Friday 17 March 2017
A Dry Hands Day
The wind is already up by the time I start my portage down to the harbor. It is a stiff NW wind (out of the NW) that pushes me down the harbor toward the opening to Long Island Sound, where I won't go, but also to the opening to the day's destination, Gulf Pond.
I spot seven buffleheads just before the rusty bridge. They are the first that I've seen this fall. It is also the first really raw day, a temperature of 45 F backed up by 20mph of wind. I think to myself that it is a dry hands day - one where you go out of the way to avoid sticking your hands in the water because it takes so long to get them warm again.
I count birds, except for gulls. I don't have time to count gulls if I want to paddle anywhere. A flock of 50+ ducks flush when I am 300 yards distance. I have a hunch that they are black ducks, but I just can't ID them from this distance.
greater yellow legs |
For no real reason that I am aware of, I remember a dream that I had last night, or the night before, or some other night. I dreamed that I was canoeing with a paddle that was much too short. I like to think that it has something to do with life.
clams at the base of the spartina grass |
Bird count in Gulf Pond: 10 buffleheads, 2 Canada geese, 2 mute swans, 5 greater yellow legs, 2 king fishers, 2 mallards and 4 great blue heron...a bunch of unidentified ducks, some uncounted cormorants and gulls, of course.
Of note, there are no egrets, either snowy or great, and I do not spot any osprey, which have been a constant since I started canoeing in here a month ago.
Gulf Pond |
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