A walk on the beach in winter is a welcome distraction. Of course it is easier on a windless day which is what we did. My husband and I drove to the north central shore in the national park on Prince Edward Island but beach access is limited this year. Much of the damage to the park has not been repaired since the destruction of Fiona. Also this year, the Gulf of St. Lawrence hasn’t frozen around the coastline of the island. The ice would prevent much of the erosion in winter. Therefore, the shoreline is unprotected thus far this winter and more erosion is a concern. However, one of the few areas where one can access the beach is at North Rustico.
It was a cold day but without the wind, one could dress for the temperature. There were a few people on the beach, but gulls were the main attraction.
They provided the beach music, that call so familiar in a maritime setting.
Along the beach, at the high tide mark, the foam was frozen.
Seaweed strewn across the beach was stiff from the cold.
Driftwood cast a shadow in the winter light.
Even the rocks looked petrified.
An occasional feather made one wonder if a bird missed the insulation the feather would afford.
A stream crossed the beach, rushing to meet the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Old weathered pylons from what could have been a wharf cross the stream. In the distance summer cottages wait for the heat which always brings visitors.
Later, we visited the old fisherman, frozen in the North Rustico Harbour this time of year.
Along the north shore, the coastline showed the icy touch of winter on the cliffs and rocks.
On our way home, we drove through the community of Stanley Bridge where the Stanley River is frozen. On the ice a Bald Eagle was scanning the area.
I took some photos from the car which it didn’t appear to mind as it stayed there the longest time. I wish it had let me know when it was taking flight so I could have had a better shot of its length. However, its feet and claws were well exposed in this shot and one can well imagine how this bird catches its food.
And it’s only six weeks to spring!
42 comments:
Great pictures, the eagle on ice is spectacular. Ocean foam frozen is a strange sight. Interesting the freeze helps protect the shoreline from erosion.
Not much lake freeze here in Vermont.
Brrrrrr!
What a wonderful place you live in - and how good it is to see your photos and share, vicariously, an eagle. The claws in the last photo are fascinating. And I love your gull shot as well.
We have squirrels, fluffed out but out and feeding today. There was not a whisker on Saturday at -38 C.
Your Bald Eagle pictures are spectacular, Maire. Had we taken these shots we would be very happy. Fiona has no doubt changed the island in many ways, yet I am sure it retains its charm.
you notice everything marie and you use beautiful words to describe those things. the icy touch of winter on the rocks is so pretty, the images of the bald eagle are spectacular. the eyes are highlighted and he/she stole the show here!! i am happy to see you today!!
The driftwood reminds me a bit of photos of animal skulls that one might see from a desert.
I don’t think our famous Rideau Canal Skateway is open yet this year. I wonder if it will now.
That lift off is amazing. Thank you so much for taking us walking with you.
I wondered if the eagle would get liftoff from ice. Not a problem, evidently. Lovely pictures as always.
Stunning photos today. I especially like the frozen foam and the kelp and feathers.
I can really feel the chill in the air through your photos.
Sue
Wonderful shots. You make the area look quite interesting, even if it was quite cold. I love the eagle shots especially!
Beautiful and cold. Great beach scenes and I love the Bald Eagle photos.
That eagle is a beauty.
I so agree about a welcome distraction to be able to walk on the beach in the winter.......even in warmer weather! So sad to read about the erosion on the beach.
How wonderful you were able to get such good photos of that beautiful eagle!
All of your frozen beach photos are so lovely and makes one want to be able to walk that
cold stretch of heaven with you! Wishing you pleasant February days!
Your winter photos are beautiful but I especially love the poetic way you tell their story. What a treat to see that bald eagle up so close on the ground.
I like 'beach music' to describe the screeching gulls.
Wonderful photos - the eagle is just spectacular!
Frozen foam: a new one for me.
I really like your last photo. You have a dancing on his/her tip toes.
Wow. I love your photos!
Wow! That eagle! How amazing. And the fisherman. Would love to see that.
Hi Marie, Another wonderful post! At first I was thinking you saved the best for last. 😊 But then, as I’m looking over the photos a second time, it’s hard to say which one is best. Just a wonderful job of taking photos at the beach. I’m going to venture this guess: Lots of folks will go out North Rustico beach, but few will come home with the variety of excellent photos you did. I thought you might be interested in this … I know you follow DJan’s Eye on the Edge. On Sunday, November 13, 2022, she started her post with a photo of Grace, a statue in Bellingham Bay. Your picture of the Old Fisherman reminded me of her post. Statues on opposite sides of the continent! Love those shots of the eagle … congrats! As I frequently do, I have a question if you have time. The summer cottages look like a great place to spend a couple of weeks in the summer. I tried to look them up on Google but couldn’t find anything except some vacation rental homes that didn’t seem like they were the ones in your photo. Do you happen to have a link or a name so I could get some more information? Thank you as always, and best regards to you! John
You have a great eye. The rock and the frozen foam are so evocative. And those cliffs! Like Ireland, only frozen.
Hi John,
Thank you for the lovely comment you left above. I have seen the same of the cottages in the picture numerous times but for the life of me, I can remember what it is. I looked on-line but had no luck locating them. We will be up to North Rustico again in the next month and I’ll be sure to get the info for you.
Meanwhile the link below may be helpful.
https://www.cottages-pei.ca/accommodations/
Marie
The colors in your pictures are fascinating!
The blue of the sky and water, the brown of the rocks and cliffs, the white of the summer cottages, the dark yellow of the sand etc... A symphony of colors.
What a beautiful eagle. They are so pretty. What are the white houses lined up on the water? Bet the breeze coming off the water is cool for sure.
Pam,
the white cottages on the hill are summer rentals. It is a lovely location!
Marie
Marie, Thank you so much for answering my question. I’m betting the link you provided goes for the cabins we can see in your photo from the beach. I am checking it out and will keep you posted. Thanks again! John
Great photos! Love the Eagle photos, but my favorite is the driftwood.
Hello Marie,
I just love all your coastal images, I can almost hear the gull providing the beach music. The fisherman is a cool sculpture. Awesome captures of the Bald Eagle, love the take off shot. Another beautiful walk and photos. Take care, have a great day!
i like that piece of driftwood and would enjoy having your take on removing it from the beach. i have never done it, but have seen pieces that would look awesome in my garden. what's your opinion on that??
Debbie,
The issue of removing driftwood from the beach is a tough one. One shouldn’t remove it from the beach in a national park or if one happens onto a privately owned beach. Some say anything below the high tide make is ok to take but not if the area is a salvage area, (we don’t have them here.) Others say that you should leave all driftwood in place since it an important part of the coastal habitat/ecosystem. I leave any I find in place.
Marie
thanks marie...
Great photos! It must be very cold and icy and very beautiful at the same time there on your island.
Great photos, I love walking on the beach esp on sunny days but I also walk on the beach in winter, I spend lesser time due to the cold but the riverside is my fav place.
New post: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/the-empress-of-melanin.html
The frozen foam looks interesting. Lots of beauty out there by the sea in the winter. The eagle shots are wonderful!
Ha, Ha, only 6 weeks to spring? We arrived on the 15 May last year and thought that spring was only just trying to arrive!
I love these images - frozen foam, strewn seaweed, and sandy feather.
The fisherman in the harbour is having a very peaceful day!
And the finale of your brilliant captures of the majestic eagle!
Beautiful photos! The eagle is stunning!
Wow! Every picture is just FANTASTIC! The eagle is just amazing...
Love from Titti
Marie, your photos awake all of my senses and set them humming. I can feel the cold and the ice. I touch that beautiful eagle and feel his claws as he lifts from the ice. Your photo essays are spectacular. Thank you for sharing them so we can all experience your adventures.
My second attempt at leaving a comment. Your photo essay is spectacular. Your photos evoke emotions and stir my senses in many ways. I can see and feel the cold, I touch the feathers of the eagle and experience the sharpness of those claws. I sense a quietness on that beach and long to be there to watch, listen and feel what you did. Great. Thanks for sharing. Glenda Beall
Wow! That eagle photo is amazing!
Fantastic shots!
Eagle clicks are breathtaking wow. You are wonderful photographer my friend
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