Day 7 Linton Campground

We set off under much improved conditions heading further up towards the Cape Breton highlands and around an hour later came across the South Maitland Tidal Interpretive Park at Shubenacadie River. The Shudenacadie is the longest river in Nova Scotia and flows northward from Shubenacadie Lake, through central Nova Scotia, to Maitland and the Bay of Fundy.

More Cedar Waxwings - A Delight!!

This particular spot apparently is a good place to watch the tidal bore which occurs twice daily and is much like our very own Severn Bore, for those who have experienced it. The park also has a nature reserve with mudflats, reedbed and mixed wood forests, in fact it's the first bespoke reserve we've come across during our visit. A Red-tailed Hawk overhead and a family of Bald Eagle were constantly on the go during our stay, at one stage seven Eagles were on the sandbanks just prior to high tide.

Common Yellowthroat - Nothing Common About This Guy!

A Red-eyed Vireo was our first bird of note, seems these are everywhere at the moment, but being around reedbeds it wasn't long before the familiar call of Red-winged Blackbird alerted us to several, stunning birds these with a blood red wing bar mesmerising in the sunshine. A couple of Willet were feeding on the mud, a family of 'real' Canada Geese, Black Duck, Least Flycatcher and several Yellow Warblers were also seen.

Yellow Warbler 

As we progressed with our walk more American Goldfinch, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat and good numbers of Barn and Bank Swallows were also on the wing. Two more Cedar Waxwing, a bird quite regular in this area and a stunning pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeak, before a walk down to the viewing area to watch the tidal bore! Now, despite being assured that the bores here can be quite spectacular this one turned out to be, well, a bore!! Still, stunning scenery and an enthusiastic guide from the nature centre really made it worthwhile.

Gorgeous American Goldfinch - Another Little Yellow Job!

We arrived at Linwood Campground in Pictou in the early evening, quite a pleasant campground which overlooks an inlet formed from St. Georges Bay. An evening walk around a wooded trail and along the shore had Downy Woodpecker, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler, American Redstart, Red-breasted Merganser, Common Loon, Willet, Comon Tern and yet more Cedar Waxwing. A little later Dee got really excited when she spotted an Otter in the inlet from the RV window, unfortunately for me, I was in the shower at the time!

Day 6 Eagles Pitch

As predicted the remnants of Tropical Storm Andrea hit hard and I can tell you I've rarely seen rain like it, the wind was no picnic either! With the storm set for the next 24hrs and no chance of any wildlife hikes Dee and I made the decision to head up towards Cape Breton in the torrential rain, an area we'll be spending our second week.

All Alone At Eagles Pitch - During a lull in the storm!

We made good time, unusually for us using the 101 main highway and after a little research came off at Windsor and headed for Eagles Pitch Eco Camping, the strangest campground we've yet encountered which actually incorporated an airstrip, but for $10 it was a bargain! And what's more, we had the place to ourselves.

Cedar Waxwing - Seems they like apple blossom.

The storm subsided for a while in the late evening and so Dee and I decided to take a stroll when the opportunity arose and astonishingly just as we stepped foot out of the RV a group of (8) Cedar Waxwing flew into the apple tree next to the rig. A unexpected delight and in fact the walk itself was quite productive when we came across a small colony of White-throated Sparrow, a bird that has the most beautiful song. (hear it here)

Gorgeous White-throated Sparrow

We walked along the grass airstrip, no chance of anything landing in this weather, and on around the perimeter of the wooded areas. In fact we did pretty well before heading back as the storm returned once more: Raven, Savannah Sparrow, Northern Flicker, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Red-eyed Vireo and Magnolia Warbler.

Day 5 Whale Cove

Our first White-tailed Deer of this visit wondered into our parking area just prior to departing and on route out of Kejimkujik National Park a brief stop at a few observation points produced, Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle), Black-capped Chickadee, Red-eyed Vireo and an Osprey taking fish on the Mersey River.

White-tailed Deer

We were now heading up towards Digby, a town situated on the western shore of the Annapolis Basin near the entrance to the St. George's Strait, more commonly called Digby Gut, which connects the basin to the Bay of Fundy. Here we stopped for a short while to investigate a disused railway track which runs alongside the Annapolis River.

Cliff Swallow

A nice group of Cliff Swallows were nesting under the old rail bridge and we stood and watched them for a while giving me the opportunity to practice some flight shots. A short walk produced a couple of Savannah Sparrow, plenty of Yellow Warblers, Belted Kingfisher, Alder Flycatcher and several American Goldfinch, looking absolutely stunning in their summer plumage.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird  - Sadly on a dull day!

Our planned stop for tonight was Whale Cove Campground around 40 or so kilometers from Digby along the Bay of Fundy shoreline. A stop for lunch on route overlooking the ocean offered good views of a large flock of Eider, very common around these parts, Common Loon, American Black Duck and a Great-blue Heron.

American Redstart

After checking in at Whale Cove Dee and I took a stroll down to the quay before the predicted Tropical Storm Andrea arrived. A few of the houses towards the cove had Hummingbird feeders, offering a nice opportunity to get up close to a Ruby-throated Hummingbird at last. The walk down offered superb views of the cove and the abundance of birds was just amazing with several American Redstart, Alder Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Common Grackle and American Goldfinch.

Alder Flycatcher

Raptors, a little short on the ground during our trip thus far included (2) Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk and Bald Eagle. Out to sea lots more Eider and Double-crested Cormorant, a family of (5) Common Loon, first time ever I've been lucky enough to see youngsters of this iconic bird and (3) Gannet, two of which were also juveniles. Thankfully we arrived back just prior to the storm arriving and as we were battening down the hatches no less than (7) Turkey Vultures flew in off the ocean!

Day 4 Afternoon

After breakfast we drove north inland around 40 kilometers for an overnight stay at Jeremy's Bay Campground within the main Kejimkujik National Park, having had an excellent day at the Seaside section yesterday. Over the last few days one of the highlights has been the sheer abundance of Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterflies and I finally managed to photograph one as we arrived at the park around noon.

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail - Finally Snapped One!

The park protects 381 sq. km of inland lakes and forests, and 22 sq. km of coastline which we visited yesterday. Kejimkujik is by far the most important national park for reptiles in Atlantic Canada. Five snake, three turtle, five salamander, one toad and seven frog species inhabit the slow-moving rivers, streams, shallow lakes, bogs and marshes of the park. Warm summers and moderate winters account for the abundance and diversity of these species.

After checking in to our overnight lot Dee and I took a 6Km hike along the shoreline of the lake. The Red Squirrels a constant companion for most of our walk and Dee discovered a Hairy Woodpecker peering out from his nest hole, how she spotted it I'll never know! Dragonflies were on the wing, as yet unidentified and in need of research, and while Dee was searching for frogs and toads, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird made a brief appearance.

Hairy Woodpecker

We paused occasionally on the many benches overlooking the lake, spotting Common Loon, Arctic Tern and the usual Great Black-backed Gulls, however the highlight was the sudden appearance of a Broad-winged Hawk, which rose noisily over the treetops offering a few photo opportunities.

Broad-winged Hawk

We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening back at the RV enjoying the surroundings and as I've mentioned a few times when writing my blog it's sometimes worthwhile letting the wildlife come to you! Red Squirrel at your feet, along with a brief visit from Chipmunk, the abundant American Robin and Song Sparrow, plus a solitary Fox Sparrow and some real surprises too. The first was while searching the tree canopies when a bird I normally associate with the winter months in the UK suddenly appeared, not a Bohemian on this occasion but a Cedar Waxwing and two at that.

Record Shot of Cedar Waxwing High In The Canopy!

After the delight of watching the Waxwings for a while the rest of the afternoon and evening was a pleasure around our campfire. The constant drumming of Woodpeckers and the odd glimpse of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Pileated Woodpecker, North Americas largest. Blue-Jay, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Northern Parula and the best until last, falling asleep to the mystic calls of Common Loon and the barking call of a Barred Owl, priceless!!

Brie Visit Of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Day 4 Morning

I was out for a short walk around the campground just after 6am and was greeted to yet another glorious day. However, there must have been a few fog banks around the coastal areas as a fog horn was booming way off in the distance.

Red-eyed Vireo 

The real difficulty I'm having at this time of year is actually locating the birds, with the tree canopy in full bloom and most of the warblers preferring to forage high up. Mind you my North American birding head is once again becoming finely tuned and what I do find I'm finding by song and call.

Northern Parula

A Red-eyed Vireo, which seems quite common in this area was making it's usual House Sparrow like call and I managed a few record shots of one high in the canopy. A Black-throated Green Warbler was also in full song, offering only fleeting views but I did manage a half decent image of Northern Parula. An opening in a small area of mainly birch proved to be a little oasis, recording Alder Flycatcher, Magnolia Warbler and Chestnut-sided Warbler before heading back for breakfast.

It was shortly after breakfast that I felt something on the back of my neck which turned out to be a black legged tick, a nasty little bugger and a cause of Lyme Disease! Fortunately, Dee dealt with the situation in her usual professional way before it could burrow in and cause any lasting damage, a narrow escape!

Day 3 - Kejimkujik National Park Seaside

A stunning start to the day at Rissers Beach and almost the first bird was an Osprey, which drifted in from the ocean before disappearing over the pine trees. A quick scan of the sea located more Eider Duck and Black Scoter before a pre breakfast stroll around the wooded areas.

Gorgeous Magnolia Warbler

The place was literally a cacophony of song, some familiar, some not and although I knew plenty of birds were around, finding them was proving difficult. The first was a gorgeous Blue Throated-Green Warbler singing high up in the pine, a Black-capped Chickadee was also feeding quite close, friendly little characters these. A Magnolia Warbler was calling not too far away and after a painstaking 20-minutes or so I manged a few half decent images. Suddenly realising I'd been gone almost an hour I headed back but not before recording: Song Sparrow, American Robin, Blue-jay and Northern Flicker.

Spruce Grouse

This afternoons destination was the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, but not before a number of stops on route, which produced several Yellow Warblers, Belted Kingfisher and Blue-headed Vireo. We decided to check in to our next overnight spot, Fisherman's Cove RV Campground and have lunch prior to walking Kejimkujik.

Alder/Least Flycatcher? Still Researching!

The 22 square kilometer Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct was added to the Kejimkujik National Park in 1988. Located about 25 kilometers southwest of Liverpool and 100 kilometers from the inland portion of the park, it is one of the least disturbed shoreline areas on the south coast of Nova Scotia and is also a major breeding ground for the Piping Plover.

Record Shot - ♀American Redstart

Dee and I decided to take the 6.2 Km trail which eventually leads down to the shore but before we even got started on our walk a nice ♀American Redstart and Spruce Grouse in the parking area. A cloudless sky and temperatures in the late twenties produced lots of Butterflies mostly small blue in colour and I'll research these later. Dee the bug, mammal and snake finder came up trumps with Maritime Garter Snake, Red Squirrel and Tiger Beetle.

Tiger Beetle

Birds of note leading down to the shore included a Flycatcher Sp. either Alder or Least, ♀Northern Harrier, Common Yellowthroat, and several Yellow Warbler. A stunning shoreline resembled something from the Caribbean with white sands, blue sea and many rocky outcrops. Here the Grey and Harbour Seals were plentiful along with Willet, Savannah Sparrow and the now regular Eider Ducks, a lone Harlequin Duck was also recorded.

On route back to the car park our first Bald Eagle of the trip came in off the ocean and a brief stop at one of the inlets while driving back to the RV Park held Spotted Sandpiper, Arctic Tern and (2) Green-winged Teal. Sadly due to restrictions while nesting we were unable to see the Piping Plover!

Day 2

After torrential overnight rain, which dampened the Spring Peeper Frogs chorus only slightly, we left Peggy's Cove after breakfast but not before checking out a large lake across from the campground, which held (2) Willet, Common Tern and Common Merganser. From here we headed south-west for would you believe, Liverpool, stopping after a short while at Cleveland Beach Provincial Park.

American Black Duck

Here a walk along the shoreline in the low cloud and drizzle produced Mourning Dove, plus our first Swallows of the visit with both Barn Swallow and Tree Swallow recorded. Several American Black Ducks were also present, along with the many Song Sparrows a single Yellow Warbler and a Double-crested Cormorant. The ever-present Great Black-backed Gull and American Herring Gull were also in good numbers.

Ever Present American Herring Gull

By mid-morning the weather cleared and the temperature rose producing a cloudless afternoon, a fantastic turn-around from only hours before. After several stops to take in the breathtaking ocean scenery and several brief views of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, a new tick for Canada, we arrived at our overnight stop of Rissers Beach Petite Riviere, a Provincial Campground with stunning views overlooking the Ocean.

Record Shot of One Of Several Black Scoter

After settling in and breaking out the beers a scan of the immediate area produced good numbers of Eider, plentiful in the area and several Black Scoter. Oh and yes, the Spring Peepers are in full song tonight!

Pick Up Day!

Having enjoyed two glorious days weather sightseeing in Halifax today was the day to pick up our RV and so it was no surprise that it was all change! Low cloud, mist and later heavy rain and thunder was the order of the day.

Peggy's Cove On A Good Day ( Image By Marinas.Com)

However, and I'm not too sure this is a good thing or not, we were given a brand new RV unit to try out. The plan, having taken on groceries and the all important alcohol was to head south to escape the metropolis and check in at Wayside Campground, Peggy's Cove. The Cove is a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margaret's Bay.

After we settled into our pitch we managed a short walk around the shore and wooded areas of the campground during a lull in the weather. Unlike our trips to the west coast of Canada, where Steller's Jay were the norm, Blue Jays are the east coast variety and several were seen during our walk. One thing that has surprised me is the amount of Great Blacked-backed Gulls in the area, by far the most common thus far, and in fact a new Canadian species for me, having not seen one during my previous trips. Herring Gulls are also plentiful in numbers and with visibility very poor we're yet to record any other Gull species.

Belted Kingfisher, and Great Blue Heron around the sea inlets, plus a slight surprise when a Turkey Vulture drifted over, quite unexpected until a quick look at my Sibley's Guide does list them on the southern areas of Nova Scotia.

The rest of our walk produced a stunning summer plumage Purple Finch, American Robin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Song Sparrow, Black-caped Chickadee and Common Grackle before the rain returned.

Spring Peeper - (Library Image)

As darkness fell on our first night and the rain got even heavier, a new and unexpected sound greeted us! After a little research from Dee we discovered a new species for our Canadian List known as a 'Spring Peeper', called locally 'pink-winks'. The Spring Peeper is in fact a small chorus frog, rarely seen but often heard, and in our case 'all night long'. They breed from March to June and it's the males you can hear calling looking for a mate. They are a nocturnal species and we just happened to park right next to a nice little population!!

Arrived!!

After an excellent flight with Air Canada, only interrupted by odd pockets of turbulence, we arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia at 3.10pm local time. Even more encouraging was the weather, with clear blue skies and a very commendable 28C, something we've never experienced on arrival in Canada before.

Dartmouth - Halifax Bridge (Image from www.prweb.com)

For the first few days we're staying in Dartmouth, around 6 miles from Halifax and we'll spend today sightseeing before picking up our RV tomorrow, when our next adventure begins.

Dinner Al Fresco With My Own Personal Bottled Beer!

However, the birding has already started with (6) Common Grackle overflying the restaurant while we were having dinner al fresco last night. Amazingly the Grackle is new to my North American list, probably due to the fact that all our previous visits have been west-coast and this species normal breeding habitat is east of the Rockies.

It's great to be back in Canada once more and now it's a case of putting on my North American species head, having already heard the familiar songs of Red-winged Blackbird and Song Sparrow!

Canadian RV Tour 2013 Background

With our boat-sitters arriving today it's all systems go for tomorrows departure to Nova Scotia, first stop Halifax. In fact this will be the first time Dee and I have visited the east coast and indeed any of Canada's three maritime provinces, so were excited to be visiting new ground.

Nova Scotia - One Of Canadas Three Maritime Provinces

Nova Scotia or 'New Scotland', so Dee will feel very much at home, is actually located almost exactly halfway between the Equator and the North Pole (44º 39' N Longitude), it's provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada, with an area of 55,284 square kilometers (21,300 sq mi), including Cape Breton and some 3,800 coastal islands.

Cabot Trail - One Of Many In The Province

The province's mainland is the Nova Scotia peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, including numerous bays and estuaries. Nowhere in Nova Scotia is more than 67 km (42 mi) from the ocean. Cape Breton Island, a large island to the northeast of the Nova Scotia mainland, is also part of the province, as is Sable Island, a small island notorious for its shipwrecks, approximately 175 km (110 mi) from the province's southern coast.

Osprey (taken in British Columbia 2012) - Province Bird Of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia lies in the mid-temperate zone and, although the province is almost surrounded by water, the climate is closer to continental rather than maritime. The temperature extremes of the continental climate are moderated by the ocean. Described on the provincial vehicle-licence plate as Canada's Ocean Playground, the sea is a major influence on Nova Scotia's climate. It's cold winters and warm summers are modified and generally moderated by ocean influences. The province is surrounded by four major bodies of water, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to the north, the Bay of Fundy to the west, the Gulf of Maine to the southwest, and Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.

RV Tour 2012 - Revelstoke Alberta

With over 472 bird species recorded in the Province, and the fact that most of this years RV tour will remain on or around the coast, we're really looking forward to a whole new experience, so stayed tuned for updates. You can also follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/boatbirder