Double Crested Cormorant
The double-crested
cormorant swims low in the
water, often with just its neck
and head visible, and dives
from the surface. It uses its
feet for propulsion and is able
to dive to a depth of 5–25 feet
for 30–70 seconds.
The double-crested
cormorant swims low in the
water, often with just its neck
and head visible, and dives
from the surface. It uses its
feet for propulsion and is able
to dive to a depth of 5–25 feet
for 30–70 seconds.
Green Heron
Green Herons stand very still on
shore or in shallow water and
await prey.
They sometimes drop food,
insects, or other small objects
on the water's surface to attract
fish, making them one of the few
known tool-using species.
Green Herons stand very still on
shore or in shallow water and
await prey.
They sometimes drop food,
insects, or other small objects
on the water's surface to attract
fish, making them one of the few
known tool-using species.
Tales
What's Happening @ Soggy Bottom
Tales From the Withlacoochee Carla Bak The Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers contain some of the most extraordinary flora and fauna in the world. Have you taken the time to explore her exquisiteness? Honey you don't know what you're missing! The Limpkin may be abundant along the river's shores here in this part of the state, but is declining in population and is listed as one of Florida's SSC (species of special concern). The Limpkin loves to dine on Apple snails. It's curved bill probes deep into the snail shell, cuts through the muscle attachment and pulls out the snail. This takes about 10 to 20 seconds and the shell itself is rarely broken! Her shores are lined with interesting facts and folklore. In the past, black gum or swamp tupelo trunks were used as bee hives and rabbit traps called bee gums or rabbit gums. The honey is highly sought after because it does not crystallize. Did you know that Spanish moss is in the same family as the pineapple (Bromeliads). Do you know how Spanish Moss came to be in Florida? As the story goes; there was once a traveler who came with his Spanish fiancée in the 1700s to start a plantation near the city of Charleston SC. She was a beautiful bride-to-be with long flowing raven hair. As the couple was walking over the plantation sight near the forest, and making plans for their future, they were suddenly attacked by a band of Cherokee who were not happy to share the land of their forefathers with strangers. As a final warning to stay away from the Cherokee nation, they cut off the long dark hair of the bride-to-be and threw it up in an old live oak tree. As the warriors came back day after day and week after week, they began to notice the hair had shriveled and turned grey and had begun spreading from tree to tree. Over the years the moss spread from South Carolina to Georgia and Florida. To this day, if one stands under a live oak tree, one will see the moss jump from tree to tree and defend itself with a large army of beetles. Did you know that during the Seminole wars, three important battles took place within six miles of Dunnellon, one right on the Withlacoochee River. Come learn of the fascinating natural and cultural history as we kayak and explore Florida together Kayaking is for all ages, and experience levels. We have your safety in mind so don't be afraid to try. This is a great way to exercise the body, mind and soul. So what are you waiting for? Come on down to Angler's Resort and take a tour with Soggy Bottom Kayak Tours. See ya'll soon! |
| Limpkin |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
River Ramblings Articles written by Carla Bak |