Smith Creek Park Wildlife
On May 16, I paddled my kayak at Smith Creek Park lake near Wilmington, NC, to practice for the upcoming Twin Rivers Paddle Club trip on Blount’s Creek. I proceeded more quietly than usual, and was rewarded with right many wildlife sightings.
There were multiple groups of a half-dozen or more turtles rafted together in the water; and many more groups on the shore. Maybe it was turtle mating season? I tried to get several more turtle pictures, but whenever I approached, they insisted in swimming around behind me.
A couple of 18 inch long fish swam under my boat. I had seen other fish being caught from the dock and pedal boats, but none over about 8 inches long. I spotted several male and female cardinals flitting in and out of the woods. Near me on the lake were a male and female mallard.
I did not get many photos because the animals were skittish and moved away too quickly.
North 34 17 00.30
West -77 51 06.75
