Rock Springs Run

Pileated Woodpecker

When you go out kayaking there are no bad days. You only have good days and not so good days. Today was one of those rare not so good days. A solo visit to the first place we kayaked, Rock Springs Run, was not as good as I expected. Maybe it was because the effort, the lack of wildlife, or maybe the difficulty to shoot pics, but it was a hard one. The Run, as I call it, was low and fast. Had to push my yak several times, specially in the sharp turns when tried not to be caught with the strong flow. Not too much traffic on my way up to Big Buck Camp. Had The Run to myself, but a lot of traffic on my way down, specially near the confluence of The Run with the Wekiva River.

Anhinga

Put In/ Take Out: Was the beach at the Wekiwa Springs State Park. If you plan to kayak here please bring a cart to carry your kayak. There is some distance to walk from the parking to the kayak/canoe launch. Started at 8:30 with a plan to kayak to Big Buck Camp and then return to the State Park.

Little Blue Heron

Since I had an early start, for me, was counting on seeing deer at The Run. Did not see any. Deer must be on vacation after helping Santa Claus on Christmas Eve night. Turned around at Big Buck Camp after taking a 30 minutes break. Anyways, will keep this one simple and just will show you the pics.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Gray Catbird

Turtle

Limpkin

Black Crowned Night Heron

Ibis

Eastern Phoebe

Belted Kingfisher

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

Red Shouldered Hawk

Red Shouldered Hawks

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron

Turtle

Great Egret

Turtle

Great Egret

Pileated Woodpecker

Gray Catbird

Did You Know That? The Gray Catbird is a relative of the Mockingbirds and Thrashers. Its song may last for up to ten minutes. The male Gray Catbird uses his loud song to proclaim his territory. He uses a softer version of the song when near the nest or when a bird intrudes on his territory. The female may sing the quiet song back to the male. The Gray Catbird belongs to the genus Dumetella, which means
 "small thicket". And that's exactly where you should look for this little skulker. It can live up to 17 years but the oldest known Gray Catbird lived almost 18 years. After listening to one of these birds singing, I understand why the name. Check this link from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and listen to the last two sound recordings. You will understand why too.

Juvenile Little Blue Heron

And that is all for this one. Not too much to say. Thanks for reading and see you soon in another Views From Our Kayaks.

Rock Springs Run