Through the haze
As of August 10th, there are well over a thousand wildfires burning across Canada. The smoke is evident in our area most of the time as haze visible in the distance. Air quality is affected as well and is a threat to vulnerable people. This was the scene yesterday morning in Bedeque Bay, as a tug assisted a barge out of port. The two vessels dwarf the fishing vessel nearby.
Earlier this week, looking towards two Great Blue Herons near shore, the haze in the distance is obvious. One wonders if the air quality is affecting the animals such as the birds.
The avians kept us entertained this past week however, as migration continues. Many stop on the island on their way south to warmer weather for the winter, like these four Yellowlegs.
Another day, a Solitary Sandpiper fed among Yellowlegs in the marsh.
I enjoyed watching this Green-winged Teal in the marsh. The little Teal looked to have discovered its reflection and was fascinated with it.
As always, a flock of European Starlings makes its presence known as they noisily fly from one location to another. They were particularly noisy one day last week when a Bald Eagle landed in the area. They stayed in this tree several minutes chattering while the Eagle was in residence.
That Eagle was impressive as it caught sight of something moving below the tree.
Walkers were stopping to observe the bird and once it looked in my direction.
The red soil of the island has dyed its tail feathers and its claws are fearsome weapons.
The beak is just as impressive.
After some minutes, it called twice and flew off just after I walked away.
The birds along the boardwalk really enjoy cracked corn brought by many of the walkers. Some people leave the treat along the bridge railing where the birds will gather to eat their share. Various species gather there and I saw these three species on one occasion, Blue Jays, Blackbirds and a Starling.
Meanwhile, the pink Joe Pye Weed has joined Goldenrod along the borders of the boardwalk, as the succession of wildflower beauty continues.
The bridge was obvious in the distance this past week.
Our federal government decreased bridge tolls from $50 down to $20 on leaving the island. The cost of ferry service was cut 50% as well. It is a significant decrease in cost for islanders and a popular change!
Have a great week.
40 comments:
The eagle looks tough. I wouldn't pick a fight with him. Or, worse, the bluebirds!
No doubt the lesser bridge/ferry toll is much appreciated. When we visited, we entered via the bride and exited via the ferry, just to get the full experience. 😄
Hello Marie :)
Your Bald Eagle photos are incredible Those claws are lethal weapons and it's head with penetrating gaze leaves you in doubt it is a fearsome raptor.Of course I am aware of the Canadian wild fires that are all over Canada. We also have the same problem, and the helicopters fly over my house every day with a tiny water container trailing behind. I often wonder if it is effective in distinguishing
flames. I hope the situation improves Marie and the air pollution also.
All the best
Sonjia.
Yes, I see on the news that the maritimes are getting hit hard with wildfires right now. I hope everyone stays safe!
I never thought about how the air quality affected the birds/animals. The birds would really be up there in the middle of the pollution. Sad.
i am happy you were able to get out for a walk and see so many impressive birds. what a kind, gentle thought to remember how the air quality affects the animals. we have been hearing about the wildfires and the effect they are having on air quality even here in new jersey. be ever so careful, as we reach our "golden years" we are impacted more by air quality and heat!! i REALLY enjoyed seeing the bald eagle...your pictures are always amazing. and just a small ps...your text is very small today and a little harder to read. i just wanted to kindly let you know in case you didn't!! have a great day!!
Always enjoy your photos and stories from the island. Having been there certainly helps me understand. We don't get the chance to see ducks and shorebirds much here, as the shoreline of Georgian Bay is too rocky.
Hello,
I hope you are not bothered by the smoke in the area.
Love the Eagle photos, great collection of birds.
Pretty captures of the Yellowlegs and Sandpiper.
The view of the bridge is wonderful.
I am sure people are happy with the tolls being decreased.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.
So many wildfires, with so much devastation. Very sad for those of us who love nature. There seems to be no end in sight. I am glad you found impressive sights to share.
Great photo of the eagle, he looks serious.
I'm sorry you have so many fires. That's not good. Good though, the shots of the eagle. Very nicely done. Wishing you a safe new week ahead.
Prayers those wildfires go out
Beautiful pictures, you’ve captures a really good eagle face. He looks very determined.
The haze in this part of New England varies, some days worse than others. I’ve had no problems when out and about.
May
I am so sorry about the fires - and grateful for your images.
Sometimes there are big surprises when we look up or around us. Birds can sit in plane sight and not be seen some times.
Marie!
Do you recall if there were lots of wildfires before? They've become such a source of media attention I wonder if we're just hearing of them more?
Also, I too noticed the smaller font. Cruel & unusual punishment! 🥸
Awesome photos! Please buy that tug for me. It looks much cozier than our urban ghetto bungalow here in Albuquerque.
My goodness your photos get better every time, wow that eagle one is amazing.
It looks liike it was indeed a great week. Love your bird shots.
Hello, my friend. I am always so eager to view and study the photos and information you share here! You have so much knowledge about nature, and an eye for photographing. The birds are beautiful, bur the eagle? Intimidating! Thank you for always sharing! Stay clear of the smoke, if possible.
The way you've captured the contrast between the stunning natural beauty and the subtle, yet troubling, haze from the wildfires is so powerful. It's a striking reminder that even in beautiful, peaceful moments, we can see the impact of larger environmental issues.
The eagle photos are really something. I have never seen one that close up.
So sad about the fires. It creates stress even for those hundreds of miles away
Lovely water views. Good news about the ferry $ cuts. Our E side of Washington State is constantly putting out or trying to control those wildfires. Heat and wind!
Through summer haze and seabird cries,
The island’s beauty fills the eyes.
From teal reflections to eagle’s might—
Nature’s show is pure delight.
PS Love the eagle pics! Have a great week ahead Marie!
Dear Marie 🥰
I am sorry that wildlife has been broke in your beautiful island.I really hope that no one was harmed 🙏
I enjoyed the post thoroughly as always.lovely series of interesting images is so cool and appealing 🤗
I feel more attracted by bald eagle ,he indeed is majestic beauty and sign of firmness and fear as well specially for little birds around.
The combination of three pretty birds in one picture is intriguing ♥️
Bravo for the decreasing the bridge fee for leaving islanders,sounds like an impressive step 👍
Hugs and best wishes 🙏🥰
I love how the Joe-Pye weed and the goldenrod look together. We have had some air quality problems down here in New England as well. It's such a shame to have so many wild fires every year.
Stunning looking Eagle, he looks very proud. Sad thing about Summer is the wild fires, we get them here in certain places, sometimes depends on what's caused them but once they get started they are very serious.
Dratted wildfires are gumming up the works for many of us. The haze seems to have blown off today which is nice, though I suspect that won't last long.
What it has done, at least for us here, is keep the temperatures cooler. We haven't had a single day of 35-40C, and usually have a few in July.
Love all the photos, and the one of the teal duck made me chuckle.
Marie, this post is one of contrasts. You highlight the gravity of the wildfires across Canada and find solace in the antics of the avians. Wonderful images bringing a smile to my face. Such a relief to have the toll reduced.
How lovely to have tolls going down!
I love the yellowlegs, and interesting to see the eagle's feathers dyed by the soil.
Great set of pictures - and I am pleased to hear that your tolls have fallen!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
all the birds are wonderful but that eagle is magnificent. Sorry to hear about the wildfires. I read that Europe has many too. Tough times.
all the best
sherry
Wonderful photos Marie! Although I have never seen an Eagle in the wild, I would like to. I always marvel at the pictures you share. Thank you.
Oh Debbie,
I struggled to post that blog entry on Monday. I hope to have all issues rectified by the time I do the next post, including text size. Thanks for you patience, my friend.
MFH,
We have always had forest fires in Canada, not surprising since the forests are vast. Every year now, the number of fires is on the rise. It is so hot and dry. Carelessness, lightning or deliberate setting of fires ignites bone dry timber.
Also, the font size wasn’t my choice this past Monday. I couldn’t manage anything bigger. I hope to have the problem rectified by this coming Monday’s post.
Marie
no worries my dear friend, i only mention it because i was not sure it was just me, or the text. i got close to the screen and read every word...i always enjoy your pictures and dialog so much!! i hope the air quality has improved....have a wonderful weekend!!
Yup, that eagle is definitely checking you out! Beautiful photos. Sad to hear about all the wildfires.
The eagle photos are quite impressive! It’s amazing that you were able to get so close.
Love all your pictures, especially of the eagle - they are SUCH an amazing bird! It is sad to hear that you are struggling with such awful smoke. We have had days of smoke here too - from fires several hundred miles away that the wind has brought to us. I hope it clears up for you all, because it is so miserable. Thankful to hear about the decrease in the tolls on the bridge and ferries!!!
I believe the reduction in bridge tolls was long overdue.
The smoke has impacted parts of southern Ontario, as well, including the GTA.
Birds will continue to brighten your day.
I am so sorry about the fires. Once when a wildfire was close to my home in the Appalachians, the smoke was in my house and I have respiratory issues so I had to leave. Great photos as usual. Love the closeups of th Eagle.
Smoke haze is a problem here too, Marie. It seems that fall the country is burning up. Needless to say we will welcome the reduction in bridge tolls when we visit next month.
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