Saturday, March 24, 2007

High Waters and Goose Poop

Very high water and rushing rapids bring all sorts of things downstream. We often find engine parts and washing machines after a rough winter. The tree lying flat above center is just such an example. The shining water is very fast moving. I keep Ellie away from the edge at this time of year. She's much more interested in the burrows along the levee, anyway.
No closeups of the waterfowl today. They were creating a cacophany of bird calls, almost drowning out the traffic on the bridge. We kept our distance, because, well, frankly, they are very dirty. Goose poop is easier to take when its aged a bit.

This is just plain ugly. It will be years before soil on the boat ramp settles, leaving the bare stones. But the waterfowl don't care. We walked over to the other side of the drainage creek, to allow the birds their space. They watch us warily. A little while later, a car will unload a dog and its owner, and they will chase away the wildlife.


Across the drainage creek the waterfowl are fidgety. They crab and crank, making quick honking noises that are echoed in the squawks and screeching of the gulls. Ducks can't get in a word, edgewise.



Very much a city shot. Rapids alongside the Walnut Street Bridge. The ducks seem to enjoy riding them down to the wide island where the local high schools kids installed an osprey platform. While I haven't seen ospreys yet, there are plenty of sightings of bald eagles. We can always hope.