Chocolate River

While in Moncton last weekend, we visited Riverfront Park for an early morning stroll along the banks of the Petitkodiac River. Known locally as the Chocolate River and once named the most endangered river in Canada, the Petitcodiac raises and falls up to 7.5 meters, twice daily, in scync with the Bay of Fundy tides. As the tide rises, a wave of up to two meters high, known as the tidal bore, gets pushed upstream at speeds of up to 8 mph. Riverfront Park boasts 5 km of twined trails, one paved / one dirt, where visitors can walk, run, bike and skateboard or just relax on one of the many benches. The park is also home to one of Atlantic Canada's largest concrete skateboard parks.

Naught I

Wendy recently went to see the New Brunswick Festival of Tall Ships on the Miramichi. As you can see, I am not the only one in the family who likes to take pictures. In all, eight tall ships sailed up the Miramichi River and docked for the week-end, offering ship tours and a glimpse into everyday life aboard a tall ship. Of course, where ever you find tall ships, you can also expect to encounter pirates.

Osprey again

The Osprey, also known as a Fish Hawk, is one of the larger Raptors with a body length of up to 2 feet and  a wingspan approaching 6 feet. The Osprey can be found on every continent except Antarctica and have a global population of approximately 500,000. Nests, built of sticks in trees and on power lines, are located near water as fish make up 99% of the Osprey's diet. The Osprey generally mates for life and reaches reproductive maturity at about 3-4 years when the female lays 2-4 eggs. The average lifespan is 7-10 years. For more info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey






















 

Neighbourly Love

This guy just recently moved into my backyard. I have heard many horror stories regarding groundhog conduct, but I am remiss to recall a one. Even though he appears to be a little grumpy, I am reluctant to "google" him to discover his past. I think instead we will co-habitate and occasionally share some neighbourly love

April's End

Its nice to see the Osprey have returned, (check out the talons on the first pic) and I found a new nest this week....looks very sturdy. The picture of the hawk/falcon (possibly a Merlin falcon) was taken from my kitchen window shortly after daybreak as he was silently watching my backyard. When he saw me coming the yellow bellied sap-sucker took his time finishing his lunch, but the young porcupine ran away, almost before I could get the camera up. I'm always looking to collect pussy willows for my Aunt Jo, and the first ones I see this year are surrounded by spring flood waters. Finally, a beautiful sunset over a placid Keyhole Lake.

On the Backroads

Pleased to see seven deer (only one from the record of eight) browsing in my backyard this week. It seems that the deer have had a good winter as they all appear healthy. We went for a drive "on the backroads" Saturday and found this waterfall that was just over a meter high and had  washed away the road we were traveling on.. Later, three deer seemed unconcerned and posed for a pic.