An idyllic spot for a picnic lunch.
We even had entertainment which I tried not very successfully to photograph.
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A Ring-billed gull attempted to impress his lady.
His intent appeared to be providing lunch.
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But he kept skidding on the ice as she looked on.
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In the end, he caught a fish – and promptly swallowed it.
Perhaps it was too large for her much smaller throat.
She apparently didn’t hold it against him.
What a sweet couple.
A minute later they flew off together.
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It is nice to have found a wild wetland with easy access.
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We came upon a flock of mallards but they were mostly paddling along in the reeds.
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We’d been pointed in the direction of Lake Champlain Bridge where geese sometimes flock.
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The bridge links Chimney Point in Vermont to Crown Point in New York.
There is a tiny museum at Chimney Point which is closed now for the season.
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Recent archaeological and historic research has confirmed Chimney Point is one of the most strategic and historically significant locations on Lake Champlain. It has seen every period of human habitation, since the first people arrived nearly 9,000 years ago. Visitors can imagine the millennia of Native Americans fishing, hunting, camping, meeting, and trading here on the bluff or sandy beach. After the first Europeans came in 1609, this site was important for interactions between the Native peoples and Europeans. In 1690, the English watched for the French enemies navigating Lake Champlain. The French took a stand here in 1731, building a fort to keep the English off the lake and blocking easy access to Canada. This was the frontier of New France and the start of long-term French settlement in the region. The site also saw significant military activity during the French and Indian War and American Revolution. Following the Revolution, in c. 1785, the tavern was built and has welcomed visitors ever since. (from historicsites.vermont.gov)
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The museum sits on a bluff above the beach.
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The beach and the lake were quite devoid of life that day, but never mind.
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As we set course for home, the man cheerfully said that it really didn’t matter if we got behind a slowpoke going home…
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Thank you, Carolyn, for the interesting lesson on the history of the place you were visiting, a few beautiful birds, and the excellent photography. Your narrative about the thoughts of birds is lovely, too.
Joanna
That was a lovely spot, and on a beautiful day too.
Best wishes, Pete.
That Chimney Point video is rather fast and furious. Too quick to take it all in!
Yes, I assume that if the gulls flew away together, his efforts were successful (but I do think he should try not to impress her on slippery ice 😉).