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Monday 21 March 2022

Spring around here

It is warming up with day time temperatures slightly above zero, longer daylight hours and the sun feeling warmer. We have kept our walks to the boardwalk where the signs of spring are more feeling than reality yet. Still that time in nature is precious and treasured amid the reality playing out in the world.





The bay is ice covered still though the ice looks more like sloppy snow now with a few areas of open water. Birds have found these openings on the bay with the American Black Ducks dividing their time between the freely flowing stream through the salt marsh and the bay.





One morning recently, fog shrouded the Confederation Bridge which is usually like a mirage in the distance.





Rafted ice in the Northumberland Strait looks ready to drop to icy depths.





The snow, plentiful along the edges of the pathway after storms, is retreating from the walkway, exposing the path we haven’t seen since last autumn.


Red Squirrels chase each other and chatter as mating season approaches.





Small birds such a Black-capped Chickadees, 





Tree Sparrows, 





Dark-Eyed Juncos 





and Song Sparrows 





join the ubiquitous Blue Jays foraging as they are wont to do. 





Around them the snow melts a bit more every day, a hopeful sign that spring will be more than a day on the calendar. For a few minutes everything is right with the world.





 


48 comments:

Rose said...

It still looks cold in your world, but looks like a place to see and enjoy a bit of nature and wildlife!

Anvilcloud said...

It’s an optimistic time of year.

Boud said...

And a few minutes is good enough for now. Thank you.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Still looks plenty wintry to me! Chickadees are one of my favourite little birds!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

If you say that's spring.....
Midwinter never looks that chilly here. Always good to see that so many birds have made it through another winter.

Beside a babbling brook... said...

Someone who still has snow on the ground! I thought I was *the only one left*. -smile- Actually mine is about gone now.

But of course, you are more North than we are. And near a winter-frozen body of water.

But even with the snow, you can 'feel' the change. Yessss!

And you are probably itching to get out on the trails again.

But please, be very careful.

I know! I know! You don't need to be 'told' that. But.... I'm a "Worry-Wart" so I will say it, anyway. -smile-

🎻💛🎻💛🎻💛🎻💛🎻💛🎻

David M. Gascoigne, said...

You are quite a bit behind us, Marie, but as you say, spring will come. It always does!

Jeanie said...

Your blog, your bird photos are so beautiful. I'm glad your water is gently beginning to open up. That blue sky is fantastic! I'm so glad to have more daylight.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

wow- it still looks like frigid winter conditions from here in sunny warm Florida. The snow looks pretty and so beautiful to see all the birds and little animals.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Lovely views. We still have a fair bit of snow, but are also seeing lots of melting. There is hope.

Liz Hinds said...

They're plump little birds considering it's the end of winter. Or maybe they're just fluffed up.

Elephant's Child said...

Such a beautiful, hopeful time of year. And hope is a fragile essential. Thank you.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Happy Spring, your scenery and views are beautiful. It does still look very cold there, I guess it melts slowly. Beautiful variety of birds, the Tree Sparrow is one I do not see often. The chickadee is a favorite. Take care, have a happy new week!

Debbie said...

ooooh we are so much warmer here, 70 degrees plus!! awesome captures of the birds...spring is such a beautiful time of the year!!!

it's nice you have been getting out for walks, picnics will follow soon!!

Lorrie said...

Winter hangs on a long time in your corner of the world, but spring always comes. How fun to see the variety of birds (and squirrel). I love the Black-Capped Chickadee. We need to enjoy these moments of joy and contentment in the midst of all the ugly reality of our world just now.

photowannabe said...

And we do desperately need those moments of hope in this sad world.
I love your close ups of these wonderful birds. The one of the jay burying his beak in the snow is a favorite.
Beautiful photos of the ice beginning to break up too.
Sue

Barbara said...

I just learned about a nature preserve near me run by the Audubon Society. I can't wait to go there and hope my bird pictures are half as good as yours. Your photos always make me happy. In another life you would have been a professional photographer.

Rhodesia said...

Spring is slow over there but it is getting closer all the time :-) Love the bird photos, they are great. Keep safe, Diane

The Furry Gnome said...

Glad you're getting out a bit. Spring is unfolding here, if slowly.

William Kendall said...

Lovely shots. We still have some of our snowpack.

At Home In New Zealand said...

When I look at your climatic conditions I can really appreciate why folk in the Olden Days made such a fuss over the arrival of spring. It really is the start of life again.
Lovely bird photos you have there :)

MARY G said...

It's amusing here - down in the town where I shop and the next nearest one where the AC hangs out, spring has arrived and the snow is mostly melted back. Up here in Lanark Highlands we still have a foot of the stuff everywhere except the roads and laneways and they are potholes and mud. Driving is a real experience.
Love your bird shots, especially the sparrow. A hard little guy to catch with the camera. You do so well with the feathered friends.

Glenda Beall said...

Marie, your photos make me feel the cold, and I love the closeups of the birds. They must be quite hardy to live in the cold and feed in the snow. I think you must live in one of the most delightful places. Yes, we are all hoping for spring soon, but who knows? We might even have another cold spell here in the south.

Bill said...

You got some wonderful shots, Marie. Glad spring is inching its way to you. We got some warmer weather heading here for the rest of the week. Enjoy the week!

Susie of Arabia said...

Hi Marie! Hard to believe you've got that much snow on the ground still - and we've got the AC on here! I'm sure it'll warm up there for you soon.

Tabor said...

You still have quite the winter going. Your birds are much the same as ours and our water birds are headed your way!

DJan said...

I am so enjoying the first signs of spring, much more advanced than you have now. But I love all the bird pictures and am glad to know they are thriving. ;-)

margi said...

The colours of the sky and sea are amazing! The pictures are wonderful. It looks still very cold and simply beautiful.

Linda said...

Over the years I have loved watching the change of season compliments of your camera and photography skills. I still enjoy it and am having a little taste of my own. Not nearly as long and not nearly as cold but seasons non-the-less.

Pam said...

OH wow....that is not what our spring looks like....thank goodness

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

The island still has a lot of snow! I really enjoyed the pictures of the birds. So wonderful to begin to see the changing of the season, and the snow and ice melt. Indeed, as the seasons are transitioning, we give grateful thanks for the things we are blessed with, never to take for granted. Our hearts break for those who suffer so. Blessings to you Marie!

Debbie said...

sometimes i revisit, to see if there is a new post!! temperatures are warming up...slightly above zero. i'm not sure i could enjoy a walk in those temperatures...or be as optimistic as you. i enjoyed the black ducks and the squirrel this time!! his white eyeliner is on perfectly!! lol

Sandy said...

Burrrr...it still looks so cold, but I can see Spring is making some headway, that causes me to do a little happy dance. I have 6 daffodils in bloom, lots of other's have poked up their greenery, but not many blooms yet. Stay warm, and enjoy your walks.

Helen said...

I am thrilled by the beauty of youur 'SPRING'. I am stunned by the concept of rafted ice. I am amazed by your bird images and happy and grateful you are now able to be out and about enjoying them. Such a long winter with freezing rain in the weekend forecast!

Sherry's Pickings said...

so amazing seeing these photos of snow and ice while we swelter away in our hot autumn days. it's still around 20C at night so no need for pyjamas :)

peppylady (Dora) said...

Lovely bird photo, and bird returning in spring is sign of spring for sure.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Lovely photos. The bluejays make me smile. They look like they are up to something, one on look-out. lol

Barwitzki said...

Thank you for your beautiful photos, I love nature and also the birds you show. Winter also produces beautiful colors.
Spring has already arrived here, so a spring greeting to you. Viola

Goldendaze-Ginnie said...

The red squirrel is adorable. Mine aren't red bet they sure can put up a fuss.

Pattie said...

Spring and fall are my two favorite seasons. Both of them, I think, are equally exciting. We have had a bit of a stretch of frigid weather, but the grass is starting to green, and trees are looking fuzzy as they begin to bud and leaf out. I’m looking forward to all of the birds returning, so appreciated your bird pictures.

HWIT BLOGG said...

Lovely, lovely pictures...
Spring has arrived to the south of Sweden and we have had a lovely week with lot of sunshine.
Best from Titti

Beside a babbling brook... said...

March 27th

Thank you for my Birthday Wishes....

Hope all is fine with you.

Gentle hugs,
🎂🌸🎂🌸🎂

HWIT BLOGG said...

Lovely pictures! Springtime is ahead and we have had some beautiful days here on the island...
Love from Titti

Eggs In My Pocket said...

All of your bird photos are so lovely! It still looks a bit chilly where y ou are. Enjoy the spring days to come!

John's Island said...

Hi Marie, For someone who would love to live on PEI, the next-best-thing is finding and following Island Musings. I always enjoy the photos you share. I’ll bet the snow will be gone soon and you’ll be enjoying the spring flowers. Wishing you a fine week ahead. John

The Liberty Belle said...

Although it still looks like winter, I see beauty in your pictures. Have a wonderful day.

baili said...

i thoroughly enjoyed the images of birds specially the sparrow ,song sparrow and blue jays ,i would love to have them around but hardly located any sparrow since moved from the village :(

last photo shows how island awaits the spring season that is awaking slowly !

these are poetic shots indeed

Susie of Arabia said...

Brrrr. It sure looks cold there. Truly amazing that all those little creatures can survive.