Beach House Diaries: Call of the Wild

From boardwalks to board games, fab food to family bonding, there are many reasons why we love beach house living. Of course, proximity to nature also ranks high on most people's lists -- mine included. About the only thing I notice growing at home is the mold in my basement. But at my Pictou Island vacation home, where I'm more attuned to my surroundings, I monitor Mother Nature with uncharacteristic interest. As summer unfolds in its usual way, I mourn the wilting of irises; then applaud the blooming of Queen Anne's lace. The arrival of wild blueberries is cause for a cork-popping celebration.

So when flora merits that kind of attention, you can imagine the excitement fauna generates among locals and summer residents alike.