We decided to make the last day in Digby the day that we traveled to Brier Island. That Island is the SW most point in Nova Scotia and also the most likely area to see whales and seabirds more consistently. In order to get there it is necessary (from Digby) to catch two Ferrys between Digby Neck and Long Island, then beyond that from Long Island to Brier Island, the last island in the chain.
The road along the way is dotted with houses that have been there for a century or more, and with small fishing (lobster mostly) villages that are hidden on the bays and inlets away from the main road.
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| Fishing boats at mid tide in Westport, NS. |
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| No boats but a lower tide at Little River |
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| The main street at Little River where the fisheries are located. |
After the two a ferry rides (short 20 minute waits each time as the Ferrys run on the hour and 1/2hours ), we were on Brier Island and tried to get that Marine Whale tour but both of the companies were booked and the waiting list, which we placed ourselves on) were four deep already. There was only one tour today which was not their norm. So we opted to do the land tours in our own vehicle. I was sorry not to be able to take the Mariner Whale Tour with , Joan's friend Penny, as she is a good birder as well.
But, we stuck with the land ideas and did pretty well. A total of 22 birds in all, including some dandies. At Brier Island light on the west end, we set up for serious birding and had our lunch there on a picnic table facing the Ocean. One of the Coast Guard men came out on the porch and told us to look out (way out!) to see the ATLANTIC PUFFINS and RED NECKED PHALAROPES that were feeding quite a long way out. Sure enough with the scope we were able to make out the activity and see the black and white colors of the Puffins quite easily. There were also some COMMON EIDER, with both adult and young present. The most difficult bird to see was the LEAST SANDPIPER that kept moving in and out of the seaweed on the rocks so that it became elusive. We did finally pin down that species.
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| Even around the Peter's Isand lighthouse, those lava rocks are everywhere. |
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| These are all lava rocks many covered with seaweed making great food source (insects and crustaceans) for the shore birds. |
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| Even across from one of the fisheries are the lava rocks, exposed at low tide. |
We traversed three roads searching for bird species. and did find a few more. COWBIRD, GREAT BLUE HERON (in a swamp), PURPLE FINCH, AMERICAN GOLDFINCH and a YELLOW BELIED FLYCATCHER. In one pond we did see two BLACK DUCKS, that are more common here in the midwest.
On the way home Ruth had a few spots in mind to take photos and sometimes these are the best photos as theyn are a rather "outside the birding" interest. Here are a few.
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| A fishery with advertisng (Those are not lobster pots!) |
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| An old house she spotted on the way down to take on the way back. Those are lobster pots. |
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| Fish net on a reel. Probably a drag line. |
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| Another old barn this one IN Digby. |
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| The name of the new Ferry . The story can be read here. http://www.tastelobster.ca/fishing_regions.html |
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| The Ferry captain did a strange thing in coming to dock backwards (there was a drill on board for the students as they are turning in ther life vests.) |
Finally we celebrated our time here with a dinner out. We went to a restaurant that we had eaten at many years ago when we were here last. "Captains Table" did not disappoint.
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| Jim had the "small" combination seafood (scallops, shrimp, clams, haddock, and three veggies), plus fries. |
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| Ruth chose her scallops with linguini. |
It was a great day and tomorrow we had for the south coast of Nova Scotia, bypassing Yarmouth to Liverpool.
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