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Monday, 16 February 2026

Eye of the beholder

 Our weather has been warmer the past week, and we had several days without strong winds. Pleasant winter days enabled us to enjoy the outdoors on our daily walks. The lengthening days are a sure sign that spring is nigh as well.


Every day, I take a photo of the mouth of the stream and the bay as seen from the gazebo. This was the scene on Feb. 14/26.


While it was warmer last week, it is nothing like the same day two years ago. In 2024, the bay was free of ice. It will be a few weeks before the bay opens up this year.


We walked in the sun a few days last week. Exposed ice surfaces shone brightly too.


The area of the bench which I also photograph every day, had a different look on a sunny day.

This was that setting on Saturday when it was snowing.

While we’ve seen tracks of snowshoe hares, we haven’t been fortunate enough to see them yet this year. However, a Ruffed Grouse is around again. We feared the Bald Eagles had found it. 

We haven’t spotted the resident Bald Eagles recently but we drove to the area of the Confederation Bridge last week and spotted this beauty along the way. It was surveying the banks of a river where ducks were gathered.


Finally this week, this is the Confederation Bridge which links Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada. 


The ice moves with the tide but the bridge can withstand the onslaught. To me, this is a beautiful structure, not esthetically as much as its significance. 

The bridge creates a physical link to the rest of Canada for islanders. Transportation to and from the island is mere minutes over the almost thirteen kilometres of bridge. To a person originally from an island which will never have a fixed link, I appreciate the freedom this bridge represents. A thing of beauty.

Have a great week.













43 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The Confederation Bridge is a marvel!

aurora said...

Nice spots to observe and compare natures changes/differences on your island.

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Such a great idea to take pictures to have comparisons from year to year. That bridge is stunning and I always enjoy seeing photos of the eagles since I've never seen one. Thanks Marie

The Padre said...

Lovely Same Location Different Perspective Photos - You Always Captures Such Delightful Wildlife Shots As Well - I Am Missing The Grand Dog But Appreciating The Update

Big Hugs ,
Cheers

Ginnie Hart said...

You had me at the sun on the ice, Marie...and then the bench...and then the bald eagle...and then the bridge. OMG. It sometimes feels like you're in a totally different world, away from civilization! Thank you for "showing it off" like you do!

Anvilcloud said...

The point has never dawned in this way -- that you have lived in the two island provinces. Glad this one has a fixed link. Do Islanders also have to pay the heavy toll?

MARY G said...

I was happy when that bridge went up, having ridden the ferry to visit your beautiful island more than once. Nice shot of it, too. It is really interesting the differences in the ice/open water depending on, I guess, January temperatures. We have layers of ice and snow here, enough that the roof shovellers are arriving on Wednesday to take the load off. JG says he regrets that we did not build it with a stronger beam.

Amypie71 said...

Good to see bird life in the freezing cold Winter. That bridge looks like a major structure, I like it's pattern in the photo, have a great week and stay warm.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful scenery and photos. I love the Grouse and Eagle too.
Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead.

photowannabe said...

Oh Marie, I really enjoy seeing your photos of the place where you live. Its so different from what I am used to.
I really like how you show the changing of seasons in the same spot.
Stunning photos of the wildlife too.
Today is gloomy but we are thankful for the rain and the snow they are getting in the Sierra Mountains. Our water supply is thankful too.
Sue

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

Glorious captures.

Bill said...

Love the bridge, it's a beauty.

Red said...

Unbelievable that there is a bridge 13 km long.

John's Island said...

Marie, your photos and reflections always make me feel like I’m right there with you. Watching the ice glisten, spotting that beautiful Ruffed Grouse, and admiring the elegant Confederation Bridge. I especially love how you celebrate both nature’s fleeting moments and the meaningful connections to place. Thank you for sharing the beauty through your eyes! John

Marie Smith said...

AC. Islanders have paid the toll since the bridge was built. Last year, Carney kept an election promise and reduced the toll from $50 + to $20, paid when leaving the island.

Barbara said...

I love the idea of taking a picture from the same spot everyday. I can't think of a place near me that is pretty enough but I'm going to put my mind to it and see if I can come up with something.

peppylady (Dora) said...

Grouse, photo I like.

Debbie said...

such beautiful winter images!! it's good to hear that the temperature are warming up, they are here as well. i thiught perhaps i saw one but it never faced me!! the bald eagle stole the show for me!!

Barwitzki said...

Beautiful photos! I love ice and snow – as long as I'm not freezing :-)) You photographed the Confederation Bridge wonderfully; I can well imagine how grateful you are that it was built.
Sending you a hug.

Debbie Nolan said...

Marie such a great idea to take pictures for reference each year. This winter has been one of the harshest for us in a long time. The bridge is amazing and in the winter light it looks quite lovely as it towers over the icy water. Beautiful pictures of the Bald Eagle and the other gorgeous bird. You didn't identify it. Makes me think of a grouse that we sometimes spot here. Well take care and have a great week. Here is to "looking up" for spring. Hugs!

Lorrie said...

A fixed link is such a boon to efficient transportation. We will never have one on our island as the currents, tides, and depth all conspire against it. We appreciated driving over the Confederation Bridge twice now.

Debbie said...

seeing beauty in cold, winter, snow. i try to appreciate all of the seasons and the landscapes they bring. i really likes the images of the bridge and that majestic bald eagle!!

baili said...

I am so happy you got some warm days without wind dear Marie 🥰
Your description makes appearance of everything meaningful and more beautiful ♥️
I love that unfamiliar gorgeous bird grouse 👍
The bridge is beast and wonderful
I hope spring comes soon 🙏♥️

DeniseinVA said...

Very beautiful wintry scenes. Our snow is finally melting down here in Virginia.

Hena Tayeb said...

Wow, just look at that bridge. I love you taking a photo of the same spot and see how the snow is changing. Our snow is finally melting as well.. but then we have more coming over the weekend..

Maebeme said...

Lovely photos, but it looks so cold!
I've driven the Confederation bridge and it truly is incredible. I do hope to make it back there again on day.

Glenda Beall said...

Your photographic essay is great, Marie. You take me to your home and I see a world completely different from mine. That bridge is phenomenal and evidently well designed and built. You enlightedned me again.

Chris said...

Great idea to take photos of the same place to compare the snow, were you surprised at the results?

contempladoraocidental.blogspot.com said...

I agree. It is a thing of beauty !!

Marie Smith said...

Chris, what surprises me from day to day is how the sky is so different and how it changes the light.

Danielle L Zecher said...

That bridge is pretty. Does it ever make you nervous to be on it when there's so much ice?

Pattie Tierney said...

What a glorious photo of that bridge! Looking at all these pictures made me chilly. Seriously, I wanted to go put on a sweater. We were spoiled this past week when the temperatures went up to 74°. As I write this, it’s now 29°, so clearly the warm weather was just a fluke, but certainly an enjoyable one. Have a great weekend!

Marie Smith said...

Danielle, I am never nervous on the bridge. It is closed when there is gale force wind but ice doesn’t affect it. The supports break the ice similar to how an ice breaker does it.

MELODY JACOB said...

What a beautiful way to capture the subtle changes of winter turning toward spring! I love how you frame the daily life around the bay, the ice, and even the wildlife, it really makes me feel like I’m walking alongside you. The photo of the Confederation Bridge is striking; I love how you reflect on its practical and symbolic significance.

I just shared the first post for the Movement Link-Up, and you can start entering from today:
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2026/02/first-movement-link-up.html

I can’t wait to see your post and link up so we can all share and keep moving together!

The Furry Gnome said...

I remember when we visited the island by ferry (more than once), then the excitement of driving over the bridge for the first time.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

I have new appreciation for your bridge! Beautiful photos.

Liz Hinds said...

It is a lovely bridge. But not as lovely as that grouse. Tell me, why do they call them bald eagles?

John's Island said...

Marie,
The weather segment on our national evening news tonight made me think of you and PEI. It certainly looks like a strong winter storm is headed your way with heavy snow tomorrow. I’m sure I’m not the only blog friend thinking of you and your family. Take care, be safe, and stay warm! John

John's Island said...

Liz, Bald eagles are named after an Old English word, balde or balled, which meant "white" or "white-headed," rather than hairless. The name refers to the stark contrast between their brown bodies and the bright white plumage on their heads and tails that develops as they mature. John

Marie Smith said...

Hi Liz, John is right. Who knew balde meant white head at one time. There is nothing bald about these amazing birds in the modern sense of the word.

Liz Hinds said...

Thank you. That is interesting.

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Beautiful photos. Bridges over water have a unique vibe that runs through the soul during a crossing.
May

The Happy Whisk said...

I could sit on that bench, enjoy a cuppa and daydream until the cows come home. Love the curve and movement too in the one photo. Cheers, Ivy