Most Popular Post

Sunday 19 November 2023

Around here

With the miserable weather around here the last several weeks, my husband and I have kept our walking close to home. Most of the time we encounter rain without the benefit of an umbrella because the wind is too high. As long as we’re warm, we manage.


Dramatic skies are often present as weather fronts move into the area. With some of the autumn berries along the shoreline, a view of the lighthouse almost looks festive.





By this time in the autumn, the trees are bare, even in sheltered areas. 





Some mornings, snow lingers along the trail as overnight temperatures are too low for rain.





For the next few weeks, juniper, also known as tamarack or larch trees will lose their yellow needles which are quite lovely now.





The ducks which call Prince Edward Island home for a few months every winter have taken to the waterways around the island. Surf Scoters are on the bay in Summerside and are a nice addition to the avian population.





Meanwhile, the usual residents are busy too, like this Bald Eagle which we’ve seen numerous days hunting from sand bars at low tide. We always enjoy these birds.





Recently after our walk, we drove to the head of the bay to see the geese which frequent that area. American Wigeons and Common Goldeneyes floated around, many with their heads nestled under their wings while the Canada Geese were quite unconcerned. 





We have seen several rainbows this autumn, but I haven’t always had the camera to take a photo. This is the best photo I’ve been able to manage of the elusive arcs.





Finally today, meet BB and his pal. 





They are among our crow friends who visit us every day. BB has a broken beak, hence the initials. That bird has adapted to the broken beak and learned how to pick up food in spite of the partly missing appendage. BB requires longer to feed and will drive the other crows away when he is eating and they’ve already finished their portion. We hope BB will be able to survive the winter! 


 


40 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

My ignorance is profound. I didn't know there were other deciduous conifers like tamaracks/larches.

Boud said...

I really love the identification of shore birds, thank you. And going out in the cold wind so we don't have to!

eileeninmd said...

Hello,
Love the views of the trails and the birds. Great photos, awesome Eagle image and great sightings of the various ducks. I hope the crow with the broken beak survives. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Those yellow junipers are a beautiful sight!

DJan said...

It is beautiful there, winter and summer. I love your avian friends, which you capture so well. And I too hope BB makes it through the winter.

Marie Smith said...

AC,

What you call tamarack or larch I grew up calling juniper. It’s all I ever knew until we moved to PEI where some people refer it it as you do. I should have noted the other names in the post. I will correct it.

Marie

Jim and Barb's Adventures said...

I continue to be amazed at how smart crows are and how they adapt. I have seen several videos where they figure out very complex tasks.

Debbie said...

miserable?? i have never heard you say that word...you are always so positive!! your images are really pretty today, showing the island in a little bit of a different light!! the eagle stole the show for me!!

Bill said...

Crows are one of my favourite birds. That is an awesome shot you captured of the Bald Eagle.

Maebeme said...

You're definitely into the start of winter - gray skies and cool temperatures. The larch provides a lovely pop of colour!

I haven't thought about feeding crows as they are such scavengers but BB is lucky to have found your home. Fingers crossed he survives the winter.

Elephant's Child said...

The brightly shining junipers are gorgeous - as are all the birds. Thank you so much for supporting BB. I hope he survives the winter too. And thank you for braving the outdoors to bring us these photos.

photowannabe said...

Aww, poor BB. How kind of you to help his survival along...I do hope he makes it through your rough winter.
I really like the eagle on the shore. So elegant.
Brr on your blustery days but glad you still get out to see the sights.
Sue

Hena Tayeb said...

Oh the rainbow. You got some lovely bird photos.

Helen said...

Marie, you weave your words and photography so beautifully that I forget that you are braving the chill and blustery winds.
It has been wonderful to join you on that snowy trail, bordered by the yellow juniper and a thrill to see the rainbow and watch the birds.
That is a very special image of the Bald Eagle.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Crows are so clever, I think BB will find ways to deal with his smaller beak issue.

Beautiful photos. The winter is settling in quietly.

Celia said...

Love how your BB crow has adapted. If crows had fingers they would probably rule the world. Thanks for bringing the outside in to us.

John's Island said...

Hi Marie, I’m smiling as I write, because almost every one of your posts has at least one picture that makes me want to start my comment with the word “wow”! 😊 This time it’s the 2nd image looking down the trail with all the bare trees … just perfect, showing the effects of autumn. Then, I keep going down the page, and, oh my goodness … the Eagle. Love that picture. Then, the rainbow … a beauty … and finally, BB and his pal. Yes, let’s say a prayer that BB makes it though the winter. It looks like he has the determination! 😊 Thanks, as always, for sharing! John

Joanne Noragon said...

Another lot of super photos.

Red said...

If we really want to get out we will even thought there's inclement weather. Sometimes you find the best photo.

Granny Sue said...

Your first photo really caught my eye. The berries! Rainy old day here.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Still great photos, all of them.
Coffee is on.

MARY G said...

The amazing pewter shade of the water in your first shot is something to remember for sure. And I do so love your path and walk story photos. I am an LM Montgomery fan, and when I see a photo like some of these, I can paint her characters into my imagination walking there.
Also, impressive bird story shots. You do the most incredible job of getting those. My treat for the day.
We are having an ice storm. Eastern Ontario at its November tricks. I can hear the poor old tree branches creaking as the wind moves them. Luckily, the temp is supposed to increase to above freezing overnight. When we get ice and then wind, we get a lot of breakage. It is a wonder we have any straight, clean trees at all. I suspect you may also have this kind of weather; I did not grow up with it, being a southern Ontario child, and the sounds make me sad for the trees.

Lorrie said...

Love all the bird life in your post. I hope BB manages well with his broken beak. It's raining a little here this evening, but is supposed to clear in the next few days. Getting out for fresh air even in the rain is a good thing.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

You make every a dreary day seem so interesting and of course your photos are amazing. I am surprised to find out that an eagle would be sitting on the beach ! Lovely rainbow too.

MELODY JACOB said...

Because crows are so astute, I believe that BB will figure out a solution to deal with the problem of his smaller beak.

You are welcome to read my most recent post.

Catarina said...

There is always something interesting to see close to home. And you describe it well.
Poor BB! He is resilient I'm sure and will do very well. : )

DUTA said...

I've got myself an umbrella that fights winds well. It's a Must.
Strange as it may seem, I like bare trees. They've got a beauty of their own. The bald eagle is quite a photogenic figure!

Angie's Recipes said...

Some really gorgeous shots of nature! The yellow junipers look really pretty.

Glenda Beall said...

Although I don't get to my computer every day, I always go back and see all your posts. Your photos and comments take me to a place of peace and beauty and make me feel good.

Breathtaking said...

Hello Marie :=)

First of all, I don't think I have ever commented on your photogenic and beautiful header It's a lovely shot. Wonderful series of photos of the views and wildlife captures. The eagle is a
brilliant shot, and the ducks and geese images, the Juniper, and the crows were very much appreciated. I join fellow bloggers in saying I hope B B survives the winter.
All the best
Sonjia.

Black Knight said...

The crows are also friends of mine. They come every morning to my garden for a short visit.
Here cold has come, the leaves are on the ground and the winds from north are strong.

Liz Hinds said...

When we visited Canada we only saw eagles from a distance which was disappointing. It must be wonderful to see them as often as you do.
Poor BB! Hope he survives.

The Happy Whisk said...

Rainbows, bald eagle and snow! Great shots.

Pattie @ Olla-Podrida said...

I love the photo of the crow. I am a fan of Corvids. They are so fascinating.

acorn hollow said...

You have such lovely views on your walk and so many birds! Sad about the broken beak but glad he us doing OK
Cathy

Sherry's Pickings said...

this all looks very wonderful. I do like a winter scene, probably because we live in the sub-tropics. That eagle is beautiful.

Barwitzki said...

You took such beautiful photos. I like the larch and the bald eagle, of course, and the ducks and geese in the lake...
Thank you very much, it is a pleasure to look at every picture.
A happy greeting to you. I'm already looking forward to your next tour.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Despite the weather, you have managed to get out, Marie, and show us some wodderful images especially of juniper, known as the tamarack/larch trees, which i was not familiar with and the bald eagle, a great image.

baili said...

Glorious post !

loved the all majestically taken photos
they give brief glimpse of how cold yet gorgeous is weather there in your part of land :)

the balled eagle is awesome
geese image is amazing wow best shot :)

William Kendall said...

That eagle is majestic.