A ride along the boardwalk

It’s eighteen kilometres down and back from home to the boardwalk on bike. The ride on the Confederation Trail through part of Summerside crosses several roads before you arrive by the bay. Once there, we rode a section of the boardwalk we rarely walk. One area in particular is a favourite of Canada Geese, though ducks, crows and gulls always frequent the area. The geese have recently returned to the bay after nesting and moulting over the summer.

We had a leisurely ride along the boardwalk and stopped in various locations to take photos as we normally do when we walk there. We also stopped to talk to a friend, so an hour later when I took the same photo on our way home, the tide had receded. 

We walked to our perch on the rocks along the beach near the gazebo but there weren’t any birds among the seaweeds. However, from the gazebo itself, we could see the resident Great Blue Heron, American Black Ducks and a Solitary Sandpiper. They posed nicely together.

The sandpiper looked to be admiring its reflection.

Nearby, a Greater Yellowlegs waded in the water where ripples distorted its reflection. 

The heron looked like a contortionist as it twisted itself in a knot preening.

On the railing, three Blue Jays didn’t mind the humans nearby as they availed of the seeds left by a fellow traveler.

As we rode home, two Osprey called from their nest above the boardwalk. We wondered if one of these birds was the one we photographed in the tree last week. They will be headed south soon.

Two Ring-billed Gulls enjoyed the pond by the new industrial park.

The trail through the city is well maintained. We look forward to riding there when the leaves turn colour in a few weeks.