Ocala and Marion County have a special treasure in the Silver River State Park and the Ocala National Forest. \u00a0With 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. \u00a0The enjoyment of these lands and waterways continues today as it has for many hundreds of years.<\/p>\n
Throughout the history of the River and the Springs, the Silver Rivers’ constant water temperature of 72 degrees has drawn both man and wildlife. \u00a0Many birds come this way on a migratory path, and the conditions along the River induces them to stay. \u00a0The eco-system that surrounds these birds has changed many of them from “snow birds” to year-round residents. \u00a0They have flourished along the Silver River and are not shy of boat traffic. \u00a0You can easily get up close for viewing and photos.<\/p>\n
It is quite a show this time of year. \u00a0Migratory 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. \u00a0A constancy of sound fills the air as the hawks teach their young to hunt. \u00a0The swooping and wild call of the Pileated Woodpeckers is stunning, almost primeval. \u00a0Herons, 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 \u043c\u0438\u043a\u0440\u043e\u0437\u0430\u0439\u043c \u043e\u043d\u043b\u0430\u0439\u043d<\/a>.<\/p>\n Be careful while boating or kayaking the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers due to the continued low level of the water. \u00a0We are keeping an eye out to see if any of the manatees spotted along the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers last year return this winter. \u00a0The 2011 sightings were the first in many years along these waterways.<\/p>\n ‘Til next time…see you on the Rivers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ocala and Marion County have a special treasure in the Silver River State Park and the Ocala National Forest. \u00a0With 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. \u00a0The enjoyment of these lands … <\/p>\n