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MANATEE SIGHTINGS ON THE SILVER AND OCKLAWAHA RIVERS

In the spring of 2011, we spotted Florida Manatees on both the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers.  This was the first time in several decades that the Manatees had made it into these bodies of water.  As we are approaching the months in which they were sighted last year, we hope to see them back again.

Rodman Dam was constructed in 1968 as part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal.  When the Dam and Buckman Lock became operational, the  normal migration patterns of the Mantees that used the Ocklawaha River were interrupted.

The manatees move in the winter months to warmer waters such as those found around Silver Springs and other natural springs.  Somehow the Manatees found their way here last year, and enjoyed the constant water temperature  around the many springs of the Silver River.  The extremely cold winter of 2011 that we experienced may have motivated their appearance.

The survival of the Florida Manatee is one of the reasons that environmentalists hope to see the removal of Rodman Dam and Buckman Lock.  What to do with Rodman Dam  has always been a controversial issue, as the pros and cons involved affect many interests, human and natural.

In the interest of the Manatee, their existence has been found as far back as 8500 B.C..  Paleo-Indians, the first inhabitants of Florida, hunted the Manatee.  The English declared Florida a Manatee Sanctuary in the 1700’s, and Florida enacted the first protection laws in 1893.

Those of us who spend time on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers are anxious to see if the  Manatees return this year.  Please take the time to post a comment by clicking on the link below if any 2012 sightings occur.

Low water levels on the Rivers continue to be a concern, as well as the high winds the area has received recently.  Keep an eye out for downed trees and limbs as you navigate both the Silver amd Ocklawaha.

Until next time…see you on the Rivers!

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THE BIRDS OF THE SILVER RIVER

Ocala and Marion County have a special treasure in the Silver River State Park and the Ocala National Forest.  With both of these areas to the east of Ocala, there is a great expanse of forests and lands that have been preserved as much as possible in their natural states.  The enjoyment of these lands and waterways continues today as it has for many hundreds of years.

Throughout the history of the River and the Springs, the Silver Rivers’ constant water temperature of 72 degrees has drawn both man and wildlife.  Many birds come this way on a migratory path, and the conditions along the River induces them to stay.  The eco-system that surrounds these birds has changed many of them from “snow birds” to year-round residents.  They have flourished along the Silver River and are not shy of boat traffic.  You can easily get up close for viewing and photos.

It is quite a show this time of year.  Migratory birds enhance the resident bird population, and as spring approaches, we enjoy observing their mating rituals, the nesting of the birds, and the feeding and first flight of the baby birds as they leave the nest.  A constancy of sound fills the air as the hawks teach their young to hunt.  The swooping and wild call of the Pileated Woodpeckers is stunning, almost primeval.  Herons, Ducks, Ibis’s, Egrets, Limpkins, Cormorants, Moorhens, Storks, Kites, Ospreys and Turkeys are some of the many birds you can expect to see as you travel the River микрозайм онлайн.

Be careful while boating or kayaking the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers due to the continued low level of the water.  We are keeping an eye out to see if any of the manatees spotted along the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers last year return this winter.  The 2011 sightings were the first in many years along these waterways.

‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!

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Cool Manatee Pictures

These pictures weren’t taken on the Silver or Ocklawaha River but they’re neat away. They were taken by Captain Nick when he was on a fishing trip to the Hotwater Discharge Canal near Crystal River, Florida.

 

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THE SILVER RIVER RHESUS MONKEYS

The Rhesus Monkeys who call the Silver River home are at it again!  Two years ago it was Tampa, now one has been spotted making his way around Flagler county.  Ever since these monkeys were first brought into the Silver Springs Theme Park, they have done what monkeys do…exactly what they want.

Colonel Tooey first introduced these monkeys to Silver Springs in the 1930’s.  He brought them in and had them placed on a small island on the River.  The assumption was that they would stay there, and could be viewed by visitors to the Park who took his Jungle Cruise Boat Ride.

Well, you live and you learn.  Colonel Tooey learned that monkeys can swim.  They now roam the Silver River, and I have personally spotted them on both ends of the Oklawaha River (72 miles long), and everywhere in between.  Obviously several are touring  Florida.  The Rhesus Monkey in Tampa received so much attention that it ended up with it’s own Facebook page.

These monkeys live in troops usually numbering from 20 to 30 per troop.  I have spotted over 4 different troops on one Silver River Tour.  That totals over 100 monkeys in one day.

The Rhesus Monkey have been used as test animals for years and are useful in finding cures for many diseases.

Although not native, the monkeys are a big attraction on the Rivers.  Should you encounter these monkeys while boating or kayaking the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers, or in your backyard, do not feed them.  You will regret it as they will attempt to get more food from you.  They are disease carriers, good enough reason not to get too close.

Elsewhere on the Ocklawaha River, the Rodman Reservoir draw down has begun.  They do this occasionally to kill off undesirable vegetation.  The direct effect of this draw down is that the waters of the Ocklawaha River will be clear from the confluence where the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers meet, all the way to the end of the Ocklawaha River where it dumps into Little Lake George.  The water depth of the Ocklawaha River is very low as a result of the draw down.  Use extreme caution while navigating the River during this period.

Huge schools of bait fish, including Mullet and Blue Shad, have recently been spotted heading up the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers.

On a recent trip we spotted a Florida Bobcat!  This is the 2nd time I have spotted a Bobcat on the Ocklawaha River in 3 months.  It could have possibly been the same one.  Either way, it is a rare sighting.

Until next time…see you on the Rivers!