Algae
Unlike marine algae, freshwater algae is usually little more than green slime. Much of it is actually microscopic single-celled organisms that form the base of the food chain. That is why the water is green ( when it is green. ) *
More: Algae, Duckweed & Sponges ...
By Ronald M. Clayton
Illustrations by author
Maintaining an aquarium filled with local fish and other aquatics can be an enjoyable, learning experience, and give you a good excuse to get out and stomp around in your local pond or stream. It’s fun collecting new animals and plants to add to the aquarium, to replace ones that have died, or as food for your locally acquired fish, and learning about your wildlife is a fascinating part of the experience. In the shimmering shallows and mysterious depths of almost any nearby body of water thrives a whole world of living things, some very ugly and some very beautiful – the variety will amaze you. If you are interested in providing inexpensive recreation and education for yourself and perhaps your family, read on.
More: An Aquarium For the Naturalist ...
Freshwater Basses
Note how the mouth of the Largemouth extends under the eye, while that of the Smallmouth stops short of it. A lot of fishermen seem to think everything they catch is a Largemouth.
More: Bass & Perch ...
This is one of my favorite birds to see when I am out paddling. You're not going to get very close though, a good reason to bring along the binoculars. The Kingfisher is a songbird that thinks it's a hawk. They are actually related to Hummingbirds. You might think that makes them not very aquatic, but I have seen them dive into the water, surface, and take off again, so I guess they put some effort into evolving. ( The Cormorant might want to take notes. ) Kingfishers usually sit in branches near the shoreline, and fly very low and fast over the water.
More: Belted Kingfisher ...
This is a bird that you are almost guaranteed to see on any kayaking excursion. This is because they are very common, and not very waterproof. After diving underwater, they need to dry their sodden feathers in the sun, as the one above is doing. You can often get pretty close to them at these times.
More: Double-Crested Cormorant ...
Dragonflies
Dragonflies are aerial predators with a strong liking for water, so you are very likely to get 'buzzed' while out kayaking. They are harmless to humans. Dragonfly larvae are fully aquatic little nightmares. There are many kinds of dragonflies in the region, too many to list.
More: Dragonflies etc ...
Mallard Duck
There are many kinds of wild ducks, and even more types of domesticated ducks, but the Mallard is a good representative of all. Ducks are harmless. Bring some bread along, I never met a duck that didn't expect to be fed.
More: Ducks, Geese, Swans ...
These are all long-legged, long-necked wading birds typically seen near the water's edge. They will tolerate your approach to a point, and then fly away - one of the advantages of being a bird.
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is very easy to spot, because it makes no attempt at camouflage, and stands out in any environment. They make up for this by being rather wary, although I have seen individuals beg for food from fishermen, a learned behavior that is not common. The Snowy Egret is very common; it would be difficult to go out kayaking and not spot at least one.
More: Egrets & Herons ...
Fanwort
Fanwort is a fully aquatic true plant. It grows steadily through the warm months, and can choke-out large areas, then dies back in the winter. Fanwort produces tiny flowers above the surface.
More: Fanwort & Hornwort ...
Bluegill Sunfish
There is scarcely a body of water in the state that does not have Bluegills in it. Bluegills get to a foot long, but are seldom seen at that size.
All sunfishes are aggressive and territorial. Their belligerence is heightened in the confines of an aquarium, where you may start out with several small ones, but you will end up with just one big one. A sunfish will tear a fish-store cichlid to pieces. They adapt readily to regular fish food, but lose most of the attractive wild colors.
-- Wikipedia
More: Sunfish & Crappie ...
