Spring on the horizon

We ventured to the north shore of the island last week. Several rivers along the way had running water where ducks gathered. It was a treat to see ducks again since frozen conditions in Summerside have driven them away from the area. American Black Ducks and Common Goldeneyes 

filled a stream near the fishing shacks at Malpeque where ice still fills the basin.

We also passed two Ring-necked Pheasants which were feeding along the side of the road. They were difficult to photograph and flew off despite my best efforts to capture their beauty.

On the landward side of the sand dunes, exposure to the elements hasn’t been kind to the coniferous trees which struggle to survive there.

At French River, open water was home to Common Mergansers, disappearing below water to feed.

At Yankee Hill, the lighthouse stands vigil through the long winter. 

The bulrushes stood tall against the March wind, somewhat protected by the dunes. 

On the other side of the dunes, the channel has some open water, unlike Malpeque Bay at Summerside. 

The same scene last May

Meanwhile, along the boardwalk, one of the Bald Eagles is back at the sub-let from the Osprey. 

Finally this past week, undulatus clouds were the harbingers of a change in the weather as snow changed to rain with milder temperatures.

Have a good week!