Archive for category: From the Field

I was fishtailing my way through deep slush encased in sheer ice alongside the runway this early morning- thinking low tide always is a “good read” to share at Race point.  But as the slippery trek out quickly began to become a story on its own I turned back, heading home- to my neck of the woods. Maybe wait for an afternoon thaw.

I arrived with Crows tattling on a Red-shouldered hawk spying on fluttering Goldfinches, and Pheasants in a skirmish.  Days before, I “read” a more serene moment as a mature Bald eagle glided over the Parade Grounds.

Putting down my camera, binoculars, notebook, while warming my toes- I smiled and thought some days just looking out a window is just fine…..

I’m guessing most folks don’t consider just how much marine traffic flows by the Island during winter months. Or maybe they just don’t have the opportunity to note it for themselves.

While searching for Snowy Owl off Race Point, checking the count of Harbor seals up East, and chasing after one majestic and mature Bald Eagle in between- today I switched lanes (and gears) to slow down and see the “rush hour” commute South side.

Local Traditional Knowledge (LTK) can come in all guises…
These colder months I have depended on a clan of six local American Crows to help me monitor the Fort Wright Parade Ground area.

I began noting this group three years ago- regularly at low tide sifting and pecking along kelp mounds on the western end of South beach.

Very crafty and clever, these “Sentinels” have aided my own astute observations in the field time and time again- so much so that I also rely on their Fish Crow cousins over in Hay Harbor.

With their alarming and “mobbing” raucous (or Caw-cous!) they alert me to nearby birds of prey,  call my attention to incoming tidal marine debris,(especially silvery mylar)and hover like a black shroud over the stench of hidden seal and sea turtle carcasses. They stand their ground staunchly too in whatever remains of a Coyote kill -usually pheasant or rabbit.

The birds have even routinely noted over the years that the 4:15pm Ferry crowd conveniently leaves the most “dinner” refuse-watch the six of them hover over and land at 4:50pm scavenging the docks and parking lot.

These days Crows call me (collect!) with a sighting of Snowy Owl gliding over Parade Grounds and Common Eider and Merganser nibbling below the dock pilings in Silver Eel Cove.

Snuggle up

Couple up

Puff up

Look up

Bundle up too.

Darkness like lava flows in lowest viscosity.
Downward, downward, and draping heavily

Upon

Season’s shadow shortened and snuffed out.

Until

Creation, eruption without interruption

Flows light once again…..