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!
43 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!
Our year also ended bitterly cold with biting wings but things have mellowed out a bit.. the sun is out today.
I love the picture of the deserted snowy street. I don't think I've ever seen so many bluejays together. Take care and have a great week.
The photo of the blue jays is amazing. Never seen that many congregated together. We have a few that visit our yard but not an entire flock.
Love the red fox. He's beautiful. We haven't seen the gray fox in our yard since last year. They stay hidden.
Have a wonderful week and stay warm.
Sue
The blue jays are such pretty birds. Love the contrasting photo of the playground. B x
Beautiful photos, Marie. Thank you 😊 so much for sharing ❤️
Always enjoy your wildlife captures, and the sharing of your walking adventures too! The fox was a neat surprise to see. Those crows definitely have a lot to say! Hopefully you get some nicer weather this week!
What a great capture of the fox, he's a beauty!
That fox looks very disappointed, Marie, and what a lot of blue jays on the walking path and so colorful! Nice that you met up with that couple again.
that's a big group of blue jays. it is nice to know that people are feeding them and see that they are not fighting over the offerings. i t. i only saw one morning dove in the picture....they must really blend in. the black ducks are so interesting, some are smart enough to visit here. i was amazed at their feather pattern. i can't image being in my 90's and able to walk the boardwalk. my mother walked the boardwalk here for 35 years, at 91, she is not able to anymore. such a lovely closing thought....we can hope, or not watch the news. i know the later is not the solution BUT it helps a little!!
We make some great acquaintances in our daily walks.
You witnessed some lovely surprises from Nature. All those Blue Jays make such a pretty picture gathered together on the boardwalk. I do love foxes and we don't have them here, so I enjoy them in your photos.
Here's hoping for nice surprises in the world this week.
I have never seen such a happy duck!
We get lots of foxes but they're usually shy and rushing around.
I'm a little bit astonished that you have a neighbourhood fox! We count ourselves lucky to see their tracks!
My favorites - the ducks. Wait no - the bluebirds. Wait no no - the foxes. Ok I love them all.
What a magnificent flock of blue jays, and the fox was a truly fantastic photo subject.
Warmest regards to you. I hope you enjoy your walks.
❤️
Beautifully said, John.
A post of wows from me. The 90 year olds still walking in winter. The street of snowy, tree trunks. The Blue Jays feeding. I would so love to witness so many together. The small, red fox smiling sweetly at you.
Such a beautiful coloured fur of the fox, so powerful looking,
I like how the red swing shows up in photo.
Oh my goodness that is alot of blue jays! I love to see them as they are so bright and pretty in the snow. We don't get as many as we used to down here.
Those are some great fox photos. I’m wondering what the most unusual thing is that you have come upon during one of your walks. Care to tell us?
I've never seen so many Blue Jays at one time!
I'm always amazed at what is considered "mild/warmer" where you are. :-) If there's that much snow here, most of us are staying inside.
Funny to see the fox just sitting there. Almost like someone's pet! That duck looks like its smiling!
I loved your walk today. Thanks for taking me along. We are having freezing temps tonight and cold weather tomorrow in Atlanta area. But your snowy landscapes make me shivver. Winter is challenging, but we can look forward to spring.
The Blue Jays are a lovely splash of colour in what sometimes seems to be a monochrome winter.
I really enjoyed walking along dear Marie 🥰
All shots appeared as beautiful painting to me 👌♥️
The blue jays spread looks so amazing and lovely ♥️
The ducks enjoying mild temperatures look quite satisfied 🤗
I found the photo of elderly people in their nineties pretty impressive and heartwarming 🥹👌♥️
Hope you continue to share beauty of your surroundings my friend 🙏
Lindo zorrito. Te mando un beso
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