Stony Brook Herring Run

I visited the Stony Brook Grist Mill area a few times this week to take in the annual herring run. It is quite an experience.   The strength and agility of the herring as they made their way upstream is always an awesome sight. That they are doing this by the tens of thousands a week is astounding.               Although sometimes gruesome, as nature is wont to be, the capture of some by the herring gulls is also a marvel. It took a while for me to realize what I was looking at as the gulls turned their heads and made what appeared to be facial expressions and sounds. Some of the herring gulls seemed to be intently trying to discover if their prey was present, and possibly determine the quantity, before communicating with the others hovering above.               Slide Show: