When all else fails, go to the pier!

  When all else fails, go to the pier.  There, one can find peace proffered by the gentle breeze and soft sounds of the waves.  It is also there that you can escape from the worries of the world even if it is just for a while.  It helps tremendously.  Or, maybe it is just me.  Maybe the call of the water is something that is in my upbringing.  Pop always said that I had saltwater in my veins instead of blood.  Weird way of saying I belonged on the Bayou but who's to question?

  Recently, an early morning visit to the pier brought, not only solace, but a chance to watch some rather unusual birds.  The Black Skimmers were out in full force.  These graceful birds were flying just inches above the water's surface as they hunted for breakfast.  Their lower mandibles were skimming the surface (hence their name) and each time a hapless menhaden got in the way, it became breakfast for a bird.  The lower mandible of the Black Skimmer is longer than its top mandible and is also hinged.  When the lower mandible hits a fish, the bird snaps the top down trapping the fish.  The bird then swallows the fish while still in flight.  

  These graceful birds have a tendency to linger near the Bayou in search of food.  They know that with the tide changes, the small fish will either exit or enter the Bayou.  The small fish gather in huge schools making it a grand feasting time for the Skimmers.  This schooling also gives me a fabulous view of the Skimmers in action.  Watching them makes things right with the world....even if it is only for a short time.