Salmon Feast

Recent rains have saved the salmon run.  Water levels were low after a long dry summer, but now rivers run and, with them, the Chinook Salmon return to spawn

A few days ago, I spent some time where the river meets the sea.  Undulating swells were caused by the surging river meeting a strong incoming tide.  Fresh and salt water churned together.  A heavy sky of shadow shades with intermittent patches of brightness reflected on the surface.  A powerful scene.

Seals and sea lions prowled the depths; gulls and other water birds gathered in anticipation because the feasting had begun.

Eyes followed my movement along the shoreline.

I watched and listened for the flocks of gulls that would surround a fresh catch ~  Hearing a sea lion growl as it lunged for a salmon, seeing a splash of pink flesh rise above the surface, followed by excited squawking as gulls feverishly attempted to snag a prize piece.

Incoming arrivals ~ a ‘mooter’ of Surf Scoters aka ‘skunk-headed coots.

After a feeding frenzy, a sense of calm returned to the scene - the hungry masses were appeased and satiated...for now.