Monday, October 22, 2012

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.
 



16 comments:

  1. Some fantastic shots there Glo - you have to feel sorry for the salmon though - everyone is out to get them - hope I don't come back as one in my next life!

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    1. Thanks Elaine ~ I must take some photos of the salmon that make it to the spawning ground! I find watching the life cycle in process fascinating. To be able to stand on the shoreline and see it happening right before my eyes is truly amazing. I wouldn't want to come back as a salmon, either ... ;)

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  2. A dramatic sight...thanks for sharing.

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    1. It is indeed a dramatic sight, Adrian and thanks for sharing it with me :)

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  3. Oh what a treat it was to read this. Fantastic post....I almost felt as if I was there with you watching all the action. It is a shame how many predators are out to get the salmon, but hopefully lots will survive to spawn. I do love to read about wildlife in different environments to mine.

    I don't seem able to subscribe, not sure what I'm doing wrong.xxx

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    1. Hi snowbird ~ So pleased you enjoyed this post ~ it truly is a magnificent sight and will only increase in intensity during the fall and winter months. As mentioned above, I will take some photos of the salmon that make it through. I agree that it is interesting to learn about other areas of the world and glad you have found my little corner. :)

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  4. I read your title and I had a feeling you weren't about to share a recipe....

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    1. LOL Nikki! Not a recipe, unless you are creature of the deep swirling waters ;) I prefer your recipes anytime!

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  5. That must be such an absorbing thing to see if your photos are anything to go by, and noisy as well with all those gulls.
    The tranquilly of the autumnal scenery must have been welcome after all that frenzied activity.
    Flighty xx

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    1. It's a fascinating place to be, Flighty, surrounded by so much wildlife activity. Yes, there is a far bit of screeching going on, but it fits the scenario. The colours of the trees were a lovely accent.

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  6. Hi Glo :-) What lovely photos, full of action! Poor old Salmon! The photos at the end were so serene and the Autumn colours look lovely there.

    'Long, dry Summer...oh to be able to write those words. Ours was abysmal :-(

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    1. Hello ShySongbird ~ Lovely to see you, and pleased you enjoyed my photos. Poor old Salmon, is right. Fighting upstream with all those predators in wait sets up a difficult passage home, but, surprisingly, many make it through.

      Our summer took a long time to arrive, but once it did it was heavenly. The cherries were 3 weeks late, for example, because of the slow start. We basically had no rain through August and September. The season has now changed! Colours are lovely though. Sorry the UK experienced an unpleasant summer weather-wise.

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    1. Thanks, Bob. Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment :)

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  8. Great images Glo. I came over from Adrian's blog, love the Superman image.

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    1. Hi Gillian ~ thanks for your kind comment and for coming by from Adrian's blog ~ also pleased you enjoyed Superman ;)

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