Manitoulin Memories.

Manitoulin Island certainly didn't disappoint again this year, having just returned from a few days away.  It may not be as remote or isolated as other northern destinations, but the island certainly has that laid back small community feel.  It's a nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The common Ring-billed Gull posed nicely on the ferry crossing

Lake Mindemoya has for the last few years been the go-to destination to rent a cabin and this year was no exception.

Daily scans of the lake frequently produced resident loons and Red-necked Grebes among other things.  The island vicinity is a known fall staging area for the grebes and although I didn't see any great number it was still great to find a species I hadn't seen before.  They were only visible through the scope so no photos.

Warblers were passing through the island in small numbers, the most common being the American Redstart.

Sandhill cranes are congregating.

Common nighthawk were frequent evening visitors.  Unfortunately the only one I managed to look at closely was dead on the road shoulder.

Providence Bay with waterside boardwak and sandy beach is always a great spot to check out.

  A number of shorebirds were working the water's edge.  Although in constant motion, they had little fear of humans and provided great views and photo opportunity.

American Golden Plover

Baird's Sandpiper 

Semipalmated Plover with the Bairds.

Sanderling

Bridal veil falls is a popular tourist destination.  An advantage of being there this time of year is that it is not quite so busy.  

This Chinook Salmon was fighting it's way up the shallow stream in the direction of the falls.  It was really impressive how such a large fish managed to come so far up in such low water level.

The trip concluded in South Baymouth with a short walk on the nearby Bowerman Trails before boarding the ferry.  I met Mr. Bowerman, the creator of the trails, a few years ago here while walking them.  It really is incredible the amount of work he put into making this trail system through beautiful northen landscape.

Just an old telephone on a tree- one of numerous unique features along here.

A great few days away!  Back to work now.