LIFE IN THE LOW PEAKS

Paddling an Unofficial Preserve

Birds in the Canada Lake watershed (Fulton County, NY)

Eagle photograph by the author.

The appearance of the eagle was startling as it left its unseen perch and flew low and directly overhead. Paddling upstream through the channel to Canada Lake, I watched as it disappeared around the corner where a sawmill once stood in 1867.

After the Hornbeck Canoe also turned the corner, it was pleasing to see that the eagle had perched once again, even if much higher off the water.

“There he is! “— Photo and exclamation by the author.

It remained perched as I approached.

Feathers are looking a bit ruffled. It must be windier at his altitude. Photo by the author.

Soon there was a cacophony of screeches. A red-winged blackbird had taken issue with an oversized opportunistic predator near his turf. A loon also joined the chorus with an unexpected two-note mournful cry.

“Get lost!” and “Leave me alone!” Photo and translation by the author.

The red-winged blackbird harassed the eagle, making multiple passes at it.

“Where’d he go?” Photo and further interpretation by the author.

It seemed odd that the marsh-dwelling blackbird would bother with the eagle near the top of a mature white pine, but perhaps its mate was on a nest somewhere nearby which was visible from above.

“See ya!” Photo by the author.

Eventually, the eagle flew off and out of sight.

Resting after the ordeal. Photo by the author.

A family in the shallows, photographed by the author.

There was probably merit in the actions of the red-winged blackbird. Just days before, this family of geese included two more goslings.

The author photographed his favorite bird.

Further upstream, the previously heard loon appeared.

Shaking off after emerging from the depths. Photo by the author.

Photo by the author.

A heron was also headed upstream.

The skittish heron dislikes human companionship. Or maybe it was the paddle flashing in the sun. Or being captured in photos by the author.

The end of the upstream journey was just past the entrance to Canada Lake. There the dwellings of wildlife are intermingled with those of humans.

Another white pine holds the nest that has been in use for multiple years. Photo by the author.

There will be more eagles soon, and the author plans to photograph them just as he did here.

Lest you be left with misconceptions about an idyllic passage through this unofficial Adirondack wildlife preserve, note that the slight wind headed downstream was a godsend. On the return, when the Hornbeck moved nearly in unison with the air, other flying beings explored every bit of exposed flesh looking for their next meal.

It’s the height of blackfly season in the Adirondacks.

Selfie by the author.

More nature from the area:

Stewarts Landing Chronicle, V3 №3

Uphill, Stream-side, to a Lake View