Viera Wetlands (NKP)

Loggerhead Shrike

Wifey woke up today and asked me to drive her to the Viera Wetlands. She did not want to paddle or walk. She just wanted to have a relaxing time and take some pics. Here is the result of that trip, no comments, no descriptions, just pics. Here we go...

Great Egret

Gator

Anhinga...at least  a third of it

Northern Mockingbird

Cattle Egret

Osprey *

Moorhen

Moorhen and chick

Moorhen chicks

Ibis

Great Egret

Gator

Belted Kingfisher

Osprey

Osprey

Osprey *

Pied Billed Grebes *

Turtle

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane

Sandhill Crane *

Great Blue Heron *

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Anhinga

Ibis *

Tri-Colored Heron *

Great Egret *

Loggerhead Shrike *

Loggerhead Shrike *

Loggerhead Shrike *

Loggerhead Shrike *

Loggerhead Shrike *

And this is it for this one. Thanks for reading and do not forget to check us on Facebook, where you will find more pics from this and other trips. See you in a few days, we will be doing our best to share with you more Views From Our Kayak.

Mitch Grissom Viera Wetlands scene

Blue Spring, St. Johns River, and Snake Creek

Bald Eagle in the St. Johns River

Today went back to the location of probably my most paddle ever. This one did not produce that out of the curve moment but it was a good one. This was a last minute decision as wifey did not want to go where I had planned. But there was nothing wrong with this location.

Gator in the St. Johns River

Put In / Take Out: Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Fl. Please visit the park's website for information about fees and location.

Little Blue Heron

Started around 8:30 and headed to the short Blue Spring Run. A group were in the run making a turtle study. Made it to the spring and saw lots of bubbles coming to the surface as 8 scuba divers were down in the massive vent.

Bubbles ahead!!!!!!!!!

After visiting the spring, headed out to the St. Johns River. Just before exiting the run heard the unique call of a Bald Eagle calling its mate. We have seen Bald Eagles here before so it was no surprise when spotted one in the East bank of the river.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle

After the eagle's pic session explored the small island west of the French Avenue landing. Not much to see around that area, as a matter of fact, not too many things to see during the whole trip but decided to practice with the camera so had a productive day. Headed to Snake Creek after exploring the island, went all the way to the Hontoon Dead River, and then made it back to the State Park using the creek again. Not going to bore you with the details so let us go to the pics of the trip. Here we go...

Blue Spring Run

Female Anhinga

Juvenile Little  Blue Heron

Juvenile Little  Blue Heron

Rock Star Snowy Egret

Anhinga

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Gator

Pileated Woodpecker

Entering Snake Creek

Little Blue Heron

Turtle

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher ( Thanks for the ID Joanne Bolemon)

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher ( Thanks for the ID Joanne Bolemon)

Little Blue Heron

Eastern Phoebe...the first one I have seen in months

Juvenile Green Heron

Green Heron

Green Heron

Green Heron

Tri-Colored Heron

Tri-Colored Heron

And that is it for this one. For your information the St. Johns is high, that makes Snake Creek high with the water spilling all over the low areas creating a huge swamp. Maybe that is the reason for the lack of wading birds. The St. Johns' current was faster than usual too. Anyways, thought that you may want to know that if planning to visit this place in a near future. Thanks for reading and check our Facebook page and "Like" us if you do. See you next week, we will share more Views From Our Kayak.

Blue Spring Run