Let the sun shine - Week 3

It was a cold start to the week.  In some ways I feel like I am repeating myself and I probably am.  Below is a snapshot from Mondays weather forecast.  It looks more  positive at the end of the week.  Our day was pretty chilly but I still ventured out for a walk.  

 

Sea Oats - along the sand dunes

Wind patterns in the sand

The sand dunes have sustained a lot of damage over the last couple of years because of the hurricanes.  The fences are installed to try to protect them.

The pool isn't getting much use.

We were blessed with a beautiful sunrise on Tuesday morning.

We saw a large pod of dolphins in front of the condo.  They were a mix of black and gray and from what I could tell there were a few babies with them as well.  There was lots of splashing and diving.  Sadly they were quite a distance away making it a challenge to photograph.

The temperature warmed up nicely in the afternoon making it nice to get out for a walk.

We went to Huntington Beach on Wednesday and Thursday (after our round of golf at the International Club) and enjoyed watching the birds.  The temperatures on Wednesday were really nice and we saw so many birds at  the park.  There were more there than what we have seen in a long time. It was different on Thursday.  We had some rain in the morning and I think a lot of the birds had gone into hiding.  It really is amazing how the weather influences the behaviour of the animals.   

On the warm and sunny days the gators come  out

Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron

 

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Redhead Duck

Duck for lunch

Bald Eagle

I was so happy to photograph the Screech Owl with its eyes open.

Robin

Robin

Redhead Ducks

Willet

Great Blue Heron

Northern Shoveler

Juvenile Great Blue Heron

On Friday we went to Sunset beach. We met up with our friend Rick and had an opportunity to enjoy watching the eagle for a while. It was really windy making it difficult to photograph it in flight.  One of the eagles has been sitting on the nest for the last 5 weeks and Rick figured any day now that the egg(s) would hatch.  The good news we received on Sunday was that he figured correctly and there is now at least one baby in the nest.   That means we'll be able to watch it grow and eventually leave the nest while we are here.  That is always exciting.

A juvenile flew overhead and was chased away by the adult.

 

Staying close by and keeping an eye on the nest

Keeping the eggs warm

Saturday and Sunday were quiet days spent at the condo. These were good days to enjoy a walk, read a book and to work on my blog. I took my camera out on my walk as you never know when a photo opportunity presents itself. Sunday morning started out very foggy but cleared nicely in the afternoon. 

Sanderling

Common Loon

It was a beautiful week. 

Week 2 - waiting for the sun to shine

Monday was a book reading day for us.  The weather was chilly and calling for rain.  While the rain was on and off, it wasn't heavy but it was enough to keep us at the condo.  I spent the day enjoying my book and also went out in search of sharks teeth along the beach.  I had some success this time and found a good size tooth.  I also talked with some fishermen who were catching "whiting". They said the fish were very plentiful (caught 80 between two people the previous day). 

 

Tuesday turned out to be another cold day.  Ralph and I went out shopping to see if we could find a warm sweater.  No success.  Looking forward we are hoping that the weather will become warmer.  

On Wednesday morning we saw the fishing boats again.  There were two of them in front of the condo.  One had it's nets out while the other one didn't appear to be fishing. The amount of birds following the boat was incredible  You could really hear them all squawking.  

Here is a snapshot to compare weather between Myrtle Beach, Dutton and Rexdale.  We don't  have snow but we are comparable.

Later in the morning we went to Huntington Beach to enjoy the birds.  It was a 4 layer day to keep warm.  We saw two juvenile eagles as well as the adult but they didn't stick around for us to take pictures.  Because of the weather many of them have gone into hiding.  

Kingfisher

Kingfisher

Kingfisher

Great Egret

Great Egret

Great Egret

Great Egret

Great Egret

Great Egret

We golfed at the Pearl on Thursday.  The course was not very busy at all  We were impressed with the shape of the greens and really enjoyed our round.  We went to Sunset beach to see if any birds were around but it was pretty windy and cold and they were all in hiding.  

Double Crested Cormorant

Double Crested Cormorant

We went back to Huntington Beach early Friday morning hoping to see one of the two owls that have been seen.  We were unsuccessful but did get to enjoy the Eagle, Osprey and other birds along the causeway.  It was pretty cold while we were there and we're glad we had bundled up and made extra coffee.

Tri-Coloured Heron

Osprey

Osprey

Eagle

Great Egret

Ibis

Osprey

Eagle

The weekend was nice and sunny but we had been warned the the temperatures wouldn't last.  Golf courses were being closed in anticipation of colder weather on it's way.  The temperature dropped 8 degrees in an hour between church services.  We got to enjoy seeing the dolphins from our balcony as well.  They are been frequent visitors.

Dolphins

Dolphins

When I walked the beach I needed to come inside to add another  layer as it was pretty chilly.  During my walk I saw this Canon Ball Jelly fish washed up on shore.  They really are quite beautiful but I don't dare to touch it  

Canon Ball Jelly Fish