Spring on the horizon

The snow is melting and the temperature was above zero for a few days this past week. Even though the wind has been high, it feels like spring and we have a spring in our steps. My husband and I hope to have our first picnic later this month. 

The ice in the Northumberland Strait has broken up and in places blue water is a welcome sight after a winter of white.

The ice in Bedeque Bay is breaking up slowly. We need a strong northerly wind to take the ice out into the Strait. 

The ice conditions prompted public warnings to stay off the ice surrounding the island. However, this fat bike rider had everyone who saw him nervous and prepared to call 911 if he broke through the ice yesterday.

A male Downey Woodpecker caught my attention over several days last week. The splash of red adds to the beauty of the industrious little bird.

One day last week, we walked the boardwalk after a visit to the head of the bay and the mouth of the Wilmot River. There, pans of ice came into the river with the tide as the ice broke up in the head of the bay. 

Canada Geese which flew south last fall have returned although some stay around the island all year now. The honkers are a welcome sight and sound overhead again. They herald the start of spring every year.

Also at the head of the bay, American Wigeons, not usual residents of the area, float through the open water, enjoying the sun.

Black Ducks, which may be some of the part time residents of the salt marsh further along the coastline, look at home here near the river too.

Nature continues to provide solace and joy in these troubled times.