Pine Island, Washademoak Lake: Fog, Feathers and a Falcon Family

Pine Island sits at Big Cove in Washademoak Lake, 30 kilometres of deep channels that once carried steamboats and now carry kayaks like mine and other recreational boats.  On a calm, misty morning, it's easy to imagine those boats plying the waters of the lake and delivering their goods.  What I didn't imagine was finding a severed bird leg and its carcass on the shore.  You read that right, a severed leg and carcass.

Found this on Pine Island. No answers. Just... a leg.

The day started like a typical day with a dog on the water, a quick misty morning paddle to the island for Tuki’s morning duties and a quick walkabout.  It was a perfect morning, so quiet, all I could hear was the kayak in the water, my paddle and a noisy family of birds as I approached the island.

Early Morning Paddle

I always try to be super observant of what's on the ground, as Tuki is a professional forager and he’s faster than the speed of lightening.  Lo and behold, I found a severed leg of a bird and he found the remaining carcass.  He nearly lost his mind with excitement. I, however, did not share his enthusiasm.  It was some kind of large bird of prey.  Unfortunately, I did not take a picture of it, which could have helped me identify it.  I’m thinking an Osprey.  If I had known at the time that I would be writing about such things, I would have taken a bunch of pictures, but I did snap a picture of a few feathers

A couple of leftover feathers.

On the back side of the island, there was a noisy family of merlins.  They are a small, fierce, and fast-flying falcon that hunts small songbirds and shorebirds in direct flight.  I’m glad I didn’t see them in action.  Could they have taken down the dead bird I found or was it something else?  They shared the island with a pair of beautiful bald eagles, which are easy to identify once they become adults.

Other side of Pine Island

As, I paddled back, I thought about the natural beauty around us and the fragility of life in the wild.  Nature has a delicate balance.

One my way back to the mother ship.

From the cockpit of your boat, you may see or hear birds, deer, coyotes, small mammals, herons, waterfowl and birds of prey.  On land, you might glimpse a bobcat or bear, all elusive natural treasures that feel like gifts.  For you fishers out there, this lake has varied fish species:   smallmouth/largemouth/striped bass, pickerel, muskie, catfish, and yellow and white perch. The more challenging catches would include sturgeon, trout, and salmon

This lake is calling you.  Whether you’re seeking a relaxing refuge or adventure, this lake has it all.  The soul seekers and adventurers will not be disappointed.  Neither will the star gazers, well, the mosquitoes will be happy. 

I never solved the mystery of that bird.  But maybe that's the point.  Maybe the merlins knew.  Maybe the eagles did.  But standing there with Tuki, fog lifting off the water, a family of falcons scolding me from the trees, I realized: not every secret needs solving.  Some are just meant to be witnessed.