Egret

One day last week, as I was leaving the New Point Light observation deck, I happened to glance off into the marsh and noticed this egret, who was sunning himself.

Or herself.

I'm not an astute enough heron or egret watcher to know whether there are discernible differences in color or other markings.  I can distinguish between a male and female cardinal, no problem.  But egrets? Just not that up to speed.

Anyway, this one was basking in the glow of the sun that particular afternoon, not at all perturbed by my intrusive camera.

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This will be the first full/normal work week I've had since the week of September 23.  The last home meet of Daughter's cross country season is Tuesday evening. District, regional and the state meets happen over the next month, however, so we'll be busy with those.  I must focus on preparing for November's half marathon, which is breathing down my neck like a fiery dragon.  I've not run more than six and a half miles since April, and my knee shin foot back has been threatening to give out on me for about a week now.

Otherwise, things are good here in the Chesapeake Bay Family household.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Garden Creek

These were taken just off Garden Creek Road.

The sign is slightly humorous to me, because this is probably the last place I'd consider trespassing.  The habitat of creek mud includes clawed monsters, serpents and mosquitoes the size of jet planes  all sorts of creepy crawlies. Hip boots would be required for a stroll through this swamp.

Regardless, it's a pretty place this time of year.  At least from the comfort of my automobile.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Three Things

Welcome to the Three Ring Circus of my life Three Thing Thursday, where I share three things and you do too, keeping in mind that three is just a suggestion, and deviations are expected welcomed.

I'll go first.

1.  In a few days, we go on vacation to Hatteras Island, which is far away from our daily madness
routines.

2. There will be fireworks.

3. I can't wait.

3b. This is the one week when The World  tries to leaves us alone.

3c.  I can't WAIT.

Now it's your turn to share three (or more) things. Whatever you want.

Anything at all.

Marsh Scenes

These were taken at the public landing in Onemo.

If a picture paints a thousand words, and there are five pictures here, that's five thousand words, only slightly less than what I usually write in a given day yet never seem to get to the point more than enough words for one blog post.

Have a great Monday.

Scenes from Bethel Beach: The Marsh

From the site ChesapeakeBay.net:

"The tidal marshes of the Chesapeake Bay's shallows are border habitats that connect shorelines to forests and wetlands. Just like wetlands and underwater bay grass beds, tidal marshes provide food and shelter for the vast array of fish, birds, invertebrates and other animals that dwell in shallow waters.

There are three types of tidal marshes found along the Chesapeake Bay:

• Freshwater marshes of the upper Bay
• Brackish marshes of the middle Bay
• Salt marshes of the lower Bay

Salt Marshes

Salt marshes are wetlands dominated by cordgrass, also called Spartina. They are one of the most productive plant communities on earth. Salt marshes are located above and below the high tide line.

• Low marshes are regularly flooded by the tides. The tall form of smooth cordgrass grows here. Low marshes provide critical habitat for juvenile fish, as well as shrimps, fiddler crabs, marsh crabs, marsh periwinkles and ribbed mussels.
• High marshes are irregularly flooded by strong winds or exceptionally high tides. Three-squares, saltmeadow cordgrass and the short form of smooth cordgrass grow here."

Cordgrass?

Spartina?

Who knew?

 Did you?

I've always referred to it as marsh grass. Spartina? Really?