Long Point - Canoeing on Big Creek

We canoed last fall on Big Creek and realized this week that duck hunting season opens this weekend and we had not yet canoed. Bob, next door, assured us that they don't hunt in the marsh, only in the Bay, but we weren't sure about that so canoed last week.

We started out from the bridge, on the causeway, that crosses Big Creek.

Mid week there is not much traffic on the causeway and we had no problems taking the canoe, on the utility trailer, and parking by the bridge. As soon as you canoe away from the bridge its very peaceful and you could be miles from civilization. We disturbed numerous herons but never with enough time to get a picture.

This log had 3 cormorants on it but 2 flew away as we approached.

This cormorant allowed us to float right by him. This shot was taken with no zoom.

From the marsh area, canoeing further upstream, weeping willows
begin to line the bank.

There are kingfishers along the marsh area but even more prevalent once you get into the tree lined river. They each have a territory and swooped across in front of us, trilling their protests. Too fast to get pictures of them.

On the right going up river.

It became obvious that Bob was right. There should be no duck hunters going up Big Creek.

On the left, going upstream

The further we went up the river, the larger the willow trees were.

Many of the big willow trees had fallen into the river, or limbs had anyway. Made canoeing into a bit of a slalom course. Which mostly I left up to George as I was still trying to get a photo of the illusive herons and kingfishers

We canoed up to Port Royal, where the road crosses the river, and turned around. It took about an hour and slightly less time to return, with the current.

Back end of a heron, flying away. Best I could do.

Bonus! 3 Sandhill Cranes flying over.