Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Exploring the Creeks

Much of the land around where I live is very flat. It is crossed by several channels which only have water in them when it rains. However, down at the level of the bay the tide fills up these small creeks and makes secret little waterways that hide between the mangrove trees. The largest of these creeks is the Mullens Creek and I paddled up this creek a long time ago. However, Sarah told me that she had explored the other two - Burton and Marion - and they were well worth a look. Both these creeks run off the larger Mullens Creek. At first they wind through the mangroves, but as they go inland they run between deeper channels which are covered with bush. During flooding rains there must be a lot of water coming down. There are small trees over the creeks and fallen under the water. We stopped when the fallen branches choked the creeks and it was not possible to kayak around or under them. By that time we were up behind houses which we recognized. I wonder if the people living in them have ever seen these secluded little creeks.

I got under this small broken tree but had to lie back on the kayak to do so.

This Little Black Cormorant was sitting high in a dead tree beside the creek.

The best bird which we saw was this one. It flew across the creek when we were going up stream and then when we were coming down again it flew back. All I could see as it was flying was a large brown/rufous colored bird. As I drifted slowly down the creek I could see it sitting high above and I got good enough views with the camera to ID it as a Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus). This was a new bird for me. It usually hides during the day time but we must have disturbed its sleeping place as we paddled underneath the trees.

When we got back down to where we had parked our cars the tide had come in a lot further than I expected. It was up to the edge of the parking area.

The little sandy track to the boat ramp was well and truly flooded.

Thanks Sarah for leading me on a very interesting kayaking trip. 

For more scenery from around the world visit Out World Tuesday

and for more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

25 comments:

  1. Such wonderful captures for the day, Mick!! A beautiful look at your world!! I love them all, but have to admit, that the bird with the BIG open mouth gave me just the giggle I needed today!! THANK YOU!!! It does look like a great place to kayak!! Have a wonderful week!!

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  2. Absolutely beautiful nature photography ~ thanks, carol

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  3. What a great shot of the night heron! Always a thrill to list a new bird. I really like the second photo. It's difficult to tell where the reflections begin.

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  4. That's amazing kayak country -- and amazing pictures from it . Thanks for the tour. My guess is that the people living along there probably have no idea. It never really seems to me like the people who live along the water take much advantage of it. (I hope I'm wrong.)

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  5. Kayaking in a new place is like an adventure..news birds and pretty scenery. Congrats on your Night heron sighting. Wonderful photos!

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  6. Excellent bird shots especially that night heron.

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  7. looks like a great place for a walk, for kayaking and for birding! Have a wonderful week in the countdown to Christmas.

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  8. Love that cormorant. NIce set of shots.

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  9. Congrats on the lifer Mick - it's good one to get, especailly finding one yourself.

    uou asked a good question about the folks backing onto the creek. i think the answer would be "No" but then you don't want them all becoming birders and hanging out in your part of paradise do you?

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  10. What a great day you had! It's very beautiful out there and you saw some wonderful birds as well.

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  11. Nice find. It reminds me of our Black-crowned Night-Heron, which has bright red eyes when adult. Very interesting paddle in those hidden streams.

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  12. What a great place to paddle. Terrific shots of the cormorant and a terrific capture of that Night Heron!

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  13. What a wonderful place to explore! I love the Cormorant shots and what a treat to photograph a Nankeen Night Heron!

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  14. Fantastic shots of both of these birds! Great work!

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  15. That night heron image is extraordinary. Very much like out Black Crowned Night Heron here in USA

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  16. Great trip report, well done with the life bird.

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  17. What a successful trip. I love the birds you shoot, they are so different from what I see.

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  18. hi Mick. great series of shot and I love the 5 th shot best.

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  19. Such beautiful creeks hidden away; it looks like a wonderful way to spend the day! Love that bird with its mouth open. I've been loving our snowy weather, but by February or March, I'll be wishing for the Sub-tropics.

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  20. I love to explore creeks by canoe. You never know what is hiding behind the bend.

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  21. The heron is a nice bird - I see them a few times near the Yarra.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

    PS: thanks for all the comments this year.

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  22. Great atmospheric shots of the creek and the Nankeen Night Heron is a great bird to find. Would have been a lifer for me.

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  23. Kayaking is a great way to explore, especially smaller waterways like that one! Good show on a new life bird! I suspect you'll be back there again for more looks.

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