Wildlife (4/4)

Kayaking is an outdoor activity. Yes, kids, you'll have to put down your game controllers and go outside. Out there is what us older folks call nature. Nature can actually be quite beautiful and interesting, and you don't have to worry about your screen resolution and refresh rate - both are infinity. So here is a short list of flora and fauna ( plants and animals ) that you might see in freshwater environments:

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Whirligig Beetle

Whirligig Beetles are typically found in groups making crazy circles at the surface, although they are also capable of diving and flying. These are 'true beetles', not bugs. They are harmless scavengers.


White

Water Lilies are found in all still and slow-flowing freshwaters. One thing that I have noticed about them is that on any lake or pond, you will always find white ones, and usually also pink or yellow ones, but never both. The flowers begin in summer and last well into fall.


Wildlife

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  1. Navesink River - Fair Haven [Details] [G] [B] (40.36647, -74.04204)
  2. Navesink River - Red Bank [Details] [G] [B] (40.35212, -74.06980)
  3. Navesink River - Rumson (E) [Details] [G] [B] (40.37649, -73.99990)
  4. Navesink River - Rumson (W) [Details] [G] [B] (40.37650, -74.01310)
  5. Shadow Lake - Middletown [Details] [G] [B] (40.34648, -74.10520)
  6. Swimming River - Middletown [Details] [G] [B] (40.34836, -74.08307)
  7. Swimming River - Red Bank [Details] [G] [B] (40.33838, -74.08815)

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The Navesink River is more like a big brackish lake, except where it narrows-down and connects to Raritan Bay. While it is tidal, most of the river has negligible current, although it is wide enough to get choppy if the wind is strong. The water is generally clean, unlike the nearby Swimming River. Boat traffic is not too bad either.

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