Day 69 - 10th March 2014 - Gulls, Geese, Mergansers, Loons and Cardinals

Monday morning, temperature is -9.1, looks like a week of mixed weather - snow/rain. Back to research for me today, got a couple of projects to finish up with. Sounds like it might warm up later so Lexi and I will be roaming. Not expecting to see much these days, but not too much longer and things will be better...I hope. Of course just the time I can chase after spring birds and I'll be back to work but there are always the weekends. Exercise tonight - work it off!
We had a marvelous day on Sunday. It's so nice to get away even if it's not far and only for part of the day. Larry threw some more wood in the basement, then we took off around 11am. Sun was out and warming up things. Headed out to Barrington and long the coast - Shag Harbour, Woods Harbour and landing in Pubnico. Not a lot along the way, we stopped at wharves along our travels - lots of Canada Geese, some gulls, Eiders, and a Merganser or two. Had a late dinner at Dennis Wharf Cafe and then prowled the wharf there. Only in Nova Scotia would someone in a truck stop you and ask you (a total stranger) to take photos of a boat he's going to buy. I don't know what his name was but told him to find me via Facebook - the universal tool for connecting with people. Lots of Loons, Gulls, a Guillemot (new to me) and Eiders there. Low and behold crawling off a boat I discovered another birder I knew! Thanks to Alix who invited us home to see the Fox Sparrow (he never appeared) at his feeders I got another lifer - the elusive Cardinal - saw both the male and female. The afternoon was getting late so we figured we better head for home - it was time to pile that wood in the basement and build a fire.

 A fish shack along our way.

 Bottoms up! Canada Geese having lunch.

 Heading up the runway - the Eider was preparing for take off.

 The Wind Turbines in Pubnico.

 Always a few (or lots) gulls at Dennis Point.

 They are never bothered by people, that's for sure. Stand and pose!

 The loons don't even seem to be as concerned about people.

 This is the little Guillemot, paddling away.

 Loons were just hanging out.

 They look rather odd in their winter plumage.

 Merganser.

 Female Eider and 1st Winter.

And my Cardinal, not one of my best photos but still worth it. Took it from inside the house.







Enjoy your day!