Verkennen

One of the most desirable aspects of cruising is the time we have to sit and watch nature around us. You wouldn't think we'd see much wildlife in a harbor with over 300 boats but our mooring sits on the outside row, just off tiny Dog Island at the mouth of Sister Creek, so we are entertained daily. Dolphins wake us up before dawn and turtles, rays and birds are plentiful. One bird in particular, a single Great White Heron has captured our attention with his antics. We've gotten to know him so well we named him - Harry. We wrote a poem about him and set it to music. Who knows, if we get ambitious and I draw the illustrations, it may become a children's book some day:

Harry the Great White Heron


Harry the heron is a pretty fine fellow,with plumage snow white and legs of yellow.

He lives at the mouth of a creek in Boot Key,and oh, what a wonderful bird is he.

Standing for hours near a Dog Island tree,lots of amazing things he can see.

Fishing boats, trawlers and sailboats galore,laughing gulls, pelicans, egrets and more.

Huge turtles and eagle rays sometimes swim by,and dolphins come feeding and leaping up high.

Harry eats fish and will hunt when he can,but really he'd rather beg fish from man.

Casting, or cleaning their catch from the sea, Harry thinks, "Wow, are those fish all for me?"

He might get a toss of a tidbit or two, but stalking the shallows will just have to do.

Whether walking the mangroves or flying down low, his long legs and neck help him put on a show.

A deep and rough croak is Harry's call, and you'll often find him on the condo wall.

Or standing on dinghys attached to a boat, on piers, or rocks or things that will float.



So if you're down in south Florida some day, keep your eyes peeled out in Florida Bay.

For a Great White Heron is special you see, because they're only found near the Florida Keys.



So now you know how we entertain ourselves on quiet days on the water. Such a life.