I've been feeling jinxed here. Every time I get days off, at least two of them, and sometimes all three of them are cold, rainy or some combination of the two.
Today was predicted to be rainy - with an eighty percent chance of rain. I got up and got the cleaning down on trailers and cottages, then went to the safety meeting. All that kept me busy until after 11:00 A.M. By then the sun was coming out and when I checked the regional radar, the incoming storm was just getting to Mississippi. I figured I had at least six hours to play so packed up my paddling gear, snacks and water and hiked down to the boathouse where the staff lets me store my canoe.
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Prairie View
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By noon, I was paddling down the Suwannee Canal enjoying the sunny, shirtsleeve weather along with gators and turtles. When I saw the sign to Cedar Hammock, I decided to check it out. I paddled through the channel through the marsh under the patrol of turkey vultures and to the calls of sandhill cranes and ibises. Pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers as well as kingfishers made themselves heard.
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Sandhill pair |
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Two of three vultures hanging out |
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Another view |
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Cedar Hammock - a day use shelter |
Anhingas were hanging out to dry all over the place. One was on a low branch just before I got back to the boathouse. He tried to fly off, but was still too wet, so he dove into the water and swam ahead of me. He popped up about a yard ahead of the canoe, and immediately dove again. The following series is of an Anhinga high in a tree just past the shelter.
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Anhinga drying |
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And grooming |
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All done |
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Lift Off |
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White ibis |
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Feather and reflections |
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Red shouldered hawk |
I had my GPS on and found I had paddled six miles. I could have paddled another two or three. My shoulder is just a little sore and I expect it to be better by tomorrow. I'm expecting two sets of paddling friends to visit me in March and I'm excited to think I'll actually get to go on a a two-night paddling trip Swamp with them.
Wednesday morning:
It finally started raining about bedtime and rained all night. Yesterday was cool and dark with misty rain and heavy clouds until late afternoon. I was so glad I'd saved this one day. Now I'm almost ready to leave on another birding trip, followed by a little shopping. Harlequin duck, here I come.
Hope you also will grab your day and make it a wonderful one.
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