BIRDS, BIRDS, AND MORE BIRDS

The birds are in such abundance on the Silver River that the numbers are countless. The Black-crowned Night Heron is a rare sighting, and we saw several on one trip last week.  Also putting in an appearance were several male and female Wood Ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, King Fishers, Limpkins, and of course, the Herons.  The Cormorants are continuing to build their nests in the trees near the Springs.

The Rhesus Monkeys were out and about.  By the way, we just found out the monkey leading them on a merry chase in the St. Pete area probably originated from the Silver River.  Have Banana…will travel!

Lots of life in the water…a Cottonmouth, Nile Perch and Mullet were easily seen.  The just hatched baby Gators are about 6 inches long.

For navigation purposes there are no snags on the Silver River at this time.

See you on the River!

SILVER AND OCKLAWAHA RIVERS ARE OVER THE BANKS

Due to the recent deluge of rain, the majority of the dock at the Ray Wayside Park/Ocala Boat Basin is under water.  The Silver and  Ocklawaha Rivers are out of their banks, and there’s a good bit of floating debris that can be a hazard in navigation.  Use extreme caution if attempting to access these waterways for the next several days.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG ON THE SILVER AND OCKLAWAHA RIVERS

Ocala has had one of it’s coldest winters on record.  Finally spring is in the air, and the wildlife on the Silver River are ready. 

As you travel down the River, you will see an abundance of new life all along the way.  Lots of alligators, baby gators, river otters, and much more.  The trees are  greening up, and a trip down the river will reveal something new each time.

Cormorants are nesting near the Springs.  Traveling down the Silver River you will come upon a grouping of 20 or so trees that the Cormorants are nesting in now.  They have taking a liking here over the years.  They are now showing off their nest building and mating rituals. and soon there will be several dozen nests in this area of trees.

 See you on the River!