Schools of blues draw birds to the point

LABOR DAY 2011

The beaches of Delaware pulsed with surfers, boogie boarders, sun worshipers, squealing children and surf fishermen over the Labor Day weekend. Seems like those rained out and blown out by Hurricane Irene last weekend doubled up with the Labor Day crowd this weekend to bring one of the biggest Labor Day weekend crowds in years.

At the point of Cape Henlopen, legions of surf fishermen set up camp to enjoy the weekend. Schools of bluefish moving close in along the beach and snapping their way through smaller baitfish attracted great flocks of shorebirds including sea gulls, terns, cormorants and pelicans.  They cackled and laughed and screeched as they swooped in to snatch bits of of fresh, torn flesh courtesy of the toothy blues.  Surf fishermen reeled in small blues while boating fishermen tossed rattle traps and bucktails into the roiling schools. It all made for good action.

On the bays, sailors enjoyed steady south winds Saturday and Sunday, pleasant temperatures and relatively low humidity.

On the streets and roads and in the parks, walkers and bicyclists took advantage of the fine weather to get in one last beautiful summer weekend before the fall routine - what I call the Golden Season - gets into full fettle.

Get outside and enjoy one of the sweetest spots along the East Coast.