Out and about, winter edition

We enjoyed a day with the golden grand-dog this past week and walked around the neighbourhood with her. 

Another day, I did time on the treadmill, which was more pleasant than usual. However, our main exercise was at the boardwalk which is by far our favourite. The physical effort and the social interaction with fellow walkers in nature are a perfect combination.

Conditions were varied last week. Always though, the sun was hidden, sometimes appearing as a ball of light behind the clouds. 

Twilight makes winter mornings unique.

One day we walked while it snowed without any wind and the birds stayed active too. Mourning Doves, 

Black Ducks 

and Tree Sparrows, 

joined the Red Squirrels 

that day along the boardwalk. Out on the bay, my husband and I could hear Black Scoters and see Mergansers, Gulls and other Black Ducks, as the snow almost obscured the lighthouse.

Along the trail, birdhouses were covered with snow, 

creating scenes for Christmas cards but a few weeks late.

Another day I called woodpecker day, since two Hairy and one Downy Woodpecker were in the same area simultaneously. This was an unusual sight. I was able to photograph all three but not in the same frame.

While Bedeque Bay is not frozen solid yet, the amount of ice in the bay depends on whether the wind is off-shore or on-shore. One day, the bay was packed with ice. The next day, wind took all the ice into the Northumberland Strait.

The ducks which frequent the salt marsh leave when the marsh freezes and return when milder conditions melt the ice.

And always, fellow walkers share greetings while some stop to chat. 

We are so fortunate to have this beautiful place where we can enjoy winter, whatever it brings.

Out in the world this week, it is difficult to comprehend the devastation of the fires in California. There are so many homes destroyed plus schools, churches, stores, businesses, everything. Lives have been lost. Climate change is well underway and so many people still don’t believe it. I fear for this planet and all who live here, especially the children.

Finally for this week, in a sad world, it can be the little things that brighten one’s day…

Every day I feed the crows, I say, “Hello,” when I open the door. Yesterday there were four crows perched on the railing and one of them made a sound of two syllables, which sounded like, “Hello,” from deep in its throat. I was the only one who heard it and I couldn’t believe what I had heard. I will attempt to record the greeting in the future. Wish me luck!

Have a wonderful week!