The Empty Net

 Not only do I view the Bayou as my home, my peaceful place and my paradise, I see it as a source of sustenance.  More oft than naught, we can at least catch a few fish to supply our table. Shrimp, crabs and fish are staples to our diet since they are, not only free(!), but definitely fresh.  Seafood is still something that I can eat since I cut meats from the diet (I am semi-vegetarian).  We depend on the Bay and Bayou and it rarely fails to supply.  This evening, however, things were different.  No fish, no shrimp, nor crabs were to be found.  The net came up empty even though Mark tried.

  This lack of critters in the Bay, Bayou and surrounding area is due to the deluge of rain we have received over the past few days.  The torrential downpours dumped so much fresh water into the Bay that the salt-loving fish fled to other areas.   Most have moved off to deeper waters and will return later once the salinity rises back to an acceptable level.  

  The lack of fish also led to a lack of waterfowl.  Fish-eating birds follow fish...makes sense.  Early this morning, I noticed that nary a seabird was in the area.  Overnight, they, too, made haste to follow their food source.  No herons, egrets, ducks, seagulls nor pelicans dotted the area.  It seemed mighty strange to not hear the constant splashing of the pelicans dive-bombing the mullet.  

  It will take a few days of no rain and tide changes before the salinity is back to normal.  Then, the fish will return with the seabirds hot on their trail.  Perhaps then, I can have a nice redfish for supper!