The return

We had over two weeks of rain before the sun broke through. My husband and I kept going to the boardwalk as often as weather would allow and we used the walking track at Credit Union Place in between. We were thrilled to see the sun again and every scene which featured light was special.

One of my favourite captures was of this Bluejay, in a spotlight, picking up seeds just off the boardwalk. 

We noticed the birds over several days eating seeds in that area. 

It is noticeable how, after weeks without bright light, the slightest sliver of sunlight through the trees stands out on this squirrel.

Long shadows cast by the angle of the sun this time of year are welcome as well. We’ve missed shadows too.

One day, off in the distance, the top of a cargo vessel was visible in the Northumberland Strait just above the horizon. It looked like a mirage. 

Then two days later, what we believe to be the same vessel, came into Bedeque Bay to dock in Summerside.

The Blacky passed the Indian Head Lighthouse to dock further in the bay. Some gulls were eager to greet her.

The lifeboat on the vessel, positioned as it is at the stern, ready to be dropped in an emergency, gives me pause for thought as I watch the vessel pass. I hope it never has to be deployed for an emergency.

Later from the head of the bay, we watched with the geese as the Blacky docked, preparing to unload the usual winter cargo for these parts, road salt, which is being used already this year.

And sure enough, the temperatures have dropped. Snow is common now, as fresh snow falls most days and is lingering. 

Bedeque Bay is on the verge of freezing, with temperatures day and night below zero. Early last week, there was slush in the water of one area along the boardwalk.

By the end of last week, slush and ice covered all but the deepest part of the bay.

Dark-eyed Juncos have been feeding along the boardwalk though I have yet to take a good photo of one. White-throated Sparrows are around too. They are not quite as shy as the Juncos.

The Mourning Doves congregate in groups in the trees when they aren’t feeding. They puff up their feathers against the cold and look at least twice their usual size.

Both Bluejays and Chickadees will feed out of hand or from a toque as happened here with my husband.

Finally, you never know what you’ll see along the boardwalk. Santa’s helpers ran or walked a 5k race to raise money for Make A Wish Foundation. The group fulfills wishes for children with critical illnesses. Despite the wind and cold, each helper looked to be enjoying the event. They were an unusual sight!