Final finish!

 

All I got done this week is finishing my dog quilt. I added a saying and the stitching in a couple of leaves I missed. I used a chalk pencil to draw the saying on, so it's not perfect but I like how it brings a theme to the quilt, for summer.

Last weekend we took the boys out for birthday shopping and then to the island for some beach time. They ended up getting new sport sneakers and a soccer ball.

A few more sights at the beaches.

The next day, Bill and I went back and took Bean for a walk at the lighthouse. 

It was really foggy in some areas, it just hung over the tower, where I spotted the pair of Ospreys.

I was able to catch a few of the many birds, that hang out in the surrounding bush.

And as we were walking, we spotted a ship, coming in from the fog. We drove to the far end of the island and I was able to catch the ship as she came into the harbor.

Today we took an afternoon walk at the nearby park. It is a great place to get a longer walk in and Bean loves that it ends at the beaches. 

The park is filled with a variety of birds, but none would sit still or show themselves. In one inner cove, I spotted a few blackbirds, this one had a meal he found in the brush.

I hope you are all having nicer weather and can enjoy your weekend.

Vacation happenings!

 

A vacation at home can be tiring, today I crashed, lol. We have been keeping busy and then I come home and keep up around home. I thought I would do an extra post tonight since I have so many photos and hopefully more to come later. I haven't had any time to do any projects, but sometimes it is good to take a break and then I can get back into the projects I haven't finished.

We took a hike at a local bike path, we went off onto a path that leads to a beach and walked the beach. We spotted this Snowy Egret, along the way.

Another day we went to a farm sanctuary. There is a paved area to walk around, but we found a new path in the back, that goes through grapevine covered areas and an estuary. Lots of birds in the area and I was able to catch a few. A Song Sparrow, Red-Winged Blackbird and a Goldfinch. 

The farm has a few donkeys and horses, I just love this little donkey.

On Monday we headed to Newport to visit Colt State Park, which is further up in Bristol. It is a beautiful park, lots of places to walk and expansive views of the bay. A great place to spend the day with family.

I was trying to get a photo of the weathervane and this Osprey decided to get into the picture.

Yesterday we went for a paddle at a salt water pond, that opens to the ocean. We enjoyed paddling around the little islands and landed on a strip that had a path, to the ocean side. Coming back, I spotted this pair of Horseshoe crabs, I guess it is breeding season.

Along the way, I spotted all different types of shore birds. There are also fenced off areas for the piping plovers, but I wasn't able to spot any babies, they are too well hidden. I did spot a few foraging along the shoreline, a Willet, Piping Plover and a White-Rumped Sandpiper, a first for me.

While on the beach, we watched this Tern dig a nest in the sand. Then every time we got up or moved, she got all upset and flew off. Not the best spot to have a nest, with rough seas and people walking down the beach.

While paddling, I spotted this Great Egret on a point. I had to get into a little cove and take a photo while I rocked in the boat and it actually made a nice effect.

And at home, I was thrilled to see Baltimore Orioles coming to the grape jelly, feeder. The Catbirds are more skittish, but this one came to visit and show off his tail. 

We have one more day of cooler weather and then the heat kicks in, so I am hoping my energy comes back tomorrow and we can have some more adventures.