Music to our ears

We returned to Cavendish Grove this past week. The area is often our first choice; a favourite place on the island for both of us.

My husband and I always enjoy a picnic at the Grove from spring to late fall before it closes. One year in mid November, we wiped snow off the picnic table before we had lunch. No snow last Saturday but too cold for a picnic.

As we walked to Cavendish Beach, the grey of early spring surrounded us, newly exposed after the snow melted. The weeks ahead provide rapid change as nature shifts into overdrive. 

The sun is a big part of these changes as the lengthening days trigger the processes which awaken nature.

On New Year’s Eve this year I photographed Cavendish Beach before noon. 

Below is a similar shot from Saturday past before noon. The long shadows are gone.

Many birds have migrated back to the island already. Song Sparrows, which you often hear before you see them, are among the smallest birds we enjoy over the coming months. They sing their hearts out, lifting their voices into the heavens with every fibre of their beings. I always pause to listen.

The Canada Geese are in v-formation overhead every day now, sending their honking calls long before one can pin point their location. Soon nesting will keep the occupied.

In the bay at Summerside and elsewhere in the waters around the island the Black Scoters, diving ducks which have a distinct call, are fishing off shore this spring. That haunting call is a part of the sounds of spring too.

As usual, we walked the boardwalk other days and enjoyed the animals we have come to love there. As I photographed these Mourning Doves, Blue Jay and Red Squirrel partially hidden in the grass, two Black-capped Chickadees fluttered around my head. 

The feeder nearby offered peanuts that day, much to the delight of the birds 

and squirrels.

Birders on the island are watching for the return of the Osprey between April 12-15. Sure enough, yesterday, the 13th, we saw a single Osprey in the nest by the boardwalk. I bet she wonders what happened to the nest in her absence.

I want to finish today by thanking all music teachers out there. You who teach music appreciation, instrument and band, train voices and teach choir, direct musicals and the myriad things you do every day…thank you.

Generations have come to know and love music and performing as you work hard to pass on the joy of music to new generations.

Our eldest granddaughter had the pleasure to perform in the musical SpongeBob put on by her school last week. It is something she will remember for a lifetime. Thank you especially to her school’s great music teacher. Your hard work and dedication shows and is appreciated. 

Out and about, winter edition

We enjoyed a day with the golden grand-dog this past week and walked around the neighbourhood with her. 

Another day, I did time on the treadmill, which was more pleasant than usual. However, our main exercise was at the boardwalk which is by far our favourite. The physical effort and the social interaction with fellow walkers in nature are a perfect combination.

Conditions were varied last week. Always though, the sun was hidden, sometimes appearing as a ball of light behind the clouds. 

Twilight makes winter mornings unique.

One day we walked while it snowed without any wind and the birds stayed active too. Mourning Doves, 

Black Ducks 

and Tree Sparrows, 

joined the Red Squirrels 

that day along the boardwalk. Out on the bay, my husband and I could hear Black Scoters and see Mergansers, Gulls and other Black Ducks, as the snow almost obscured the lighthouse.

Along the trail, birdhouses were covered with snow, 

creating scenes for Christmas cards but a few weeks late.

Another day I called woodpecker day, since two Hairy and one Downy Woodpecker were in the same area simultaneously. This was an unusual sight. I was able to photograph all three but not in the same frame.

While Bedeque Bay is not frozen solid yet, the amount of ice in the bay depends on whether the wind is off-shore or on-shore. One day, the bay was packed with ice. The next day, wind took all the ice into the Northumberland Strait.

The ducks which frequent the salt marsh leave when the marsh freezes and return when milder conditions melt the ice.

And always, fellow walkers share greetings while some stop to chat. 

We are so fortunate to have this beautiful place where we can enjoy winter, whatever it brings.

Out in the world this week, it is difficult to comprehend the devastation of the fires in California. There are so many homes destroyed plus schools, churches, stores, businesses, everything. Lives have been lost. Climate change is well underway and so many people still don’t believe it. I fear for this planet and all who live here, especially the children.

Finally for this week, in a sad world, it can be the little things that brighten one’s day…

Every day I feed the crows, I say, “Hello,” when I open the door. Yesterday there were four crows perched on the railing and one of them made a sound of two syllables, which sounded like, “Hello,” from deep in its throat. I was the only one who heard it and I couldn’t believe what I had heard. I will attempt to record the greeting in the future. Wish me luck!

Have a wonderful week!

Spring is in the air

Everywhere we go these days, the activities of the birds catch our attention. They are courting, building nests, and nesting. Some, like the Great Blue Herons wear their best attire in season.

Soon fledglings will add to the populations.

I heard a rustle at the base of some trees along the boardwalk one day and watched the area for a few minutes. A Song Sparrow was building a nest among the grasses at the base of some bushes. The tiny creature was well camouflaged. 

We have noticed a pair of European Starlings around the boardwalk recently, two always together regardless of the location of the large flock. If one flies off the other follows.

Like the Starlings, a pair of Rock Pigeons follow each other around too. 

This pair of Herring Gulls stays together 

as do these Mallards.

The Mourning Doves are paired as well and provide an interesting chorus together. 

These Downy Woodpeckers are never far from each other.

I couldn’t manage a clear shot of both. When compared to the Herons, these Downies are miniature.

At Cavendish Grove, despite the low water conditions, the Canada Geese which nest there every spring, are back in fine form. Small islands in the ponds are home to nesting Geese such as this one settled in on an island among the bulrushes. 

Nearby the male stands over the scene, watching every move as an Osprey flies over and lands in a tree nearby. The gander keeps an eye on the Osprey. 

Some of the birds, like this Northern Flicker, don’t appear to have found a partner yet.

It spends much of its time high in the trees calling out for a lady friend. Someone should tell him the ladies might be tired of his whining. I feel sorry for him.

We’ve seen though that all is not domestic bliss with all of the birds.

Meet the Osprey which have a nest on a platform near the boardwalk. 

The birds are long term residents and like many Canadians, head south for the winter. Last fall, after they vacated the well-established nest, the Fiona weather system took down the pole and destroyed the nest. The city replaced the pole for the feathered visitors but the birds had to reconstruct the nest on their return a few weeks ago. 

As you can see, they have made progress. 

One day the two Osprey looked like they’d had a spat. One bird was on the nest while the other sat in a tree nearby, never once glancing at its partner. 

Meanwhile, a crow sat in a nearby tree, watching the scene, waiting for an opportunity to have eggs for breakfast.

Through this season, the other animals are mating too. This chipmunk is gathering peanuts into its den when any are offered. It looks out expectantly as we walk by. 

This time of year is wondrous! 

Feathered friends

The salt marsh which is sometimes a pond along the boardwalk is changed again. A recent storm removed the seaweed and sand which provided a dam at the mouth of the pond. Now the pond is gone and a stream is back in its place. You can see the opening to the harbour in the photo.

The poor American Black Ducks which call the area home don’t have enough depth to swim in places. Now we see them on the beach most days. Another storm is required to wash seaweed and sand back into the opening in the natural dam. I hope the ducks get their home back in their favourite condition soon.

Late in March, a pair of Kildeer were back in the marsh area. A pair hung out there last summer. Could they be the same birds? 

One day recently, this Hairy Woodpecker was interested in the senior taking her photo. 

The American Robins were back on the island during the last few days of March.

A Black-capped Chickadee landed on the bridge while I was there. I placed my hand in my pocket and the little bird flew around my head. I imagine it expected some food.

Mourning Doves like to pick seeds off the bridge when there aren’t any walkers around.

Dozens of Song Sparrows sing their greetings all along the boardwalk. Several were busy on the bridge collecting seeds one day. These tiny birds have powerful voices and their songs fill the air.

Tree Sparrows continue to visit the bridge as well.

A Red-winged Blackbird  finally stood still long enough for me to photograph him. We have heard their chatter for a few weeks.

The Blue Jays along the boardwalk are always talkative. Their voices dominate any choir.

A Herring Gull 

and a Ring-billed Gull 

are from a flock of various gull species enjoying the harbour these days.

The harbour/boardwalk area is an avian paradise despite the cold so far this spring.