Basha Kill, NY
by Bob Rancan

Sunday, May 14, 2017

These photos need some commentary! Yes, I'm a bit more optimistic when it comes to weather forecasts, especially in May. There was a 50% chance of rain and cool temperatures predicted for Wurtsboro when I looked on Tuesday...why look again? So the directions went out to the 15 hopeful paddlers. Immediately I started to get questions as to which weather service I use (two Inuit from Barrow, AK usually keep in touch). Little by little, the group whittled down to four...the fearless four. I'm sure it never hit 50 degrees and the light rain never let up but we were on the northern fringe of the storm, and lower rainfall amounts were reported up there than in coastal, NJ, metro area, etc. Besides, there's drysuits, Gortex and (not being a camper) the refuge of my car with dry clothes and hot tea. And lunch wasn't bad in the cover of the hemlocks and pines.

More importantly, 19 species of birds: Mature Bald eagle (photo), Great Blue and Green Heron, Wood, Black and Mallard Ducks, Turkey Vultures, Kingbirds, Baltimore Orioles, Barn and Tree Swallows, Red Wing Blackbirds, Grackle, Catbird, Gold Finches, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Yellow Warblers, and a unidentified Hawk (probably an immature Red Tail). And of course, nesting Canada Geese and some with goslings already.

Good day. We passed on the winery although they had some traffic on a rainy day. Like I always say, if you're watching the weather you ain't going paddling.

Bob

Some photos from Martin W...