We have stayed close to home for the last month partly because of the humidity and heat. This last week, while it hasn’t been humid, we’ve had high winds and rain just about every day. We walk the boardwalk every day however, between the raindrops, usually in the morning.
Recently, children in the Wild Child Program spent days along the boardwalk, under the trees in one area and along the shoreline, on the grass or on the sand dunes at low tide.
It looks like a great experience for the kids, exploring the environment and playing as kids do.
My early experiences on the beaches and in the woods of Newfoundland make me smile when I see children today enjoying nature as they did in this camp. However, I continue to enjoy time in nature to this day as I hope those children will continue throughout their lives.
Meanwhile, the shorebirds continue their visits to our shoreline as they journey south for another year. We spend time every day watching them, birds of various sizes as they feed along the shoreline.
Recently, a flock of twenty plus Ruddy Turnstones fed among the seaweed piled along the beach.
These pretty birds breed on the Arctic tundra and stop here to fatten up as they journey south. They poke around the seaweed, exposing food, and appear to enjoy the waves breaking on the shoreline around them.
The herons have been absent for some weeks but this past week they were back again. One hid among the bulrushes in the salt marsh one morning and startled us when it took flight. In the photo below, one fed along the distant sandbar at low tide and was lucky enough to catch a flounder for its breakfast.
A young Great Black-backed Gull was crabbing along the shoreline at low tide with some success as well. Bonaparte Gulls are wading behind it.
I have tried all season to take a good photo of the Common Grackles which spend several months every year along the boardwalk. This Grackle, after it procured a peanut, hopped along the bridge before it took flight.
The chipmunks are gathering peanuts from visitors too. This perfect specimen was watching in case we offered one.
It was hard to see but we heard this Grizzly Locust as it landed nearby. This insect makes a sound like a burning sparkler as it flies. Landed on this hard surface, it almost disappears.
Many of the wildflowers are past their prime now but the scenes along the shoreline as pretty though more autumn-like now.
Finally today, the neighbourhood crows have introduced us to the new additions to their murder. Below, one is waiting around for a chance to play a bit of basketball with the neighbourhood kids.
33 comments:
Gotta luv the hopping grackle and the chipmunk. We've had a lot of rain, but for the most part it has not been an overly hot summer here. There have been times, however.
"Wild Child Program" -- what a great name! Love that photo of the chipmunk, especially how it is framed by those beautiful green ferns.
Another wonderful visit to your beautiful and interesting area, Marie. I love it when you post these pictures of your walks. :-)
Your photos are lovely. It is good to see the kids outside and in nature and now glued to their screens.
I would rather watch the shorebirds than the kids but you are right, it is great to see them out there learning about nature. Love the grackle picture but the land/seascape on at the end is my favorite!
It's important that the kids learn to love and study the nature.
In your area there are a lot of beautiful animals. Love the grackle with the peanut.
What wonderful sights and scenery. I was particularly drawn to the grackle in mid hop. Thank you.
I would love to have been able to be part of such a group as a child. What fun to spend the day near and in the water.
The Ruddy Turnstones are a new bird for me. I've not even heard of them before. How pretty!
And that little sweet chipmunk, what a cutie.
How wonderful to catch the birds as they have their mouths full! You must have great patience.
And I agree, it is so important for children to play and grow up in nature.
Wild Child camp, perfect. Such a lovely place you live in.
Kids playing down by the water, something I loved doing when growing up. the grackle with the peanut is a great capture, you caught him in action. :)
Love the second last shot the most, but you do have almost magical skill at catching the moment with feeding birds.
If you want grackles, though, we have a surfeit of them here just now. We have a corn feeder out. The young ones are still at times at the begging stage and are hugely fun to watch ... if only they did not deter the smaller song birds from the other feeders.
Ah well, they will soon be gone and the little guys will return.
I recall having my girls on vacation at Cavendish when they were little. They so loved the ocean.
Wild Child! We need a lot more camps like that.
I am always amazed at your knowledge of the flora and fauna. Grizzly Locust.....I mean, aren't all locusts a little grizzly? Glad you're getting out and enjoying the weather whenever you can.
Early migrants are starting to move through and some like you say are stopping to fatten up.
A wonderful array of wildlife. The children's camp is good to know. And tell us, does the crow fend off the balls?
That looks like such a beautiful place. I love all of the photos, but the chipmunk is my favorite. They always make me smile. :-)
you live in such a beautiful place, i always enjoy seeing the images you share. it's awesome to see kids out learning about and enjoying nature, it should be an elective class in school!!
the ruddy turnstones are so pretty, i have never seen one!!
It's very nice and great fun that children spent some time in nature. We need more camps like this one.
Marie, I just love your action shot of the Grackle and your squirrel is a perfect specimen and image of. It's wonderful to see the progress of the seasons via your daily walks along the boardwalk.
By coincidence, a Daycare Centre has just opened here, called Wild Child. The building looks very interesting. I'd love to see inside.
What a cute little chipmunk.
I LOVE the hopping bird. That is great. Loving all the pics.
There seem to be a number of interesting programs to get children out in nature more these days.
Great series with birds here, Marie. The Ruddy Turnstones are especially appealing and the way they blend into the seaweed provides a textbook illustration of camouflage. Coastal areas are SOOOO productive.
I love the story that you tell along with your wonderful photos. Despite everything looking somewhat desolate you have captured some great wildlife. Love the chipmunk!
Beautiful photographs
The crow in the hoop is a very good picture.
I would have liked to be there with the children. What a wonderful time they had.
It is so pleasant to walk along with you.
Today, I read that we should spend at least 1 000 hours outdoors per year. I believe you meet that target. : )
Great photos! Also, the Wild Child Program....love that!!!
The Wild Child Program - sounds very interesting!
Your capture of birds is awsome! I've greatly enjoyed the Heron "eating his breakfast", the Grackle with the peanut, the Crow "waiting to play basketball with the kids".
What a wonderful place and so much nature/wildlife!
Nature is usually lovely to look at and enjoy.
Coffee is on, and stay safe.
Hello Marie,
I enjoyed this nature post, wonderful collection of birds and photos.
It is great to see the kids learning more about nature and the great outdoors.
Take care, have a wonderful week!
The Wild Child program seems like a good way to introduce young folks to the beauty, wonder and enjoyment of the outdoors, Marie. Thanks to you as well for sharing some of it in this post. The hopping grackle was a great mid-air capture and hope the chipmunk got a reat.
i think beach play will stay with these kids for the rest of their life :)
i really loved the birds ,chipmonk and water dear Marie
life is divine on your island :)
hugs and best wishes!
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