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.