between storms at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

[DeniseGoldberg]

Yesterday I took advantage of the calm between snowstorms to walk on the beach at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. When I initially decided to head out I took the time to check the refuge's web site (at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/parker-river ). It's a good thing I did because the refuge was closed pending the completion of snow removal. Once I saw that it had reopened I headed to the coast, arriving about a half hour after low tide. I prefer walking before low tide because I don't always pay attention to how close to the water I am walking - it's too cold this time of year for an inadvertant stray into the ocean!

If you're planning a visit there, keep in mind that the beach is very narrow and sometimes non-existent at high tide.

While the temperature was pretty warm for a winter day, the wind was howling so much that I felt the chill on my return walk - on the way out the wind was pushing me along.

Snow from yesterday's (small) storm sat on the inland side of the beach while the tide swept the lower side to clear sand.

Photos taken closer to the water show no snow at all!
When trails in parks are slippery with ice I'm always happy to walk by the ocean.

 

[West Coast Birder]

Lovely shots, Denise! I especially like the second one. The brown grass against the white snow is striking. I remember going to Parker River NWR with my son last summer. What a jewel, and so close to Boston and Cambridge.

 

[Hikin Mike]

Living in California now, I forget the east coast beaches may have snow. The first shot, brings that shot to mind.

 

[DavidWatts]

Living in California now, I forget the east coast beaches may have snow. The first shot, brings that shot to mind.

Heck, a couple weeks ago, even the Florida gulf side beaches had snow! Yikes. Though many down there were loving it for it's uniqueness.

 

[DavidWatts]

Denise, great seascapes for winter shooting. Glad you got out out there on such a splendid weather day.

 

[sapphire73]

Great variety of shots here. Fun to see the ones with snow on the beach. Glad you were able to enjoy some time there!

 

[DeniseGoldberg]

Thanks for all of your comments!

The beach in the refuge is one of my favorite places to walk. I have to take advantage of the months when the beach is open since it is a nesting area for the endangered piping plover. The entire 6 miles of beach closes each year on April 1st, remaining closed until the birds are done with it. It usually reopens sometime in August.

 

[DeniseGoldberg]

The storm a week and a half ago started with 5 to 6 inches of snow. That was followed by sleet and rain and freezing temperatures. While we have melting temperatures this week, trails are still wearing ice. My choice of walking locations is in the road (yes, watching out for vehicles!) or better - walking on the beach. It's wonderful that the ocean clears the beach of snow and ice!

Yesterday's afternoon low tide was at 3:37 pm. At about 2 I decided I needed a beach excursion. Yes, I went to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge with my camera.

Snow remains on the dunes.

Pools of water show ripples in the sand.

Clouds create paintings in the sky.

The light was magical.