MVFN Paddle on the Clyde River

MVFN August Paddle on the Clyde River 

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~

Birds seen or heard during the outing:

1. Canada Goose
2. Cedar Waxwing
3. Osprey
4. Common Grackle
5. Rock Pigeon
6. Red-eyed Vireo
7. Red-breasted Nuthatch
8. Red-winged Blackbird
9. American Goldfinch
10. American Crow
11. Blue Jay
12. Eastern Kingbird
13. Great Crested Flycatcher
14. Turkey Vulture
15. Belted Kingfisher
16. Great Blue Heron
17. Song Sparrow
18. Green Heron
19. Killdeer
20. Wood Duck
21. Ring-billed Gull
22. Black Tern
23. Mallard
24. Common Loon
25. Black-capped Chickadee
26. Barn Swallow
27. Ring-necked Duck
28. American Robin
29. American Black Duck