Blue on blue

On a blue sky day, if the wind is calm and the surface of a pond is like a mirror, there is a blue on blue reflection. The blue sky is reflected in the water and it highlights anything on the surface of the water.

We recently left from home on such a day and cycled on the Confederation Trail past the nearby community of Miscouche, a route we take regularly. When we arrived at the turn around, Variegated Pond-lilies were on the verge of blooming in the wetland. 

A perfect reflection of vegetation on the water 

and a simple bud reflected in the blue caused us pause. 

Perfect conditions occurred another day at the Cow River Wetlands between St. Peter’s and Selkirk on the Confederation Trail. Without a cloud in the sky and barely a breeze, we stopped to observe the wetlands which had the bluest water, a mirror of the sky and a reflection of the vegetation.

Then among the reeds we spotted a goose family which decided we were too close so they took to the water, one parent leading, followed by the five goslings and the second parent. The little family in the blue was picture perfect.

Two blue on blue days in a month were a special treat. 

 

Wetland

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.

Heritage Roads

While our quest of cycling the entire Confederation Trail this year continues, every now and then my husband and I like a change from riding that trail. We decided to try one of the Heritage Roads on the island, old red clay roads through scenic countryside which were busy roads in days gone by. We decided on the Perry Road in central Prince Edward island.

We passed through Millvale on our way to the road and stopped at the waterfall there.

The pond, name unknown, has a fish ladder alongside the dam. 

Geese floated on the pond, two parents ushering goslings between them. A cormorant, in the centre of this photo, balanced on one foot, is watching the proceedings.

The Perry Road is lined with farmers’ fields, many of which are covered in dandelions. 

We are suspicious of grassy fields without dandelions and wonder what is used to control the pretty blooms.

This central part of the island has rolling hills 

which were a challenge for us and our bikes. 

We only rode a few kilometres before we turned back. However, autumn colours will call us back for a hike on this road in the fall.

We drove to Cavendish to have lunch in the Grove, always a favourite place for a picnic.