Hillsborough River

Kayaked the Hillsborough River today, Sunday, October 2, 2011. With my daring friend, Stephanie.  That's her kayak, as she gets a close look at one of the many alligators we saw.

In the water from Trout Creek Park at 10:45, and began to paddle up River.

The coveted "2 birds in one shot"  Blue heron and limpkin, below.

Lots of vegetation in the Nature's Classroom area, but the River flows through a narrow path.  Water is high at the beginning of fall, end of the rainy season.

 Another 2fer. Blue and tricolored heron.

I told Stephanie to look for "hundreds" of vultures near Nature's Classroom.  There were 4 or 5.
These are wood storks, as the Hillsborough narrows.

Fall colors in Florida mean butterflies.  Eastern tiger swallowtails and viceroys.

 One fairly long stretch of the Hillsborogh was full of ibis.  Both sides, and above.  With the occasional great egret mixed in.

We reached Morris Bridge Park at 1:30.  I suggested we continue for a half hour and turn back.  The alligator in the first photo, and these, was the turnaround spot.

 Stephannie's closeup

Told you the Hillsborogh was high.  Dry season hiking trail.

We took a lunch break at Morris Bridge Park, where this blue heron stood watch.

Subs, oranges, and chips consumed (thank you Stephanie)  we continued the downstream paddle.

Should have got the above shot before lunch.

 Only great blue heron of the day.  Unless you count one seen along I-4.

Beast, and more beauties.

 Back to feathered fliers.

One of these last limpkins was working on a clam.  Pulled the meat out of the shell, not all the way, still hanging... would have made a great pic, but it flew away to finish dinner in privacy.

Landed at 4:50.
Programing note.   There may not be a new Tale until next Sunday.  I'm meeting lifelong friend, Tom G., at Econfina River State Park  this coming Friday.  No internet in the "efficiency-style hotel rooms".    Friday through Sunday.  I may forgo my Thursday morning paddle to cut the lawn--or not.