Thursday, November 12, 2015

Pinery, Nov. 6-8 2015

We were a little surprised when we reached the Pinery as there were branches lying all over the sides of the roads. On October 17th they had a snow, sleet and rain storm and with the leaves still on many of the trees it was just to much weight and a number of them snapped off. It is really to bad since last year they had a tornado go through part of the park. I hope all of the wildlife that were displaced from their homes are able to gather what they need to build new ones before the winter sets in. We set up camp and got firewood for the weekend and drove into Grand Bend for our regular tour of the town. It was quite windy and overcast so when we arrived back at the park we drove to the beach. The water is so high that there really isn't a beach. We enjoyed a late dinner and spent the rest of the evening keeping warm by a roaring campfire.
 Saturday morning we relaxed at our site before heading off on a bike ride through the park. They have the big loop through the park closed because of the storm damage and the branches that have not fallen completely down yet. It was a great ride and quite nice out. Later in the day we did a tour to the beach area to get sunset pictures and check out the Bald Eagles nesting area. When we arrived one of the eagles was just flying away. They are such huge birds. The other one was perched in a pine tree. I was able to get a few pictures but it was starting to get dark so they are not the best. When we got back to camp we enjoyed a wonderful bowl of main coarse cabbage soup and enjoyed our long evening by the fire.
 Sunday morning we returned to see the eagles and one was soaring up above us for a while and the other was perched in a tree by the nest. Eventually they both were in the sky soaring above us for a short time. What an amazing sight it was to watch them interact as they glided on the air currents. We stopped at the beach for a while to enjoy the sound of the surf. It was quite a nice day to be sitting by the water. Back at camp I enjoyed watching the Nuthatches, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers and the Tufted Titmouse as they flew in and out for some nuts. The Pinery is the only park where I can enjoy the Titmouse birds. They can be so vocal at times and they sure stand there ground when the Nuthatches try and chase them away. It didn't take long for the squirrels to figure out there were treats and the one black one was quite bold and not intimidated by our presence. Since the time change has occurred we must head home just after two o'clock so it sure makes for a short Sunday now.
 Our plan is to head back to the Pinery this weekend weather permitting as it is Christmas in Grand Bend, Forest and Bayfield. I can usually get a few nice gifts for Christmas. I'm also looking forward to spending some more time enjoying the birds especially the Tufted Titmouse.

Rays of light at sunset Saturday evening

Mom squirrel in the oak leaves

Tufted Titmouse in the morning light

You never know what is watching you

Male White-breasted Nuthatch

Nice to see them sharing 
 
Storm damage
 
Bald Eagle up high in the pine tree

Spiked feather doo

Nest available and comes with acorns

Spotted Turtle

Female Red-bellied Woodpecker

Female White-breasted Nuthatch

The forest has some halloween colour
 
 Reflections

The Titmouse were not as willing to share at the feeder

Looking for nuts that the Nuthatches have hidden

Saturdays sunset over the Ausable Channel

Bald Eagles soaring over us
 
Very little beach and lots of erosion

Sticking its tongue out


No comments:

Post a Comment