Sunrise Between Sambro IslandsI enjoyed sunrise at Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park this morning. The park should have been named Pennant Point Provincial Park but that's another story. It was not an impressive display as sunrises go but you get what you can. Both Sambro Island and Inner Sambro Island are visible in the photographs. The crashing surf is against Inner Sambro Island.
Sunrise Between Sambro Islands
Prospect BarrensI try to get onto the barrens west of Prospect, Nova Scotia, a couple of times a year. The far west end is more productive for birds with a snug cove and a beach heaped high with kelp. The boreal forest is a few hundred metres west of the cove. Nevertheless, migrating birds can be found anywhere along this barren and in the forest. I spotted some flocks flying by but without my binoculars identification in flight is tricky with just the naked eye. My skill at flight and contact calls during migration could use some updating. Common and Hoary Redpolls, Ipswich Sparrows, Snow Buntings, American Pipits, Horned Larks and Lapland Longspurs can be found on these barrens during migration. Next time I will come in by way of the western route. The Prospect Barrens
Bell Park, Mount Uniacke and Mushrooms, Lichens, Mosses and FungiLaura and I visited Bell Park, Mount Uniacke and we met lots of Mushrooms, Lichens, Mosses and Fungi along the way. Bell Park is my favorite place to visit after a snow storm if you can get in there before the dog walkers mark up the trail. Its not bad for fall colours or forest scenes but birds are scarce although you can find both species of chickadee, both species of nuthatch, kinglets, brown creepers, woodpeckers including black-backed and winter finches. There are also several kindness rocks but don't take them away. Leave them for others to enjoy. Bell Park, Mount Uniacke and Mushrooms, Lichens, Mosses and Fungi
Fall Colours Along the Musquodoboit RiverI continued my tour yesterday by following the Musquodoboit River from Middle Stewiacke to Musquodoboit Harbour. The fall colours were spectacular along the river. Fall Colours Along the Musquodoboit River
Butcher's Falls After a Heavy RainI continued my tour on the Brookfield Marsh, Butcher's Falls, Musquodoboit River loop by stopping at Butcher's Falls. The heavy rain of over 50mm in places was expected to bring a nice display to the waterfall as indeed it did. Butcher's Falls After a Heavy Rain
Early Morning FogI started out yesterday morning with a clear sky and high hopes which were quickly dampened by fog as I moved inland. At Brookfield Marsh the water was high so I expected no waders but I was delighted to meet four river otters. Every time I bellowed "hello" one of the otters would rise out of the water like a prairie dog and look at me. Fog does allow for some interesting photographic opportunities especially when looking directly at the sun. Look through electronic viewfinders only or risk damage to your eyes. Early Morning Fog and River Otters
A Stroll Around the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming ParkI took a stroll around the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming Park, yesterday. I saw a pointer in full pointing pose, pointing at a red squirrel sitting on a rock not 5 metres distant from the dog. Why didn't I take a photo? It was a gorgeous day but the fall colours have passed their prime in this area. A Stroll Around the Frog Pond, Sir Sanford Fleming Park
Peggy's Cove-Lewis Lake LoopLaura and I enjoyed the sun and wind as we toured the clockwise route from our place to Peggy's Cove and on to Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park with the obligatory stop for ice cream. I am still using my small Lumix camera. I have decided not to get an interim camera whilst awaiting the verdict on repairs. I'll repair, continue to use or replace my Nikon Z7. It's sad that Nikon could not build a solid casing of unobtainium around this very competent and expensive camera. There is far too much plastic junk in our lives. A surprise before we left on our jaunt was a Great Blue Heron standing proud in our back yard. I had to shoot at 360mm equivalent with my one inch camera sensor through our double pane bedroom window to get some record shots. Some rainy day (or snowy day) I will work on improving the image quality. Peggy's Cove-Lewis Lake Loop
Here's my crummy photos of the Great Blue Heron taken through our bedroom window with my tiny Lumix camera. Great Blue Heron
Nova Scotia in OctoberI took a drive around the Sambro Loop portion of the Chebucto Peninsula. The weather continues to be gloomy with a blustery wind. It's remarkable how many photogenic places exist within a 15 minute drive of our home. I continue to use my little Lumix hiking camera. Nova Scotia in October
Fall Colours and Wentworth FallsMy Nikon Z7 was severely damaged in a tripod crash so these photos were taken with my Lumix hiking camera, a small but competent camera. Also included on the loop was Wentworth Falls, Nova Scotia's bridal falls. The weather was not accommodating with drizzle, steady rain and dark skies. Fall Colours of Nova Scotia
Wentworth Falls
Autumn Stroll In Smiley's Provincial ParkLaura and I enjoyed a walk in partial sunshine at Smiley's Provincial Park. Most of the birds have left now but we did spot two Swainson's Thrushes. This trail is usually good for mushrooms, lichens, fungi and mosses but not so much today. There just has not been enough rain. Even the woodland ponds are almost dry. We only passed two people in one hour which is a good thing sad to say. Autumn Stroll in Smiley's Provincial Park
Little Club-spur OrchidThe Little Club-spur Orchid is a common attraction found in wet roadside drainage ditches. It is inconspicuous except when growing in bunches. The spur is usually a single spike emanating from the bulbous head of the orchid. Laura and I will soon go hunting for the last orchid of the year the Yellow Lady's Tresses Orchid. This orchid will bloom up to and past the first frost. Little Club-spur Orchid
White Fringed Bog Orchid If your lucky you will find this orchid clustered among the Club-spur Orchids.
American WigeonThe American Wigeon is a year-round resident of Nova Scotia found dabbling in small groups in woodland and city ponds. It over-winters in Nova Scotia parks and along the ice-free coast. American Wigeon
MallardThe Mallard has striking good looks but because it is common it does not get the respect and admiration it deserves, foolish as that seems. It is friendly and gregarious and found on almost all woodland ponds. It over-winters often in large groups in our city parks. Mallard
Yellow-bellied FlycatcherThe Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a common woodland bird and like many woodland birds is more often heard than seen. Look for it in boreal forests and hunting alongside the woodland bogs. It is easily identified due to its striking yellow belly and bold eye-ring. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
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