Icy Bay and River Scenes

Not too often does ice build up on the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.  But it did just that two weeks ago, when much of our country was dealing with brutal cold, worse than normal.

There were reports of ice being 2-5 inches thick.  Thankfully, it has since melted!

Here are some of my scenes taken two weeks ago.

Chesapeake Bay from Black Walnut Point, Tilghman Island
(diving ducks are waaaayyy out there, usually right up to the shoreline)

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Claiborne Landing Cove

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Knapps Narrows

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Turkey Creek

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Immature Bald Eagles in center of Choptank River

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On January 27, the U.S. National Ice Center released the following analysis of the ice concentration on the Chesapeake Bay, with ice 2-5 inches thick from the middle of the bay to the north.

Maryland’s DNR ice cutters were quite busy, trying to keep as many veins of water open.  The U.S. Coast Guard reported at least 23 navigational aids were destroyed or off-station.

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One of our famous local photos recircling was taken during our winter freeze 1976-1977 where people actually walked and ice skated under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  Some people at narrower bay locations were able to walk all the way across!

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Chesapeake Bay ice skating
(credit unknown)

I know I wouldn’t have chanced it too far out!

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