It has been a while. We recently went on a family trip where I was able to enjoy new sights and see new birds and wildlife for the first time. But when I thought to do another post, I realize I had pictures from way back that I hadn't put up. I realize posting them here doesn't really make them important, but somehow to myself, it seemed like cheating to just post the recent ones. So here they are. I'm not going to give that much commentary. I don't know that people really read my ramblings anyway.
We took just over 2 weeks to travel to some of the east coast in 2018. We bought a trailer (then found out we had to buy a new vehicle to pull it) and left for the longest family vacation I think I've ever done (and highly recommend if you're feeling stressed at work - that length of time un-plugged was really actually more relaxing than I ever new was possible.)
We went to Bar Harbour, Maine, then travelled up the east coast to St. Andrews, NB for whale watching. We saw Minke Whale, a Fin whale which is huge (I think I got a photo, but this long after, I don't want to claim a picture I can't be sure of.
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| Minke whale |
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| Razorbills |
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| Sooty Sheerwater |
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| Minke Whale |
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| Porpoises |
We then headed to Ponderosa Pines Campground before enjoying the tides at Hopewell Rocks at the Bay of Fundy. An early morning walk was a reward of warblers, woodpeckers, and raptors.
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Red-eyed Vereo
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Blue-headed Vereo
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| Pileated Woodpecker |
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Pileated Woodpecker
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| Peregrine Falcon |
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| Peregrine Falcon chasing Raven |
From there we headed further east and stayed at Mira River Provincial Park. Another early morning walk I got as close to Bald Eagles as I've ever been and fought the wrong angle with the early morning light.
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| Bald Eagle |
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| Bald Eagle |
After some sight seeing in that area, we headed to what was my favourite part of the trip and stayed at McLeod's Camp Ground on the west side of Cape Breton Island. The beach, the cape we could just walk to from our camp site, the access to the old Cape Breton trail, and meeting locals was the highlight. We stayed there for three nights for a pause and it was a great time with the kids, sights, and experiences.
If I could choose what I could shoot the most, it would be raptors. But they are hard to capture. If I had had more time, I'd hang out along the cliffs on the ocean. The Bald Eagles and other raptors would soar along the cliff tops, and often be at the same level as a person with a camera eager to get a good shot. I got that chance and saw an exciting life bird - Northern Harrier hawk. Sorry, I've got 4 shots here...
It was a great trip, and I was privileged to add 6 new birds to my life list.
More catching up to follow in another post soon.
Keep enjoying His handiwork where ever you go.
