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.
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!
Recent Ocklawaha River Pictures
Taken with Slick Charters
THE RIVERS ARE READY FOR FALL
Finally…Fall! On the Silver River and Ocklawaha River that means the leafs are changing colors, the days are more pleasant, and there is less traffic from other boaters. This is a wonderful time to have the Rivers to yourself. When it comes to viewing the abundant wildlife along the way, that is the key. As we all know, they also like having the Rivers to themselves.
You will always see something new every time you go down these Rivers. Unlike caged animals, these unhampered critters do their own thing. It is a thrill when you get to see that little something that you will only see in their uninhibited life’s on these waterways. Just the other day an alligator was giving her babes a ride on her head as she moved them back to the river’s bank. I have seen these gators thousands of times, but that was a first.
The Rhesus Monkeys are spotted on nearly every trip down the River, and the numerous birds cannot be counted. Herons, Egrets and more will be seen as you travel the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. We saw a pair of Ospreys about a week ago, one of our rarer sitings.
There are plentiful Mullet and Blue Shad running. On the Ocklawaha River, the Trophy Largemouth Bass are biting. Check out our freshwater fishing reports to catch the latest action!
Until next time…see you on the Rivers!
Cindy & Nick Bozman
A FASCINATING TIME ON THE RIVERS
April was an active month on the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. The wildlife is keeping us fascinated while we watch the mature birds, gators, and other residents feed their young.
April also brought several new guests to the Rivers. Manatees were spotted on a couple of different occasions, and on one trip we sited a new bird, a Yellow Crowned Night Heron. It’s questionable if either will be seen again. Keep us posted if anyone sites the Night Heron or the Manatees.
While the Bass are biting early in the morning, this is a great time of year to go fishing and go on a river tour, something to keep in mind as you make your plans to beat the heat!
May will bring even more boaters out on both the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. Early morning departures always give you the best opportunity to have the Rivers practically to yourself.
See you on the Rivers!