Recently, as we cycled a section of the Confederation Trail in eastern Prince Edward Island,
we learned from a friendly trail worker about a Ducks Unlimited protected area near Morell, where we were headed. The wetland had an Osprey nest which we were glad to hear about.
Sure enough, we found the area mentioned and the nest was obvious at the back of the pond.
We didn’t see any Osprey however. It is interesting, though sad, to see how the birds recycle plastic when building their nests.
Also in the pond were several male Wood Ducks.
I was thrilled to see them though they tested the limits of my camera. I had only ever seen one such duck previously but had not been able to photograph it.
In addition, a pair of Canada Geese with five goslings nested on an island in the pond. The goslings were the biggest I had ever seen. The gaggle was initially in the water,
then moved to the island where the adults gave a display of wing spread. Three of the goslings watched intently.
Meanwhile, three Tree Swallows where flitting above the water, moving too swiftly to be photographed. Among the bulrushes, Red-Winged Blackbirds chattered loudly.
Before we left, two crows appeared to be bothering ducks at the back of the pond. There was a lot of quacking and the two crows looked like they were attacking something in the grasses. Crows can stir things up when they get started.
A few words from a friendly person can make an already great day even better.