Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Lakes Maitland, Nina and Minnehaha

Got a two hour paddle in this morning, Wednesday, July 27, 2011.  Launched from Fort Maitland Park at 9 am.
The red bimini almost turns the ibis into a rosette spoonbill.

This osprey nest is near a home that has had ongoing renovations for months.  I think the renovations are done. The Metro is gone.  That's up North talk for a Port-O-Let.

This could be the mate of the osprey in the nest. I paddled around a point for a better view.
Maybe not the mate. I think the mate would have shared the fish.
More fish eaters.



Otter on the last dock before the canal to Lake Nina and Minnehaha. Rather, under, on a boat lift.  A second, bigger one, on the dock.



Into the canal.

And Lake Nina.  Female wood ducks.



I think the last one could be a young male-starting to get markings on its head.  Back in the canal.

On to Lake Minnehaha.





Grooming great egret.




Lake Minnehaha, "Lake of many birds"



And otters.


I could not get the fourth otter in the photo.




No boats on on Minnehaha.





I'm very fortunate to have these lakes 5 minutes from home.



Red shouldered hawk overlooking the canal.


Green heron on Lake Nina.
Back to Lake Maitland.





I had to end my excursion at 11.  Work beckoned. Drat.

5 comments:

  1. OK. Sold!!! I do really have to take wifey to this place. She will have her day made just with the otters. Now, if I can only take a day off in the middle of the week...These lakes may not be that enjoyable during weekends due to the boat traffic. Is that correct?

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  2. Correct. But I bet if you began early on a Friday, it would not be too bad. I paddled once on a Sunday- and it wasn't too bad-- that's along story, involving my car in the shop and walking to Fort Maitland balancing the kayak on my bike

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  3. How much do they charge at Fort Maitland?

    ReplyDelete
  4. $0. I emailed you the long story mentioned above.

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  5. Just finished reading the tale. I can only imagine how fun it was to balance your yak on the bike. Talk about resilience. Excellent description of your trip that day. In my opinion, and I am guilty as charged, this is a very underestimated paddle place. From your pics it looks as a beautiful place to be. Once again...Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete

Well, I tried to allow Anonymous postngs. As soon as I did, I had the same problem with the same person/spammer posting comments. One jerk spoils it for all. So,you'll need to register to post a comment.