Econlockhatchee River - Eagle's Nest

Dad and the Little One

An injury to my right elbow may keep me out of the kayak for a while; 6 to 8 weeks. Yesterday I had a cortisone shot and was hoping to feel better but nope...it did not happen. Could not stay in bed this morning and decided to pay another visit to the Eagle's Nest in the Econ. This time reached the area by land, using one of the trails in the Little Big Econ Forest. Had more than I was hoping for. The Dad dropped a fish to the eaglet and left but not before I was able to capture this scene.

Eaglet

I would tell you where you have to go to reach this location but quite frankly is complicated. I have been there a few times and already know the landmarks and where to turn, as the view to the nest it is not in the main trail. In the mean time let me show you how it looks. Here is who I will call Lone Econ, the eaglet...

Lone Econ...the Econlockhatchee River Eaglet

Eaglet

Eaglet

Lone Econ practicing with its wings. It went 6 to 7 inches high before landing back on the nest screaming in panic

Lone Econ

Dad came and dropped a fish on the nest

Lone Econ was so hungry that took a bite of daddy's claw

Lone Econ

Lone Econ

After a delicious fish for lunch Lone Econ explores the surroundings from the nest

Lone Econ

Lone Econ

Lone Econ is discovering its wings. Scared the heck out of it but it will figure them out.

Spent nearly two hours, mostly waiting for Lone Econ to take its first flight and/or for the parents to come. While Lone Econ almost took off twice did not do it. The parents did not come back while I was there. Anyways, other rives dwellers showed up and gave me pic chances.

Tri-Colored Heron

Econlockhatchee River Gator

Swallow Tailed Kite High in the Sky (Extremely Cropped Picture)

Swallow Tailed Kite (Extremely cropped picture)

Turtle

Econ River Scene

Econ Gator

Tri Colored Heron

Red Shouldered Hawk greeted me at home

This is it for this one. Am not sure how long will it take for me to go back to the water. Today, Sunday, the elbow is feeling much better after the cortisone shot, which is something I have no intentions to do again. Whenever that happens, stay tuned, will make an effort to bring you more views of Florida. Places to go are out there.

Gator

Econlockhatchee River

Econlockhatchee River Eagle's Nest

Went back to that river in my backyard, the Econlockhatchee River. Had planned to start from the 419 bridge all the way to Snow Hill Rd bridge but had a late start and did not want to paddle with the Sun on my face so  put in on Snow Hill, went to the eagle's nest, and then returned to Snow Hill bridge. Great day for BIG gator viewing and also eagles. Had a nice display on this trip.

Econ River Gator (this was the smallest one I saw)

Put In / Take Out: Snow Hill Rd bridge over the Econlockhatchee River.

Belted Kingfisher

I do not have many pics to share. While the Econ has an unique and somehow mystic beauty, the high banks do not allow a wide view. But it makes up with the scenery and then the quality of what you see. Not too many places offer you the chance to see BIG gators in white sand and also there is no better place to spot bald eagles. Here are the pics of what I saw on this trip....

There is a decent sized gator straight ahead. Can you spot it?

 

Proud Eagle Parent Watches its Baby Eating

An intruder dared to fly nearby the nest. I was getting ready to leave and did not have my camera ready but witnessed an aerial battle with both eagles locking talons, coming fast to the ground, and flying away at the very last minute ( I assume) as both came out flying in different directions. The owner of the nest flew a couple of laps in victory before returning to the nest.

Juvenile Bald Eagle

Econ River Contrast: Sandy banks on one side, high banks on the other...Beautiful anyways

This is it for this one. Thanks for coming checking us and hope you come back for our next post. Hopefully we will be sharing with you more Views From Our Kayak.

Snow Hill Rd Bridge over the Econlockhatchee River