Looking off to the side of the Jon boat all I can see is our wake of black water. Our landing area looks the same distance away from my last glance as the 4hp motor battles the rain while northeast wind grabs the bow of the boat and holds it with her fierce talons. 400 extra pounds of debris from an old farm house leveled by Hurricane Francis in 2005 has made any chance of navigating the storm impossible. I make the decision to stop and let the northeast wind push us back, in order to conserve what little fuel we have, against the cypress hammock and wedge the Jon boat between thick cypress trunks with their 50 foot canopy intercepting the rain above us. The sky brakes a clear gray. We settle to rest and take a break, no real hurry to get back. Gliding over us an Osprey. The Osprey is easy to identify, his markings are distinct, large with a white face and a distinct black eye line that helps to cut the suns glare and reflection. He can often be seen flying over lakes, rivers, and shores. Its talons clasping a Bluegill.
Tying down the boat we prepare for tomorrow’s take and find refuge in our rain soaked 1980 International Scout and push thru the wetland. off in a distance is a Crested Caracara scouring the upland for its next meal. Spotting the Caracara this far east is unusual.
Mostly we see the Red-shouldered hawks sitting on a telephone poles conserving their energy as they scope out prey.
As we make our way out of the preserve the full moon rises above the sawgrass. We push slowly forward in first gear.
Sometimes no matter what the day brings, seeing bird of prey in flight can inspire and re-energize. I often take a few minutes to take in its movements. Just doing this for 45 seconds can be completely invigorating. Two books I recommend are Peterson Field Guides Hawks of North America and Hawks from every angle, how to identify Raptors in flight by Jerry Liguori. Both books will make your above ground nature viewing much more fulfilling.
Related posts:
Loading ...