Tomoka River

Yellow Crowned Night Heron

Today, Friday June 24th, did kayak the Tomoka River. It was a recon expedition since wifey decided it was too hot today to go kayaking and she was right: it was really HOT. But it was a nice change after not kayaking last weekend. This is going to be a short post since did not end with too many good pics. Had a problem with my reading glasses and shoot most of the pics just by instinct. I do not know if this is a paddle wifey would like to try though. Spent many minutes paddling with nothing to shoot pics at.

Osprey

Put In / Take Out: The put in and take out for this trip was the boat ramp at the Tomoka State Park at Ormond Beach, FL. Click on the link for information about the state park. It was almost 10:20 when I paid $4.00 at the gate and was in the water about 10 minutes later. No more than three boat trailers at the parking lot and one of them left as I put in. They have a concession at the park, Tomoka Outpost, where you can rent a canoe or a kayak. I do not have information about the prices, sorry, but the next pic gives you a phone number you can call if you are interested.

Tomoka Outpost at Tomoka State Park

Snowy Egret

The Tomoka River is influenced by the tide and it was going out at that time. The Tomoka River empties in the Halifax River just North of the put in. Open salty marshes and dark brackish waters are the predominant view in the first few miles from the state park but then it changes to fresh water and the scenery also changes. It was my plan to go up river as far as possible, maybe to Thompson Creek, and then back to the take out. Looking at the googlemaps it seems like did just that. Next time it is my goal to explore or Thompson Creek or Strickland Creek. Here is a map for your reference: Tomoka River.

Oh crabs!!!

Something interesting happened today. I was taking a pic of a Yellow Crowned Night Heron, the one in the opening pic, and from the distance it looked like the ground around it was moving. The bird was moving fast after the "moving ground" and I was curious about it so decided to take a closer look. It was then when realized why the ground was moving. Tens of little crabs were trying to run for their life at the attack of the Yellow Crowned Night Heron, that was feeding on them. It was somehow cool to see that happening but I am sure the crabs were not having a good time. Was able to shoot a pic of the heron with a crab on its beak.

Yellow Crowned Night Heron has lunch

Did You Know That?: The Yellow Crowned Night Heron is listed as threatened in the state of New Jersey and endangered in the state of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Unlike other night herons the Yellow Crowned Night Heron is active during the day as well as at night. This dude will pray on small turtles, or crabs, as its stomach secretes an acid capable of dissolving shells. Did you know that? I had no idea.

Tri-Colored Heron

Well, as promised, this is going to be short so it is time to make good that promise. Here are more pics of what I saw today. Saw but do not have pics of Green Herons and Cardinals. Also, in two different times heard the characteristic ...pfffffttttt...of a manatee but did not see it. Do not know if it was my imagination or what the heck was it.

Wildlife...

Great Blue Heron

Osprey

Crabs

More crabs!!!!

Yellow Crowned Night Heron

Great Blue Heron

Snowy Egret

Little Blue Heron (adult)

To be determined...Help please?

Little Blue Heron (juvenile)

Little Blue Heron (juvenile)

Now some scenery pics...

Tomoka River view

Tomoka River views

Tomoka River marshes

Tomoka River

Tomoka River

Tomoka River

Houses on the Tomoka River

Storm in the horizon

That is all for this one my friends. As usual here is the link to all the pics of this trip: Tomoka River.

Thanks for reading and hope you come back next week for another Views From Our Kayak.

Tomoka State Park