Mid-July walk

Late afternoon of the 16th we decided to walk along the trail and see the changes since our last visit in early June. This year's rains have kept the woods damp and streams full as well as ensuring that the woods along the trail are lush and green. As long as the weather stays good, there'll be lots for our migrating friends to eat this Autumn.

The season's rains (and, perhaps changes in water-level management at Montreal harbour) have resulted the highest mid-summer water level at the beach I've seen in 7 years of visiting Big Sandy. With a strong wind from the south-west you'll not have dry feet as you walk south from the trail to towards Black's Lake.

It wasn't the best time of day to bird-watch, yet once again we had fantastic views of a Yellow Throat, who in uncharacteristic fashion seemed to want make sure we had a good look. As we walked along the beach, to my great delight, a small group of seven Turkey Vultures were hovering above the dune-line—using the updraft from the wind hitting the dunes to hang almost motionless some 20 or 30 feet above our heads.

Some new benches along the trail have been placed and should prove helpful to those needing a break during the hike to and from the beach. Though we did wish that some greater care had been made in their exact placement and construction.