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Saturday 17 February 2024

Picture perfect

It was a picture perfect day, with the blue-grey overcast winter sky and calm winds which made it possible to hold the zoom lens without shaking. We were past due for a visit to the head of the bay this winter. We’d spent hours there last winter watching a convocation of Bald Eagles make lunch of geese who were unfortunate enough to fall prey to the gathered raptors. 


Along the bay, we paused at a couple of areas where I’ve been meaning to stop all winter. One wharf has a fishing boat tied up for the winter, encased by the ice which has frozen it in place. 





Owners of the Iron Horse are not concerned about her being crushed by the ice. This time next month, she will probably be free of the icy grip on her hull. A fishing vessel left in the winter ice is a rare sight here.





We also stopped at the new swing the city installed last summer which is popular with tourists and residents alike. No one was swinging that day as I aimed for the lighthouse through the swings. 





The expanse of ice which stretches atop the bay looks vast and barren, dwarfing the lighthouse at the entrance to the bay.


A smelt shack sits on the ice near the shoreline, offering shelter and a heat source by the look of the propane tank at the back. Fishers will sit in comfort as they catch smelts in the bay.




It is the only shack in this part of the bay this year, probably due to the unpredictable nature of the weather, going from mild to freezing so quickly. The little shack should be secure for the next week.


Island birding sites are abuzz with news of Bald Eagles nesting already this year. At the head of the bay, we can see that area’s nest across the bay on the opposite shore. 





Sure enough, a pair of mature eagles are in residence atop the nest, scanning the area.





I missed the shot of one taking off but later discovered it having a rest in a nearby tree. 





It didn’t stray far from its mate.





At the mouth of the Wilmot River nearby, a pair of Barrow’s Goldeneyes dived for fish as they enjoyed their island holiday. They are fun to watch among the geese and black ducks as they quickly dive into the depths.





We will return to the area soon!










38 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

It's been an iffy year for ice fishing in the West because of the poor ice conditions on rivers and lakes.

John's Island said...

Hi Marie,
As you will know, my waterfront walks take me by places here on Elliott Bay where fishing boats are moored, often for months at a time while being maintained in the off season. So, I found the picture of the fishing vessel in ice a fascination. My curiosity strikes … I wonder what kind of temperatures it takes to freeze salt water solid as we see in your photos. Then, another fascination … Your photos of the eagles across the bay. I love the way you started with the overview of the scene … yes, the big eagle nest is easy to spot even all the way across the bay. Then, your zoomed in photo is excellent. Wow! Great captures of the eagles. Another excellent post here, Marie. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
John

aurora said...

Great storytelling photos! I read your post and thought, I have so much to say lol!!

I really enjoy shooting near water/marina's. I don't get to very often. Boat's seem to have a personality of their own, with fitting names. Each ship is so unique, makes me wonder about the stories they could tell. Especially the older vessels.

Ahhh, swinging! Brings out the inner child. What a beautiful setting!!

Our Winter weather this season has been so odd. Mostly above average. Ice is not safe for ice fishing. I've noticed some early migration. I was on a mission one year to find & photograph different ducks. I had some success with floaters, but found shorebirds hard to ID.

More great eagle shots! Thanks for the reminder to check on a couple eagle nests in our area. My vantage point will be more obstructed and distant, but still fun to see.

MARY G said...

Glorious photos. The ship in the ice is a study in shades. And your eagle shots are wonderful. I do look forward to seeing where you have been and what you have captured. Thank you!!!

Anvilcloud said...

There is much to see there, but I am a little worried about that boat. Love the eagles. I have only seen one locally and that was quite a few years ago, maybe more than ten years.

Liz Hinds said...

Did you swing? Is the smelt shack sitting on ice? If it melts suddenly will it sink? Looks really cosy though.

Boud said...

Great bald eagle shots! On the nest, even, cool. I don't know about that icebound boat, though.

photowannabe said...

What a delightful walk you took us on. Oh to see the Eagles nesting...
The only time I have really seen Eagles was on a cruise to Alaska. Such magnificent raptors.
I have to say that I sure want to swing on that swing overlooking the bay. Fantastic framing of the lighthouse and the great expanse of frozen water.
Love the sparkles around the Barrow's Goldeneyes. It makes the photo pop.
Sue

Marie Smith said...

I did not swing that day, Liz. I was too focussed on taking photos to pause and try the swing. Sad! Another day!

The smelt shack is on ice on the bay. It will sink if the ice melts however quickly. People watch the temperatures closely so they can move their shacks ahead of a melt.

DUTA said...

Glad you had a picture perfect day. Your pictures are indeed attractive and interesting. I particularly like the capture of the bald eagles and that of the smelt shack.

The Furry Gnome said...

Marie, I've been enjoying your blog as always, just haven't figured out how to comment on my ipad. Desktop seems to work though.

DJan said...

Love those eagle shots. They are such magnificent birds, and we have plenty of them around here. Love the picture of the lighthouse through the swings.

margi said...

Great photos! I like the icy sea!

Billie Jo said...

Those eagles!!!! What a wonderful shot!

Red said...

It sounds like the ice will soon be gone. Bald eagle nests is huge.

Helen said...

These are amazing captures, Marie. My favourite is the the view of the lighthouse through the swing set!
It must have been quite chilly as you explored and walked. It is so much easier to spot the bald eagles in winter.

eileeninmd said...

Hello Marie,
I always enjoy the views from your walks. The bay area looks lovely.
Great captures of the Eagles, they are always a treat to see.
It is nice to see the pair at the nest too.
I would love to see the Barrow's Goldeneye, it is a pretty duck.
Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.

Maebeme said...

I'm glad you mentioned the owners of the boat are not concerned about the ice. It was the first thing I thought of when I saw it tied up...ice break up can be quite damaging.

Love the photos of the eagles! They are such wonderful creatures and as Canada geese here are in abundance (as I guess they are there), I don't mind their menu. Certainly better than small cats and dogs.

Lorrie said...

Wonderful shots, Marie. The boat in the ice is a sight to capture. We see nothing like that here. And the eagles! Great captures. It looks like winter is still holding sway on PEI.

Sherry's Pickings said...

so many amazing photos. Hard to think about the snow and ice when we are still in the midst of a very hot and humid and long summer! Love the sea eagles.

Stewart M said...

Wonderful landscapes - I'd love to spend some time in a really snowy place - but so far the weather has not cooperated when I have tried. Oh well, there is always next time!!

Hope all is well, Stewart M - Oakhill, Somerset,UK.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Your photos are picture perfect ! Such a lovely day and the eagles are awesome! I have never seen eagles in the wild.

Danielle L Zecher said...

That is so much ice! You're definitely tougher than I am to be outside when it's that cold.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

It was wonderful to see the images of the eagles that you captured, Marie, but even more so I enjoyed seeing the ice and hope that the fishing boat will be OK. That one shack did seem like a very small space, but perhaps that's all that's needed for smelt fishing.

We are planning a road trip this May that will include visiting Prince Edward Island and, if possible, it would be wonderful to meet up with you. Please feel free to contact me at my blog email so that I will know how to contact you, Marie. Thank you from Dorothy (aka Beatrice on the blog).

Barwitzki said...

Beautiful pictures, it's a completely different life than here with me... by the sea. Thank you so much, I love watching it.
I would probably have populated the swing a little... just a little bit :-))
Hopefully the lone fishing boat will serve its purpose in the new season. Thank you very much for the wonderful photos of the sea eagles...
Viola sends you a happy greeting

Breathtaking said...

Hello Marie :=)
Beautiful winter landscapes, and views of the Bald Eagle pair.They built a sturdy nest to raise a family come Spring. The Barrow's Goldeneyes are lovely ducks and fun to watch. When the warmer weather arrives it will be lovely to sit on the swing looking out to sea, and the fishing boat will be freed from bondage. Lovely post Marie! :=)
All the best
Sonjia

HWIT BLOGG said...

GREAT pictures! You can really show us the beautiness of the grey season...
Lots of love from Titti ( and a grey island!)

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Lovely photos. Your area seems lovely in winter and summer! The eagles are such a lovely sight. We do not have eagles in our area. Brrrr! It really looks very cold there!

Debbie Nolan said...

Marie...your photos tell such a story. I especially love the ones of the eagles. We have a few here and each year there seems to be a few more spotted. To see them takes my breath away. Also those ducks are amazing. They are so perfect that it is hard to imagine they are real. Have a wonderful weekend. I certainly enjoyed seeing your part of the world. Hugs!

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Wonderful photos. I really like those that have that "minimalist" feel to them... the swings on the ice-covered beach and the smelt shack. Very cool!

Debbie said...

i adore that boat...only to be surpassed by the bald eagles. what awesome pictures of the majestic pair!! what a day!!

peppylady (Dora) said...

Enjoy the photos you take on your walk.

Hena Tayeb said...

Wow.. look at that frozen ocean. And such a great shot of the eagles in their nest.

Chris said...

What a beautiful written post, photographs are amazing, you've captured the feeling of the place with your words. The nesting eagles have a wonderful view! Brrr it looks cold.

Glenda C. Beall said...

Love this post. you brightened my dark day.

The Furry Gnome said...

That frozen bay looks so desolate, but the eagles know spring is coming!

Catarina said...

We haven't had much snow this year. Very unusual and very concerning at the same time.

Your pictures are always fabulous to look at and for that I thank you. : )

baili said...

No which is the weather on your magical island it always offers wonders and beauty to eyes :)
You have a heart of storyteller and it reflects in your photography with mastery :)
The boat looks intriguing.
I loved eagle shots most ❤
Bravo for great captures