Seeker Of Fish

Last weekend, I stopped by a section of The Connecticut River in Chester. I thought of a story I heard about a Native American who used to fish this area long ago.-(1700's?)- I don't remember his real name , but it roughly translated to-"Seeker Of Fish."

He was seen by many, traveling along the river in his canoe. He was usually accompanied by his companion , a great white Osprey. The Osprey was described as being very white-(albino?)-and it would often perch on the front of his canoe. The two were known to share their fishing catches.

Children would often try to trick the "Indian." They would throw rocks near the canoe, making him think that fish were jumping in the water near him. Of course,it rarely worked. One day, this harmless game took a tragic turn. One of the rocks struck the fishermen on the head. He fell out of his canoe, and in to the depths of the river. He was never seen again.

Immediately after Seeker Of Fish fell in, the Osprey was seen plunging in to the water, where his friend had drowned. The Osprey never resurfaced. Over the years, there have been rumours of an all white Osprey in this same area. None have been confirmed.

On this particular day, I happened to catch a glimpse of an Osprey flying overhead. Was it whiter than normal ? (maybe just my imagination). Suddenly, the bird went in to a stoop, and plunged violently in to the water right before my eyes. It was exciting to watch, and I took several pictures.

Oddly enough, only one came out. It was the one above, of the big splash that it left behind. I never saw the bird come up. Maybe I just lost track of it. I searched the entire area, and there was no sign of the Osprey. I scanned the river one more time. As I looked in the area where the Osprey had taken his plunge, a single fish was floating on the surface of the water. ---a strange coincidence, or just failed photography?---hmmm.