4.5.10 St Johns River (Sand Hill Crane)

We launched this morning….less than 2 hours from home to leaving the dock…and we didn’t even rush. We were surprised.

I put in the 2 corner vinyl panels on each side…center rear screen and 2 big side screens.  I wouldn’t have bothered with the vinyl but figured I should have some protection for the bird. It’s still cool at night.

What a great day!!! Several large gators and I’ll post a video of one tomorrow.

We are anchored behind Drigger Island. Near marker G41. We can enter at the N end. Too shallow at the S end. We did it in the dingy and Jim could easily touch bottom with the short oar. 4’ or less.

As we cruised in we spotted a pair of Sand Hill Cranes, and I was able to snap a couple of pictures.

They are very large birds.

I like the big fluffy tail feathers.

We continued on around behind the island and anchored.

Jim dropped the dingy in the water…loaded the motor and we went for a cruise around the island.  We spotted another pair of Sand Hill Cranes.

The one on the right kept fussing around…lying down..getting up..I figured she might be sitting on a nest. Then I saw this picture…look just above the green leaf by her beak. Do you see a bit of golden fluff peeking at you?

Guess you know…I was thrilled when I saw this picture!!!

We are anchored about an 1/8 of a mile away. We won’t be going up and bothering them again.  That is all floating plants that she is nesting on. First time I’ve seen one that small.

Enough for today…time for my nightly glass of red wine. It is very warm…a light breeze and it’s is beautiful out.  We listened to at least 3 gators bellowing to each other…should be a fun night.