I spent most of yesterday at Stratford Point, arriving at the tail end of the Connecticut Ornithological Association Shorebird Identification Seminar as the group wrapped up a walk and moved indoors. It was a dangerously hot day with an excessive heat warning and unbelievable tropical-feeling dew points. We decided to bring the Bridgeport WildLife Guards to the office instead of the beach, and that is how the rest of my day went. I left in the late afternoon but had to return in the evening as well-timed and positioned thunderstorms exploded to our west. I hopped in my Jeep for the office and blasted the AC to get cool, and idiot me added to the eventual lens condensation with dew points in the mid 70s. I arrived before the first storm but was fogged up, and the cell was rapidly expanding and worsening. By the time the lens cleared the severe storm was nearly on top of Stratford Point. We had 60dbz rain, 50+ MPH winds and a spectacular light show. It was a frustrating start, but as you can see below, things improved. The photos are in chronological order.
I learned a lot – from stupid mistakes to actual composition and strategy – so let’s go again soon, Mother Nature! You have to be in awe of the dazzling power that can take over our skies.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
