Kyler and the Great Egrets

       Kyler faced this adventure with some small trepidation. When he learned we were looking for a hidden waterfall, he was quite concerned that we might go over it.

     Part of every good adventure is recording it. We always carry a camera or two. You never know when you might be surprised by a strange, rare animal or bird.

As we head down a remote jungle river, Kyler takes a photo of the guide.

A beautiful bridge near sunset. Civilization can't be too far away.

      We are always on the lookout for ways we can help keep the world beautiful. We find an abandoned fishing bobber floating near the shore.

This bobber has already been pecked at by water birds. If an Egret or Heron swallowed it, it could choke the bird. This one was attached to a long piece of monofiliment line, which would be even worse for the bird.

     We round a bend in the waterway and hear strange sounds coming from high above us. We see an amazing sight. The tops of the trees are filling with Great Egrets coming home to roost for the night. Flight after flight comes in and with 'goo'-ing sounds. We watch as they sort themselves onto various branches. Some of them argue and peck at one another when another bird is a bit too close.

Great Egrets returning to their rookery for the night.

     Great Egrets are solo birds during the day. They fly many miles to find good spots to fish along the shore.  Each night, however, they return to their rookery to spend the night.

We lose count as over fifty of these majestic birds come in and land as we watch.

     
     After a little more paddling we hear the sound of rushing water. It's the waterfall, at last!

Kyler feels some pride in making it to this place. The waterfall cannot be seen from any car. Only those who come by boat, on foot or by bike get the treat of seeing it.

     For me the night was complete when Kyler asked me if I would still be around to take his children on 'Grandpa Adventures.'