May 27, 2025

Message from the Cap’n — Soft Crabs Back in Season

Soft crabs are in season now in the Chesapeake.

RIP Tommy Courtney

St. Mary’s County waterman and restaurateur Tommy Courtney passed away March 2, 2025. The Cap’n provides some information on his ancestors’ arrival in the early 1600s, during the formative years of Maryland.

Cap’n Hails Osprey Return

Traditionally, the Osprey return to the Chesapeake by St Patrick’s Day. This year was no different.

Folks from the Cap’n’s Hometown, Piney Point

torpedoes

Cap’n Jack is telling tales about the folks who used to live in Piney Point and some of their goings-on.

The Cap’n IDs Birds by Wing Patterns

The Cap’n recommends birdwatching as a winter hobby, and gives tips for identification from the wing shapes of the big birds of the Chesapeake including osprey, eagles, and vultures.

Birds Wintering in the Chesapeake

Winter arrives and holds tight in the Chesapeake, bringing winter ducks and increased activities from eagles, says the Cap’n.

Still Hope for the Softshell Clam’s Future

Fifty years ago, softshell clams were so plentiful in the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay that they were used for fish bait or sold for about $2 per basket. Today, they’re rare as hen’s teeth.

Boats Are High, Creek Is Low

A perfect storm brewed in Southern Maryland the first week of 2025, trapping work boats at their docks in the region’s creeks. The continued wind and temperatures do not bode well for oysters either.

Message from the Cap’n – Don’t Rake Those Leaves

Leaving leaves on the ground has advantages for the environment. Over the winter they provide cover and habitat for a litany of tiny lives.

Message from the Cap’n — Fall Brings Changes

Fall

Time to look forward to spring for a better osprey year — but the martins carried forth admirably. Crabs are still in the offing ….. oysters coming soon.