We returned to Cavendish Grove this past week. The area is often our first choice; a favourite place on the island for both of us.
My husband and I always enjoy a picnic at the Grove from spring to late fall before it closes. One year in mid November, we wiped snow off the picnic table before we had lunch. No snow last Saturday but too cold for a picnic.
As we walked to Cavendish Beach, the grey of early spring surrounded us, newly exposed after the snow melted. The weeks ahead provide rapid change as nature shifts into overdrive.
The sun is a big part of these changes as the lengthening days trigger the processes which awaken nature.
On New Year’s Eve this year I photographed Cavendish Beach before noon.
Below is a similar shot from Saturday past before noon. The long shadows are gone.
Many birds have migrated back to the island already. Song Sparrows, which you often hear before you see them, are among the smallest birds we enjoy over the coming months. They sing their hearts out, lifting their voices into the heavens with every fibre of their beings. I always pause to listen.
The Canada Geese are in v-formation overhead every day now, sending their honking calls long before one can pin point their location. Soon nesting will keep the occupied.
In the bay at Summerside and elsewhere in the waters around the island the Black Scoters, diving ducks which have a distinct call, are fishing off shore this spring. That haunting call is a part of the sounds of spring too.
As usual, we walked the boardwalk other days and enjoyed the animals we have come to love there. As I photographed these Mourning Doves, Blue Jay and Red Squirrel partially hidden in the grass, two Black-capped Chickadees fluttered around my head.
The feeder nearby offered peanuts that day, much to the delight of the birds
and squirrels.
Birders on the island are watching for the return of the Osprey between April 12-15. Sure enough, yesterday, the 13th, we saw a single Osprey in the nest by the boardwalk. I bet she wonders what happened to the nest in her absence.
I want to finish today by thanking all music teachers out there. You who teach music appreciation, instrument and band, train voices and teach choir, direct musicals and the myriad things you do every day…thank you.
Generations have come to know and love music and performing as you work hard to pass on the joy of music to new generations.
Our eldest granddaughter had the pleasure to perform in the musical SpongeBob put on by her school last week. It is something she will remember for a lifetime. Thank you especially to her school’s great music teacher. Your hard work and dedication shows and is appreciated.
48 comments:
Nice appreciation of spring and music teachers too. It's not easy teaching music to entire classes, not all of whom are musical!
I love that you just pushed the remaining snow aside to have your picknick. Like the Norvegians say: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Dear Marie,
The time you posted is shown as about ten minutes to 4.....a.m.!!!!
Have you always been an early riser?
It's almost a quarter past 5 a.m. here in Albuquerque. After an enjoyable but tiring excursion to the bookstore day before yesterday, I slept all day and now get to be first in line to comment.
Good Morning! 🌞
Music teachers, and art teachers too, they're always the first to get get when money is tight in a school budget. so another reason to thank them for taking on such precarious work!
Beautiful post, it is a treat to see the Osprey returning to their nest
I love all your bird images and the view of the beach is pretty too.
Congrats to your granddaughter, is there a video of her performing? Wishing you a great day and a happy new week!
We walked in our park yesterday for the first time. It was a fairly nice day, but the park isn’t very attractive yet. But a big skein of geese did fly by with at least one Vee inside the main Vee. It was pretty cool. I like them in the air if not on the ground.
Your poetic description of everything makes me fall in love with you and your island dear Marie 🥹🥰
Oh I am really happy that season is about to change and spring is almost in your area 😍🤗
Enjoyed each shot thoroughly,birds in abundance add vibration of life and beauty to surroundings 👌♥️
Life is taking over indeed and within few weeks you will be walking through plants and flowers hopefully ☺️
Your granddaughters seem to have great love for art and I am happy she participated in school’s music event 🤗
Art is soul and soul must be alive and active no matter what,otherwise worries of the physical world occupy our being.
Spring keeps evolving, along with your walks & picnics!
What beautiful photos of nature, my friend. The Blue Jay is my favorite, but they all possess a certain amount of beauty as spring begins anew. SpongeBob is a favorite here! My kids still watch it from time to time. Have a lovely, cozy week in your world.
oooooh a picnic at the grove, how lovely. things are looking, dare i say better, perhaps making picnics a regular event now!! cavendish beach now and in january sure illustrates your point well!! pretty birdies, it surely is spring. i second your praise of music teachers. music is so important, playing an instrument also. you can enjoy both your entire life and you don't need other people to participate. my son plays guitar and at 42 he still enjoys it so much!!
Cavendish Grove looks like a delightful place to walk and picnic, not far from the shoreline.
I too love all the birdsong at this time of year. When I was in Glee Club learning songs for a performance, it's amazing that I still remember them all, even the words. Something about where the song resides in my brain, I guess.
Thanks for taking me on your stroll. Beautiful wildlife, love seeing the blue jay and the squirrel with the nut. :)
Es el arte de mi predilección.
Esos paisajes por donde has dado tu paseo me ha gustado mucho.
MFH,
I posted the blog about 8 this morning, our time. I guess that is 4 in Albuquerque. I am usually up by 7:45 a.m. Have a great week.
Eileen,
We didn’t get video but did get a few photos for the family album. It was a wonderful performance!
What a wonderful outing. Both outings. For you and for us. Thank you.
An uplifting week as spring arrives, Marie. Watching the webcam of Charlotteltown, it seemed to be a week of sunshine, snow and rain to greet the returning birds. I wish Stu's area had your boardwalk. What a joy to have on your doorstep. I love the image of the Blue Jay, Mourning Doves and squirrel . It took me a while to find the latter.
That squirrel is so adorable!
That's a big change in the light! I love the longer days this time of year.
I grew up in a musical family, Marie, so I echo your thanks to all who keep Music alive and well. I especially love the thought of hearing your Song Sparrows, as well as the other birds. We need to know that Mother Nature is not giving up on us, so thank you for these reminders.
A fine thought, the shoutout to music teachers. I still remember what was put on at my school 70 years ago. And more clear are the voices of my children singing together, in harmony.
Speaking of singing - what a fine capture of the song sparrow. I have tried but never had a clean shot. Wow. Oh, I heard our first loon this morning.
How pretty the Grove photos are! I can see why you would like it for a picnic spot! The beach scene is so pretty! You have such a good talent of taking the best bird photos! I so agree with you on applauding music teachers......it is a true devotion to be able to teach music. How wonderful that your granddaughter perform in her musical! Here's wishing you a pleasant Easter holiday!
Yes and amen to the music teachers and their love for children. I am so thankful for my music lessons (maybe not so much at the time though) and especially for my high school band leader. Mr. "B." was so talented and caring. He explained music in a way that became my appreciation for all kinds of music.
Love the photos of your area and the critters that live there.
The close up of the song sparrow singing his heart out is definitely a wall hanger.
Sue
Hooray for spring's arrival! I love the shot of the squirrel with the peanut. What a funny look on it's face.
Marie, You put so much into your posts. So here’s a little poem for you.
The return of the geese, high above in flight,
And the haunting call of the Scoters at night—
These moments you share, both quiet and grand,
Are nature’s own music across the land.
Your gratitude sung for the teachers of song
Struck a chord that’s deep and strong.
How lovely your tribute, how heartfelt and true—
Their work plants the seeds that forever renew.
To your granddaughter—bravo! May she always find
That joy of performance and rhythm combined.
Thank you for this glimpse of your springtime days,
Wrapped in wonder, music, and nature’s praise.
John
It’s good to see the migrants flooding into PEI, Marie. Soon the sound of young birds clamouring for food will catch your ears on your walks. The cycle renews each year and roots those of us who cherish nature. Even more than music teachers in my case!
Oh John,
I so enjoyed your poem. Thank you for the effort and the kind words, weaving everything together. I loved it!
Marie
It's lovely to see the early signs of spring returning to Cavendish Beach, even if it's still a bit too chilly for a picnic. The longer days and the return of the birds, like the Song Sparrows and Canada Geese, truly signal the changing season. And a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated music teachers for sharing the joy of music.
Beautiful photos!
A good music program is essential to good learning experiences.
Hello Marie :)
What a lovely post, Your descriptive appreciation of the changes taking place in nature on Prince Edward Island and your photos, are delightful. Bird song awakens me every morning, and music fills me with joy. I second your homage to music teachers everywhere Marie.
All the best
Sonjia.
What a wonderful photo of the song sparrow singing his heart out!
Marie where you and hubby have picnics is lovely. I hope that is once again in the near future. I was surprised that your sparrows migrate...ours stay all winter long...very faithful visitors to the feeders :)! The squirrel with the peanut is adorable. Yes hats off to the music teachers everywhere! So glad your granddaughter got to perform in SpongeBob. Bet she made you proud. Have a wonderful Easter - Hugs!
Beautiful blog
Such relaxing post💖Beautiful pictures of the landscapes,birds and surroundings.My fav is the little squirrel what a cutie pie💖💖💖
What beautiful photos of some of the creatures you share your island with. The song sparrow lifting his voice with all his might is a wonderful photo.
Bellissime fotografie.Buona Pasqua,Iscriviti al mio blog.
SpongeBob. That's a hoot. I love that she'll have that memory forever. I love the shots of the birds and the area you guys love to walk. Very, very nice.
PS: Me too on the leftovers. Sometimes it's just nice not to cook/bake.
Oops I think i commented on the previous post but anyways - just saying love that blue jay! and the squirrel is so cute. Happy easter.
sherry
I agree... music teachers deserve lots of praise. My grandtwins are both in the school band (clarinet and trumpet) and they love it and have learned so much. And those skills will stay with them. Spring is very reluctant this year, although it was sunny today. We have had string winds and snow and those poor birds who have arrived from their wintering areas must be wondering why they flew north.
What a beautiful, peaceful reflection on spring's return and the simple joys of nature. The birds and the memories of picnics really make it come alive.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos of a glorious Spring waking up. I adore birds, they are Mother Natures little miracles. I love the bird at the feeder and the squirrel, great captures. One of my jobs for this weekend is to sort through the bird feeders, cleaning or replacing. Happy Easter Marie.
I love those long shadows in photo #3. Beautiful!
I love seeing all the different birds. The sparrow is cute. We get Ospry in our area too. I'm still in Florida, but when we get back to Pennsylvania we fill bird feeders to attract and feed birds in our yard. The squirrel is interesting with the red tail and stripe on its nose area. Very different from our squirrels.
I really enjoy all of your nature pictures. That squirrel picture really gets to me.
I love the sites when I take my walks with you. So pretty.
It was very pleasant to read this post... as usual! and see the wonderful pictures.
Have a very pleasant Easter!
The two different pictures of Cavendish Beach were amazing. Oh how exciting it is to have springtime weather advancing, and to see the blooms and green appearing! Your bird photos are amazing, and how I loved to see the sparrow singing its heart out! I imagine it is singing "Spring is coming!" Blessings to you Marie, Happy Easter!
Buen paseo por la Naturaleza, en la que me ha encantado la imagen de la ardilla consumiendo un alimento.
Felices Pascuas.
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