We put the Sea Eagle in at the lower X, paddled across the Intercoastal Waterway and up a tidal creek to the upper X, about 2 miles before turning around.
The Intercoastal Waterway heads to the right and we headed to the left in this picture.
Bill is setting our GPS and getting ready to launch.
Entering the Tidal Creek.
As soon as we enter the creek, we saw this sign that indicated the surrounding area was a wildlife refuge.
Well… we liked that stroke of luck!!!
Our first encounter was this Red-Headed Woodpecker who hung around until we got closer than it liked.
From this point on, it should have been called “Osprey Town.” We saw 4 occupied Osprey nests and one that was just being built. If you love watching Osprey, which we do, it was an amazing paddle.
Osprey Nest One
Paddling past the Cypress Trees and Knees
Osprey Nest Two
As we approached this nest, the Osprey took off. This happened over and over as if they were trying to divert our attention away from the nest.
Paddling past the Lily Pads.
As we rounded the corner, we saw an Osprey perched on a branch.
Here he is a little closer.
We knew there must be a nest close by and sure enough….
high on an overhanging tree was Osprey Nest Three
with the mate on the nest.
As we approached the third nest, the perched Osprey took to flight and return to the nest.
What perfect timing for us to get this photo!!
Continuing on, we came upon Osprey Nest Four. We decided to take a little break and sit and observe for awhile….
Well, Mr. or Mrs. Osprey did not think that was a good idea. Repeatedly, it left the nest, circled above our heads, squawked at us before returning to the nest. Obviously it wasn’t ready for company.
We continued on and paddled about 2 miles up the tidal creek before turning around and heading back. Of course, we got to see all our Osprey friends on the return trip as well. In addition, we saw this Osprey gathering building material for its new nest.
You can see the loose twigs he has gathered, but boy will it take a lot more material to build this nest. We are always amazed at the size of an Osprey nest. I did a little research and found out that these nest are used year after year. Boy, that is a relief to know they don’t have to rebuild each year!!
This one has caught lunch!!
We past this tree which reminded us of the singing trees in the Tiki Bird Adventure in Disney World. We expected it to break into song or something!
Turtle enjoying a beautiful day.
Pretty Blue Water Flowers
We didn’t see another boat on the tidal creek, but as we approached the Intercoastal Waterway on our return trip, we had to wait for some bigger boat traffic to pass. This was a Friday so not too many boats, but on a weekend, it can get a little crazy.
We made it across and carried the Sea Eagle to the car. I love this photo… looks like we just hitch the Sea Eagle to the back of the Tahoe and pull it home like the motorboats do ;o))
This was a fantastic kayak trip and we will be back to check out some other tidal creeks in this area. Like I said before, we are so lucky to have so many beautiful places to visit in our own backyard!!
We made it across and carried the Sea Eagle to the car. I love this photo… looks like we just hitch the Sea Eagle to the back of the Tahoe and pull it home like the motorboats do ;o))
Nancy, again, terrific pictures! You're getting to be quite the photographer. George & I haven't gotten the Sea Eagle out this season. We've been so busy with the house! I want to soon though.
ReplyDeleteIncredable pictures, taken from your boat, no less!
ReplyDeleteIf I tried to do that, there'd be a lot of water between the subject and the camera lens... ;c)
Paul and Marti (Still having Blogger comment problems)
You do really have some awesome spots in your own backyard! I am jealous...we have only been in our Sea Eagle once! It has either been too cold or raining this spring. I'm sure our time will come soon :)
ReplyDelete