Just a Clever Ruse

A moderate wind was predicted for the day, but I suspected a clever ruse and headed to smaller waters.  I put in on the Menunketusuck at the usual spot and headed down river.  The tide was all the way out and I picked my way through the narrow deeper channel for a hundred yards or so.  There is nothing like scrapping the canoe on oyster and mussel shells to encourage some thinking. After that, there is plenty of depth. It is sunny, in the upper 50's and yes, it is windier than predicted, clever ruse confirmed. (the wind is 15 to 18 mph and gusting to 25)

This river is Little Blue Heron and Glossy Ibis territory.  Of course, there are other birds, but this is one of the best places to come to spot those first two.  There is a rookery island in the sound not far away and this is a good feeding zone for them.

Willet

There are lots of Yellow Legs, pretty much can see at least one at most any time during the trip.  I spot a few widely scattered Willets.  There's always a few, but this is not a major nesting site like the East River.  Add a few Mallards and frequent sightings of tiny Least Sandpipers, and high overhead is a mature Bald Eagle soaring and circling over the forest that leads to Opera Singer Point.  I first imagine that it might be hunting as its soaring location gives it a good view of two fingers of this three-pronged marsh.  But, it drifts with the wind off to the east. It was just a clever ruse to get some free mileage. 

Least Sandpiper - about the size of a wren

I paddle down to the railroad bridge and then head back to go over into the east arm of the marsh.  I've been out a short hour and I spot my first Glossy Ibis flying past.  Then a second and a few more.  So, they are around.

Glossy Ibises

Over in the far end of the west arm, I pause to reset my camera, which has ended up with a bunch of weird settings... a result of fumbling with it while paddling.  There are a good many terrapins, often sunning in groups of 8 or 10 on the exposed mud bank.  They spot my arrival from a surprising distance and slide off into the water.  Then, a flock of fifteen Glossy Ibises fly in and settle about 75 yards away.  As I head out, another group of thirteen comes in.  I'm not sure why they are showing up all of a sudden.  Maybe it is the temperature, or the tide coming in, but here they are.

Glossy Ibises

I head up the east arm.  There are several Snowy Egrets and Great Egrets.  I have to look cloely at the Snowys as young Little Blue Herons are very similar.  The wind is increasing and I head back.

No Little Blue Herons today, but a good number of Glossy Ibises.