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Sunday 4 September 2022

A day on the boardwalk

On a recent visit to the boardwalk, at the gazebo, we observed a Great Blue Heron in the salt marsh. A young one looks to have claimed the area as its domain and we always enjoy watching it. 





The side eye posture it uses to watch for fish and other prey is harder to see when the bird is out in the bay.





As we made our way to the beach, my husband and I saw another walker taking photos of a squirrel. As we approached, she looked at us and whispered, “It’s asleep.” It really was. 


I whispered, “How cute is that?” 




We watched for a few minutes, then proceeded to the beach. There, Semipalmated Plovers were busy along the waterline.





Later, as we walked the boardwalk, Viceroy butterflies caught our attention. They have flitted around the boardwalk for the last month and many people mistake them for Monarchs.





As we headed back to our vehicle, my husband spotted a large bird land in a nearby tree overlooking the bay. 





When we checked, it was an Osprey, watching the proceedings in the area. 





It obliged us for a few minutes by posing for some photos.





This was a lovely day along our favourite place to walk. 








29 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I would certainly mistake a viceroy butterfly for a monarch. They look the same to me!

Debbie said...

ooooh marie, now your just showing off!!!! what an awesome collection of birds and images, so well done!!

WoW!!! the great blue heron is gorgeous and you captured him/her perfectly!! and that capture of the osprey is stunning as well!!

that is a lovely boardwalk!!

Anvilcloud said...

I would mistake the Viceroy too. I think we have them here or at least something that ensembles a Monarch.

That winding path and ‘boardwalk’ are quite alluring.

MFH said...

It's amazing how accomodating Ospreys are. If I was to anthropomorphize, I'd accuse them of saying, "Get my good side."

The squirrel takes the award for cuteness non-pareil!

Rhodesia said...

Love the heron but I would so love to see an osprey. Cheers Diane

The Padre said...

What A Stellar Walk About - Gorgeous Photos From Top To Bottom - Stay Adventurous

Cheers

Boud said...

It's good to remember that wildlife take naps,too. I've thought a bee was dead, lying in a flower, until it flew off!

Your gallery is lovely as always. I love great blue herons, when they fly overhead, such huge effortless wing beats.

Elephant's Child said...

A truly lovely day, and an equally lovely outing. Thank you.

At Home In New Zealand said...

What a joyful walk. Your photos are stunning, but the first one of the heron would have to be my favourite :)

Pam said...

Great photos. I love blue herrons.

Helen said...

The boardwalk never disappoints but this morning's walk seems exceptional. Great Blue Heron, sleeping squirrel, Viceroy butterfly and that magnificent specimen of an Osprey! Perfect!

Maebeme said...

Wow! I am amazed at all the wildlife you see on a regular basis. The heron and osprey are such incredible birds. And the photo of the sleeping squirrel was adorable.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

A series of exceptional shots, Marie. You are doing a great job of showcasing the wildlife of PEI to the world. It seems to me that the squirrel is foolhardy to be napping in the open like that. It would be a sitting target for a predator.

MARY G said...

Great luck on the osprey. Lovely capture. We had a squirrel do that in our yard last week. Right out in the open. For a minute, we thought it was dead. Weird animal!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Wow Marie, you saw some very interesting things on your walk and got some great shots. The blue heron looks slightly different than the ones I see in South Florida ( I wonder if I just don't remember)- the osprey was a special treat and your photos of it our fabulous.

The Furry Gnome said...

Great pictures of the Heron and Osprey!

DJan said...

Great heron and osprey captures! Have a safe holiday, dear friend.

William Kendall said...

There is something serene in the sight of a sleeping squirrel.

Red said...

From the trail you show in your last photo , it looks like PEI spends money on trails. Good trails are well worth it.

Lorrie said...

What wonderful sights along the boardwalk, Marie. The heron is so perfectly captured, with gorgeous lighting. I've never seen a squirrel asleep - what a fun moment.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Marie,
Lovely photos and a great walk. I would love this place, seeing the birds, butterfly and a cute squirrel. The heron and osprey are favorites. The photo are all beautiful! Take care, enjoy your and the week ahead.

photowannabe said...

How delightful. So much wildlife to capture for all of our enjoyment.
The Osprey photos ate stunning.
I need to go on a walk like you do, but that won't happen until the heatwave is done.
Sue

Mary, Windy Meadows Farm said...

Gorgeous photos - I'm so glad you share them!

peppylady (Dora) said...

You got some great photos, plus a lovely time out.
Coffee is on and stay safe

Catarina said...

It is always a pleasure strolling along with you. : )

Rose said...

Wow, what a great morning this must have been. I would have been thrilled to see the osprey! And that squirrel is just so, so sweet!

Danielle L Zecher said...

Great pictures!!! I especially love the one of the squirrel sleeping. Sleeping animals are always adorable.

baili said...

Oh these are Breathtakingly stunning images Marie!!!!!

I can look at them for soon long.

You just made my day. Thank you for sharing the magical beauty of your land.

Barbara said...

That Osprey close-up is incredible. I'm playing catch up on my blog reading.