Australian farmers visit

Australian farmers enjoyed a crab feast aboard the Dee of St. Mary's on Thursday evening.
The crab feast was catered by Crab Knockers of Leonardtown, MD.
The menu included jumbo male crabs, corn on the cob, fried chicken, coleslaw and assorted drinks. After much discussion about farming practices in America and Australia, everyone settled down and "filled their crab tooth".

The Sea Nettles have arrived

The first Sea Nettles ( jellyfish) were seen on Wednesday at St. George Island. They overwinter throughout the Chesapeake Bay rolled up in little balls settled on the bottom. The nettle breaks apart and starts to grow when the salinity and water temperature rises. They will be a constant pest throughout the summer. Fall weather with its cooler temperatures feature their demise

Birds testing their wings

Totally amazing how fast these ospreys grow. Just a few weeks ago they couldn't raise their heads up, and now they're going to the sides of the nest and testing their wings out. The adults are testing their fish catching capabilities to keep this brood fed. Most of our local birds should be on the wing by the first of August. Parents will leave mid-September, and youngsters to follow in October.

Welcome from Capn Jack

Greetings CBFL Members and Friends,

School trips at CBFL will continue for several more weeks. The Shore Side program has received great reviews from all the participating schools. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers that make the programs such a success.

The aft cabin project is complete. It was a welcome addition. Our thanks to Goddard boatyard for a job well done.

The baby Ospreys are peeking their heads out of the nests. They will grow extremely fast now that the wdeather has warmed and many fish are available. Mom and dad will make many flights every day to bring meals home.

We have good crop of Soft Shell clams (mannose) coming along in the Patuxent River. There are also many Cow Nosed rays here . They love to eat these clams. Rockfish are plentiful in the Lower Potomac. Some Atlantic Croaker are showing up on the steep edges in the Potomac River off St. George Island.

The crab business is slow. Maryland and Virginia are now working on plans to conserve about 35% of the mature female population this season.

Remember, "It's our Bay. Let's pass it on "

From Capn Jack and 1st mate Fulchiron