Message from the Cap’n — Soft Crabs Back in Season
Posted by Jack Russell on May 26, 2025 · Leave a Comment
Soft crabs are in season now in the Chesapeake.
RIP Tommy Courtney
Posted by Jack Russell on April 9, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on March 26, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on March 11, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on February 25, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on February 18, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on January 21, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on January 6, 2025 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on November 25, 2024 · Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Jack Russell on October 1, 2024 · Leave a Comment
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.