River Patrol Shots: January 25th and 26th

Quite surprised when I blew this up to find that this hawk was about to eat a small turtle like the one in the next picture!

So from the last photo we now know that this size turtle is fair game for a swooping hawk.

Peek-a-boo alligator style.

Head shot the same alligator.

Moore Hen and heron.

Moore hen couple.

Moore Hens have colorful beaks (bright red) and ankles!

Reaching for the sun.

So many different ways to see an alligator.

Drying out and reaching for the sun.

This little guy was paying attention to me. Not a good sign. It might mean he's been fed by someone, which if it continues might eventually mean his death sentence. DON'T FEED AN ALLIGATOR. IF HE BECOMES USED TO
IT HE WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE TO BE MOVED OR MORE LIKELY, SHOT.

Gator in the grass.

This is what he did when I came closer. He is only a couple feet long now, but what if this continues when he gets to be eleven or twelve feet! Alligators are normally totally passive around people UNLESS they have been teased or fed.

These are his siblings. They are always around this same spot near the gate to the paddle canal.

Clear flow, sandy bottom (near a boil). It would be great to see the whole river like this again. Let's hope "sonification" works! (and that people will stop using fertilizer and pesticides on their lawns; it all winds up here).

Reflections.

So still; almost a mirror.

One of the nicest paddle trails that can be found anywhere.

Volunteer Wendy catching the classic Anhinga dry out posture.

Sun Loving basker doesn't give up his spot no matter how close we get!

Still day.

Reflections of a glorious day!

Under the bridge.

Banded water snake (non-poisonous) is always around here but this is the first time I got to see him.

Anhinga among the branches.

Checking out the glass bottom boat.

An old friend almost always on this log.

Florida Fall colors!

 A rare treat to see such vivid leaves in these warm climes.

Whats left of this boat now belongs to the wildlife... usually plentiful here.

What used to be...

Surprisingly well hidden for such a big guy!

Still, sunny days always make a  mirror of the Silver River

Up in the woods!

Peek-a-boo heron!

River Patrol - January 12th

Can you identify this common Silver River waterfowl?
(The next picture gives the answer).

A cormorant, of course! (You got it, right?)

Friends? or just random associates? Hard to know what animals feel.

Here's looking at you, Blue!

Volunteer Pam catching a moment in the life of a Great Blue Heron.

Mutual observation.

This alligator is actually a little guy. He and his two siblings still hang out together
close to where they hatched out.

Here's weed on your face!

Faded Glory

HAPPY NEW YEAR POST: A few typical sights as the Friends of the Silver River (CSO), our River Patrol comes up on the New Year!

Volunteer Phylis doing her job in her amazing kayak.

This guy keeps and eye on us as we go by. This new
 alertness in the alligators might not bode well for a swimmer!

Beautiful Florida Gar, hanging just below the surface.

Classic Anhinga drying out routine. The price he pays for
underwater speed and not having oily feathers.

This enormous soft shelled turtle is a rare sight out
of the water. The first time I've seen one sunning!

Hi still seems to prefer to remain partially submerged.

Piggy back turtles. Not the difference in the species.
Can you identify them both?

Here's a close-up!

Not an old tire!

Medium sized alligator in the greenery.

Ancient cypresses locked together.

Coming back up to the headsprings.

Warm up time.

Remains of what used to be... and hopefully may be again.

Rough terrain.

An original body armor design from 200 million years back!

Stare! What might he be thinking?

Amazing architecture...

Amazing sapphire eyes in a face only a mother could love!

Moore Hen; the original big foot.

Anhinga's snakey head could never be confused with a cormorant (earlier).

Reflections...

Alligator parts evolved to last. Two hundred million years and counting!
And how long have humans been around again?

Pupil closed to a fine slit in the bright sun.

Here's looking at you!

Tender monkey moments!

On the lookout.