As an osprey family watched from its nesting site, eleven vessels (7 canoes and 4 kayaks) set forth from the River Park launch site in the historical village of Lanark on Sunday, August 7, 2016. Led by Howard and Mary Robinson, the group first paddled down-river then turned at the dam in the village to travel up-river towards Kerr Lake, catching a welcome cooling breeze. With the Clyde River at an all-time low, many docks and boats were high and dry, however, the painted turtles enjoyed the sun on rocks now emerged above the water. Herons, waterfowl, and other birds were plentiful and in Kerr Lake we were thrilled to see or hear two black terns. The full list of bird species follows. After our picnic lunch on shore we continued up the Clyde River, but the low water prevented us from travelling beyond the Clydesville bridge to the rapids, as we had done on previous outings. So with the wind on our backs, we returned to the launch site, then on to Lanark Landing – a welcome spot to enjoy refreshments after a hot, but enjoyable, time on the water.
~ Mary Robinson~
Clyde River Canoe, paddling upstream. Photo Howard Robinson
Birds seen or heard during the outing:
- Canada Goose
- Cedar Waxwing
- Osprey
- Common Grackle
- Rock Pigeon
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Red-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-winged Blackbird
- American Goldfinch
- American Crow
- Blue Jay
- Eastern Kingbird
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Turkey Vulture
- Belted Kingfisher
- Great Blue Heron
- Song Sparrow
- Green Heron
- Killdeer
- Wood Duck
- Ring-billed Gull
- Black Tern
- Mallard
- Common Loon
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Barn Swallow
- Ring-necked Duck
- American Robin
- American Black Duck
Photo Howard Robinson
More paddling upstream. Photo Howard Robinson
A perched Green Heron. Photo Howard Robinson