As we left Gorge Harbour a lumpy Common Merganzer appeared on the horizon. On closer inspection it was a mother carrying her six babies on her back. When Mom saw us she panicked despite us quieting our engines. Mom raced off with one baby onboard, four close behind and one paddling for all it was worth. Our series of photos showed the mother and all babies safely reunited some distance from the boat. Baby Merganzers can swim but are unable to dive and it is common for mothers to carry newborn babies.
We are anchored in very pleasant Bird Cove on Reading Island for some of the lowest tides of the year. Max, an eleven year old who lives here, was picking up crab out of the eel grass on the incoming tide. Our crab traps are set. Doug and I captured two bivalves that we had not encountered before - cockles and a moon snail. My google search indicates that moon snails are edible and should be prepared much like the conch we ate in the Carribean. We have mixed feelings about eating the moon snail. What are your thoughts? Moon snails are typically prepared by slicing the foot into 1/2 inch steaks, tenderizing with both meat tenderizer and with a mallet and frying. We are going to dig goeducks today. Doug and I could enjoy many new culinary delights or not!
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