Fogo - Wandering…
I am just back from an absolutely incredible 10 days on Fogo Island! Last year I went and promised myself that I would return. I am very grateful that I was able to go back again. I arrived home exhausted but with a very full heart. My desire was to spend as much time as possible out with my camera while being totally in tune with my surroundings. I took full advantage of no time limits - I quit when I was too tired to continue - what a gift that was to myself. I have changed my mind about the order of my posts because so many of you requested that I immediately work on getting Fogo posts together :) - My pleasure! I will dive right into Fogo and catch up on other outings at a later time.
Come along with me for my 10 days of Fogo Magic combined with Lorraine Magic…Lorraine’s very strong presence was with me for each and every incredible moment.
Fogo Island is located off the northeast coast of Newfoundland. The rugged beauty is not possible for me to describe. I tried my best each and every outing to capture the essence of this very special place. In addition to so many incredible features of this very special place - Fogo Island does NOT have ticks or poison ivy - that alone is a dream for me! To everyone on Fogo Island with whom I shared moments - thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I arrived on July 15th and was welcomed like a member of the family. - I instantly knew that I was where I wanted to be. I settled in and knew that I needed to hit the hay early as my goal was to head out the door at 4:30 the next morning - sunrise was going to be at 5:18am.
First morning - As soon as I made my way down the dirt road the landscape lit up around me while this special little Sparrow greeted me to my right.
I quickly pulled out my other camera to capture the sun’s first rays lighting up this landscape. I have just learned that the rocks on Fogo Island are 400 million years old - give that time to settle into your minds. I could go back and just photograph the spectacular rocks or just the amazing wildflowers or just the glorious wild berries, or, or, or…. To me, it is all endlessly beautiful.
I walked a little further as the sun was rising over my left shoulder…to see the spectacular Pitcher Plant in this beautiful early morning light. The Pitcher is the provincial flower of Newfoundland and Labrador. I forgot to mention - the temperature was in the high 50’s - I was in heaven.
Continuing along down the dirt road -
I stopped because I heard the most beautiful birdsong - who was that? I continued walking towards it and I finally found the source - two gorgeous Fox Sparrows! They were tucked in behind a lot of branches… and finally one came out just long enough so that I could capture this quick shot. What a gorgeous and strong song they have!
The night before I had decided I wanted to make my way to Barr’d Island. I never made it there last year so I wanted my first morning of wandering to bring me there. I continued on to Cove Road which brings you to Barr’d Island - every direction I looked I was in awe…. just stunning. I rounded a corner in the road where the knoll was blocking the sun - I heard some chatter up ahead. Slowly and quietly I was able to crouch behind the tall grasses and spot this very pregnant looking Savannah Sparrow on a rock.
More chatter ahead… House Sparrows.
I went a little further…. Lupins - they were everywhere! Jaw dropping beauty -
I waited for the sun to come up over the knoll behind me - and when it did - wow! I rounded the corner and this was in front of me….
To my left -
I went a little further - I kept looking into the shadows of the cove and finally spotted a Greater Yellow Legs -
In an instant it flew to my left in this beautiful golden light - and then off he went.
I looked behind me to see this -
I walked up a little hill after this cove - I immediately saw this Song Sparrow with breakfast.
I continued on -
If you are thinking that I am making this up - I promise you that I am not! :)
The tip of Barr’d Island -
As I continued along the road I started to see this stunning rocky coastline to my left. In this photo you can see a grassy path on the left hand side - After I took this shot I made my way to that path.
I was rounding the corner when I heard the very distinct - peep, peep, peep of a Spotted Sandpiper! I stopped dead in my tracks and set up - it sounded like it was coming closer. In an instant it came flying right in from around the corner and landed! When Spotted Sandpipers are foraging their rumps are constantly going up and down - it is a very unique characteristic. I always wonder about all of the extra energy that is required every single day for them as their little rumps are going up and down while foraging along the shore edges finding food to eat. It was a real treat for me to see this little one clearly just enjoying some quiet time.
Once the Spotted Sandpiper flew away I continued along the winding road - unfortunately I don’t know the name of these lovely flowers. If someone does - if you think of it please let me know.
It was time for me to turn back. Earlier when the Spotted Sandpiper had flown off it had headed across the road towards the cove. I decided I would walk over near there and set up just in case I could spot him again… and I did!
Continuing on -
Looking towards the other side of the cove on my way back -
After I took the shot above I saw shadows above me - are you kidding me?? A flock of Whimbrels!!! Before I go away anywhere I study the possible birds that I might have the good fortune of seeing. I kept hoping to see a Whimbrel as I have never seen one before. Whimbrels have a very distinct long, downward-curving bill. They love coastal mudflats and salt marshes.
Right out of the gate - first morning and I had scored in so many ways. It was time to sit down and have a cappuccino! :)