I tried unsuccessfully to take a good photo of a Sora. Then early one clear morning, after numerous attempts, my husband took some great photos of the fast moving bird. I finally took a photo which shows its white crinoline.





That same morning, I saw a Killdeer for the first time. We see plovers on the beach every year but the Killdeer has always escaped us. It was camouflaged amongst the straw and other plant material in the stream but I managed a digital capture.





The ducks always interest us as well. There are Mallards and American Black Ducks living in the saltwater marsh these days. One morning, we could hear a duck among the reeds and wheatgrass long before we saw it. When the ducks appeared, one Black Duck was the source of the quacking but others weren’t thrilled with it and several chased after it. It persisted. You can hear that persistent duck here. 


“Don’t let anyone keep you from uttering your truth Ducky, “ I said as we turned to leave.


Watching birds is a great way to begin any day.


P.S.


In my last post, David at  https://travelswithbirds.blogspot.com/  asked about Piping Plovers at Cabot Beach.


On Prince Edward Island, there is a concerted effort to encourage nesting of Piping Plovers. Where the birds are known to nest, areas on the beaches are cordoned off to allow the birds to nest without interference. To my knowledge, Cabot Beach has never been such an area. 



24 comments:

Helen said...

Marie you impress me with your photography and very regular posting. You must have hardly been in the door, when you wrote this one. I am so enjoying them. Happy Canada Day!

Tabor said...

What a rich ornithological life you live! I saw a killdeer from my canoe the other day and I should post that.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Starting the morning with birdwatching is my kind of fun. A couple of my favorites are the Sora and the cute Killdeer! It is great to read that some beach areas are protected for the nesting birds. The same is done here too. Have a great day!

Anvilcloud said...

Hoe nice for you to have this spot and to enjoy it so much.

Debbie said...

morning walks are the best. in my younger, family days, i was an early riser, now, i tend to sleep in!! i adore the red winged black birds, i see them at "my" lake all the time and i have one pair at my feeders!!

i am so happy you saw the killdeer, it is a beauty and your picture is fabulous!!!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

We had killdeer in Manitoba when I was a kid.

Linda said...

I think I may become a bird watcher when I retire. It seems calming and I like calm.

Bill said...

Such a beautiful area you enjoy. The bird photos are fabulous, thanks for taking us along.

Shilpa said...

I would love to take pictures of birds which I have not done .lovely post .I enjoyed it

photowannabe said...

Oh Marie, I love your early morning walk.
Wonderful bird captures.
I especially like the Grackles. They look like they are doing a dance. When I was a kid there was a folk dance called the Hokey Pokie...Put your right foot in, put your right foot out, put your right foot in and shake it all about...etc. That's what they look like they are doing....(:0)
Sue

The Furry Gnome said...

Great picture of the Sora Rail!

Sandi said...

So beautiful, Marie. It is good to see these calming nature pics.

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you. Early mornings are my favourite time of day and I need to walk into them more often.
Some (but too few) beaches are cordoned off here to protect bird life as well. I suspect that Covid 19 has done a better job than we have.

Rhodesia said...

Lovely set of photos and I love the Sora, a very pretty bird, Take care Diane

Ruth Hiebert said...

Bird watching and photography can be so fascinating . i enjoy it a lot, even though I get frustrated with my images at times..

Rose said...

Wow, you saw a lot of birds...the one of the grackles...the 4 that are walking on the boardwalk...it makes me think of the song, 'Hey, hey, we're the monkeys....'

Red said...

Birds are active in the morning so it's a good time to be out.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Thanks for the information on the Piping Plovers. i am encouraged that help is being provided to these charming birds that are endangered throughout their range by human activity. Congratulations on the great Sora shot. This is not an easy bird to photograph.

DJan said...

I love listening to and seeing the wonderful birds we have here, much different from yours. So I was enchanted to see so many new one (to me anyway). Thanks!

At Home In New Zealand said...

I totally agree Marie. It is a beautiful way to start the day :)

Himawan Sant said...

I also agree that seeing animals such as birds in the morning can improve good mood.
Your shots are good.
Greetings

baili said...

Oh dear Marie

IT IS ABSOLUTELY HARD TO TAKE OFF EYES FROM THESE DIVINE IMAGES !!!!!!!!!!!!

wow such excellent images of birds are found rarely :)))
each one seems master piece to me and worth print and hang believe me as they filled my heart with deep joy!
thank you so much for making part of your spiritual walk my friend!

William Kendall said...

The killdeer is a welcome sight.

Catarina said...

So much to see all the time. So much to explore and enjoy.
I love your outings!!