While spring broke through the remnants of winter last week, my husband and I watched for the signs of spring we see every year as we walk the boardwalk in Summerside.
The bay was free of ice on the first day of spring and including the mouth of the bay, unlike two days earlier. This scene always reminds me how endangered the island is when it comes to rising sea levels.
At the mouth of the Wilmot River, we discovered the huge flock of Canada Geese we had seen overhead. The return of the geese in mid to late March is always a rite of spring.
The Song Sparrows returned to our garden last week. We have seen them around the yard and look forward to their serenade in the early morning when we can leave the windows open again. Meanwhile, we hadn’t heard them singing yet until one day, along the boardwalk where many sparrows nest, a hardy little bird was singing one of the first serenades of the year.
The robins are back and while others have seen them, we saw our first of the season yesterday.
A strong on-shore wind blew ice back into the bay this past weekend. The ice is diminished compared to the previous week and is mainly slushy now. Walking along by the shoreline however, one can hear pieces of ice cracking, a spring sound to anyone who is familiar with an icy sea.
The gulls have been raving about spring too, with their best calls to the sea, a sound that is music to my soul.
March every year, Black Scoters, diving ducks which visit the island every winter, spend time feeding in the bay before they head north to breed. We saw the ducks and heard their whistles on Sunday. They are part of the symphony of spring.
Winter is holding on to the island, but the signs of spring around us keep us hopeful and eager to experience the season.
37 comments:
Spring is always so welcome!
It is springier there than it is here, that's for sure! Glad to see things are warming up for you and the birds are returning to their summer homes.
I heard the song sparrow for the first time this spring just yesterday! Yes, spring is here. Love your pictures.
Great pic of the Quacker with his mouth open! I would hate having snow that long. We are right at the end of spring stuff blooming. But we will be in the mist of the heat of the summer in no time.
Life is returning, but the poor birds cam back a wee bit too early here. However, it will be warming up again for a few days after pretty bitter cold.
Well it looks like spring may be teasing you but the birds know it is here. Those black coot ducks are something I have never seen before. Such a striking bird. Hope you continue to see more lovely signs of spring. Have a great week.
Wonderful signs of spring! Such a happy post. Thanks for the smiles.
Yes, you definitely have been listening to the symphony of spring.
The sound of ice cracking and the whistle of the ducks..amazing harmony.
Thank you for sharing the "music" of nature with me.
I'm keeping my ears tuned to the critters around us too.
Sue
What Sallie said.
The signs and sounds of spring are so refreshing at this time of year.
we have mud season/slush season here too!! spring is always a welcome sight, and your pictures are a beautiful showcase of that!!
seems the song sparrow and gull have a welcome call for spring!!
Such wonderful sights of Spring awakening! Your gull calling photo is awesome. I look forward to experiencing the seasons on your island, vicariously through you.
Such beautiful signs of spring in your world, my friend! I am familiar with all except the Black Scoters, which I have not seen. I also have yet to see the first robin here! Thank you for sharing. I always appreciate your posts!
How WONDERFUL to see and hear those welcome sights and sounds. I hope Spring makes her way in quickly for you.
The joy of spring captured beautifully.
Sights and sounds so unfamiliar to me.
I so wish I could say spring is here.
I did see two or three robins in my front yard last week. Then... we had a snow fall... and I haven't seen them since then.
Looking at your pictures gives me hope. : )
Lots of birds today. Thank you.
Signs of spring are so welcome when winter lingers. We saw a flock of Scoters a couple of weeks ago. Love the way they all bob under the water at the same time. I hope Spring's progress is steady for you.
Nice pictures - I really love those ducks. Its a species I have not seen.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Same here. Old Man Winter likes to hold on, although signs of Spring pop through as well. Great to see your photographs.
Nothing compares to the beginning of spring after a long winter. Lovely photos!
Beautiful photos and lovely signs of Spring.
The first image is beautiful and I love all the birds, especially the Black Scoters. Take care, have a great day!
Marie, thanks for sharing the update about spring arriving on PEI as we are really looking forward to our late May visit and meet-up.We definitely plan to walk the Summerside boardwalk during our stay so I appreciate seeing the local sights in advance.
The small birds are not back here yet, but the geese are migrating and Imhear them every evening settling into our big beaver pond to overnight. How I love your water views.
Look like a lovely day for a walk.
Beautiful photos... thank you very much.
It must be wonderful to watch this large flock of Canada geese.
Hug
The 'symphony of Spring' - I like the expression referring to the whispers of the ducks and the gulls' calls to the sea. (Love the picture of the gull with its open bacon).
what a poetic and lovely sharing dear Marie
as science of the day science says that everything needs observation to become something ,your beautiful descriptions empower visibility of these views :)
breathtaking shots of water birds my friends!!!!
loved looking at them starting their spring floating joyously :
i am so glad you could find a song sparrow and feel the beginning of the rich season :)
long live the magical island that inhabit such wonders of life amen!
blessings to you and loved ones!
We see Black Scoters in small numbers on Lake Ontario, but I would love to have been present as that little platoon sailed by.
Impressive to see all the geese. Wonderful photos!
Marie, Your post beautifully captures the essence of transitioning seasons in Summerside, painting a vivid picture of nature's awakening from winter's embrace. The detailed observations of the bay's changing state, the migratory patterns of Canada Geese, and the welcomed return of local birdlife like Song Sparrows and robins, bring to life the annual renewal that spring promises. Your mention of the environmental concern regarding rising sea levels adds a poignant touch, reminding us of the fragility of these natural wonders. As always, I enjoyed your photos. Thank you for sharing, Marie. Happy weekend to you and yours. John
Every Spring the curlews and oystercatchers arrive, and they seem to focus most of their attention on the muddy grass of the playing fields! I love to see them but am no good at taking photos of them. You take such wonderful pictures.
Looks absolutely beautiful, spring has sprung.
Wow. It's amazing how many birds have returned for spring- such hopeful signs. Beautiful photos as usual.
Beautiful! Today I heard cuckoo singing for the first time this year.
Such beautiful sights of spring.
Wonderful shots!
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