Urban River Wildlife

After 2 days of good rainfall, another fresh push of Kings and Coho have arrived in the Lower Credit River. Many were shooting through the shallow riffles like propeller-driven torpedoes, while others frolicked and porpoised in the slow, deep runs. The air was crisp and refreshing, and the blanket of fog was gently lifting off the river's surface as if to awaken it from its night slumber. A family of White-tailed Deer peered out into the meadow adjacent to me and cautiously made their way to the river's edge to have their morning brew. The green of summer has begun to give way to the orange and red of fall subtly unveiling itself in dazzling beauty across the tree line. I reveled in this moment. . .as it was short-lived.

Serenity was replaced with the splashing, thrashing and unnatural chatter of "Urban Wildlife". The river's edge was invaded by them, and each was equipped with their choice weapon; some of these weapons were refined and beautiful; others were archaic and barbaric. The diversity was astonishing - Darwin would have been beside himself. There was one specific strain out today that stood out from the rest. It was a rare site indeed, as they make a brief stop here once a year in their migration to wherever their destination may be. Although they are a dying breed, perhaps even endangered in my area, I imagine they are more prevalent in others.

Have you seen one on your local river?

Urban Wildlife