We had bitterly cold temperatures for the early part of last week and then the temperature rose for a mild spell. The Black Ducks which had abandoned the frozen salt marsh are back for a few days enjoying the milder temperatures.
This one looked happy to be back.
The ice in the bay is melting again, at least until the temperature drops this coming weekend.
The Blue Jays along the boardwalk entertained walkers this week. A flock quickly gathers when generous walkers leave seeds for them.
Mourning Doves have a communal roosting area where they are protected from the worst of winter weather. It is hard to photograph them but five are visible in the following photo.
Over the years, we have come to know people who walk the boardwalk when we do. One such couple, in their nineties, has been walking in the mall since the weather turned so cold. However, it was good to see them this past week when the milder temperatures drew them outdoors again.
Northerly winds lined the tree trunks with snow on a maple-lined street in one area of Summerside. The shots of colour in the equipment in the nearby playground really stand out in the winter grey and white.
Finally this week, as we pulled in our driveway yesterday, a neighbourhood Red Fox sat on a lawn across the street. I managed some photos of the animal with the window down
and noticed crows gathering on the wires over the fox.
The fox watched as I left the car, unperturbed by my presence as I photographed it. Then all of the crows started cawing, loudly, and the fox appeared stressed.
It took off back into the nearby field.
The murder of crows acting to move the fox along was amazing to observe.
Let’s hope there are wonderful surprises in the world this coming week. We need some!
15 comments:
Hello, Marie
Lovely captures of the ducks, the Jays and the pretty Fox. I had a hard time finding the doves, it took awhile but I found them. We see familiar faces on our walks too, it is great to get outside for walks. Take care, have a happy day and great week ahead.
We have two village bunnies that were once inside one lady owned them, then they got out and never wanted to go back in. Anyway, those bunnies don't like the sound of the crows either. They go alert at the noise.
Love that they walk in their 90s together. That's the best!
The fox ;pictures are wonderful, I wonder what the crows were thinking, to run the fox off.
Good to have "Neighbourhood Watch" crows.
That old couple is amazingly fit. Good to see them out walking together.
The crows murdered the foxes tranquillity.
The fox looks like he just woke from a nap.
That is a lot of bluejays! I've never seen so many gathering like that. Great pictures
May
Love the red fox! They are such cool animals. I bet it is comforting to know, or recognize many of the people on your walk.
What a lovely slice of early January you’ve shared, Marie. Cold and thaw, departure and return, all woven together so gently. I smiled at the Black Ducks reclaiming their marsh and the Blue Jays brightening the boardwalk. It was especially heartening to read about the couple in their nineties returning to their outdoor walks when the weather allowed.
The fox and the vigilant crows feel like a small winter drama with nature watchful and alert. Thank you for ending with hope; your words and images are themselves one of those wonderful surprises we all need right now. 😊 John
Nice shots of the colorful & expressive Red Fox. We have a lot of coyote so our fox stay well hidden. I see them on our trail cameras but that is about it.
Love the elderly couple strolling together <3
The fox is lovely! The weather this winter, both there and in Saskatchewan has been downright weird. It is currently above freezing at home and apparently there was freezing rain. Until recently that was unheard of in January. Now the really cold days seem to arrive in December and February.
Let's hope warmer days are on their way.
I can't complain here where I am right now. Charlotte, NC.
Hello Marie :)
Wonderful nature captures and the laughing Blackduck photo is so cute. Your photo of the 90 year old couple braving the cold and out walking is so good to see. I enjoyed your photos Marie and wish you a very happy and healthy New Year.
Sonjia.
Some fine, fine photos of fox and ducks. I did not know that about the mouning doves; our local ones seem to hang around a neighbour's barn that is derelict and has gaping holes in the walls. I figured they slept there.
We have jays in quantity. JG keeps feeding them corn.
Ah Marie...your pictures of the fox was absolutely beautiful. We have them but being that they are nocturnal...it is rare we see them during the day...although from time to time they can be seen.
I was able to detect all five of your mourning doves...they do certainly know how to hide well.
Take care and have a quiet peaceful week. Hugs!
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