As autumn approaches

It was a busy tourist season on Prince Edward Island this year. My husband and I stayed close to home during the season but look forward to excursions around the island again soon. With school starting this week, the tourist numbers always drop in September as families get back to the school routine for another year.  

Meanwhile, as summer draws to a close, mid morning has long shadows on the boardwalk as the sun sinks lower in the sky. 

Trees are showing early changes from such a dry summer and approaching autumn.

We started the week with the golden grand-dog, Daisy, while her family was camping. We take her to the Confederation Trail most days, where she can run free when there are no other walkers. A chance photo one day looked like a crow was on the dog’s head.

We discovered a field of sunflowers on our way home one day and stopped to take some photos. This sign at the entrance to the field was such a lovely gesture by the owners. 

            Please take just what you can enjoy/use.

The centre bloom came home with us. In the field, the overcast day saw many of the blooms with their faces pointed upwards for maximum light. 

Birds are busy along the Confederation Trail these days as the shrubs and trees are bearing fruit. The European Starlings are busy among the Mountain Ash berries 

while a Common Yellowthroat flew to the trees from the newly harvested fields. 

We saw the Bald Eagle above the boardwalk again this past week, once in its usual location. 

The second time it was further west on the trail in a new location. 

Again there were feathers in the salt marsh, likely the remnants of an Eagle’s meal there.

It is interesting to see the Eagle sat in the old trees. When you’re the apex predator, you don’t need the cover provided by leaves. 

Our grandchildren stayed overnight last week too. As always, we go to the boardwalk for a walk and to feed the animals with them which they really enjoy. 

Their grandfather had a hoverboard for them which everyone enjoyed. I was the only one who didn’t try it out. He also made an ice cream cake for them which I did try however.

One day, various species of birds, Ducks, Yellowlegs and Sandpipers were feeding at the mouth of the stream. 

It is  always fascinating to see the various species get along as they go about their business. There is a lot we can learn from them.

Also late last week, the Great Blue Herons returned to Bedeque Bay. They have been missing for several weeks, I suspect because they were molting.

One day, we counted 19 of the beauties fishing at low tide, stretched across an area of the bay which parallels the main street. 

I could only manage a photo of 12 of them in one shot. Groups of them in silhouette had to suffice.

Finally this week, a nod to the Hickory Tussock Moth, a relative newcomer to Prince Edward Island. On the boardwalk last week, 

I was fascinated with its symmetry as it walked along ahead of me. I later learned the hairs can cause skin irritation in some people so I was glad I had merely photographed it.

I hope this week you have some time to notice the little things. By the way, it might not be a good idea to touch them.