River Lilly Cruises

09/05/2024

Yes, the American Alligator also calls North Carolina home. We love our reptiles and would love to share with you, your group, community, schools just how amazing this historic reptiles are. If we're lucky we may be able to see them on our cruise. This is a local Clubfoot Creek American Alligator, approximately 3 feet in length (around 4-4 1/2 years of age).
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09/04/2024

We are excited to announce we will be starting our tours from our new summer home here at Bishop’s Marina and RV on the confluence of the Neuse River, Clubfoot Creek and Mitchell Creek in Havelock, NC. We will be offering a one hour cruises at 11 am and 1 hour prior to sunset daily. Come join us for a beautiful scenic tour and learn about the local fauna, birds and animals along with some local North Carolina history. Price for our 1 hour cruise is $25 per person. Children 10 and under are $20 and active military and veterans are also $20. Tours begin Tuesday August 27 and will run through mid October. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 772-489-8344. Conveniently located between New Bern and the Beaufort, Morehead City, Newport, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle and a short ferry ride from Oriental. We look forward to seeing you aboard the River Lilly II in the near future. All the best Ed and Steph Hamrick.

08/30/2024

Good bye is never forever as we look to the future and remember the past…

We are on the Swallow-tailed end of kite migration. See our latest blog on four GPS-tracked birds from Palm Beach County, Florida:
https://www.arcinst.org/2024/08/30/four-gps-tracked-swallow-tailed-kite-from-palm-beach-county-florida-safely-cross-the-gulf-of-mexico-on-their-way-to-their-wintering-grounds/

Tagged and tracked with our partners from Palm Beach Zoo and Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management

08/29/2024

Even American Alligator Mothers will protect their young.🥰

I'm king of the world!

Baby American alligators are big fans of their moms. They will stay with their mama after they hatch and could spend up to two years utilizing her protective services. Mother gator helps protect the hatchlings from being eaten by raccoons, otters, fish and other gators.

Photo by Geoffrey Prior (sharetheexperience)

08/28/2024

Beautiful evening on our cruise last night with new friends. A perfect way to end the day.

08/27/2024

PSL: FL
Huge win for Florida's wildlife, preserves, native plants and land. This never should have been an issue, however the 'fight' isn't over. Please see in the comments...

After massive uproar from the community and the public across the state, the group behind the golf course proposal for Jonathan Dickinson State Park withdrew their proposal and it has been cancelled from agency review.

This was only possible because so many of you used your voice to oppose these development plans, and fought to keep Florida's State Parks wild.

But there's no time to slow down now—the other proposals across the 9 state parks still remain. We're still at risk of losing precious habitat to things like pickle ball courts and a 350-room resort.

Stand up and use your voice to oppose these developments. Check out our last post to learn more about what’s still at stake, and take action here: https://floridawildlifefederation.org/action-state-parks-threat/

08/25/2024

So relaxing to be back on the water!

Beginning Tuesday Aug 27th 7 days a week at 7pm join us for an hour cruise from Bishops Marina and RV Park in Havelock NC.
Please call 762-489-8344 for information or to reserve.

Reservations are required.

08/25/2024

While we're a little further north on the map in Havelock NC, we're still keeping an eye on those incredible Swallowtailed Kites. We look forward to seeing you (PSL) and them again!

Together with Orleans Audubon Society, we are following 18 Swallow-tailed Kites on migration through various projects, partners, donors and funders. We will have more specific migration soon. But for now, know that Suwannee 22 is spending time on the Savannah River after her hurricane travels: https://www.usatoday.com/story/graphics/2024/08/10/hurricane-debby-bird-effects/74715752007/

Some kites have not uploaded data for 19 days (hopefully safe but not close to a cell tower) while many have moved through Florida and crossed the Gulf of Mexico safely. Only one kite is still near its breeding grounds in South Carolina. Many of our GPS-tracked kites have been or could still be counted by Florida Keys Hawkwatch which is having a record Swallow-tailed Kite count this August!

07/17/2024

Gorgeous evening to be on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. Relaxing until guests arrive for our Evening Relaxation Cruise at 6:30pm.

07/13/2024

They’re getting ready for their migration…

Swallow-tailed Kites are gathering to get ready to feed and rest before their southbound migration. Click below to see how ARCI has been monitoring population trends for decades and where YOU can make a difference by adding your observations to our totals. The survey form is LIVE, and official counts are July 15 to 10 August.
https://www.arcinst.org/2024/07/05/monitoring-swallow-tailed-kite-population-how-you-can-help/

Report sightings here: https://www.arcinst.org/
Photo by A.Kent

06/29/2024

Fantastic news about our busy beaches ❤️

Fun fact - the beaches where we conduct our research host the densest sea turtle nesting in the country. Leatherback, loggerhead, and green turtles nest in large numbers each season. Just last week, a morning surveyor counted a total of 452 crawls (tracks) in 4.5 miles (7.2km) in a single day! 🤯

We are very lucky to work on such a special beach! This photo shows what an average morning looks like as the sun comes up.

06/26/2024

We visited the North Fork of the St Lucie River's nursery today - at least with two sets of Manatees and calves it felt like a magical wildlife nursery.

Pic - 1 of 2 sets ♥️

06/22/2024

When fishing, please be responsible- it may save a life.

Happy first day of summer! It's felt like summer for a while now here in Central Florida, so Hank the Osprey is keeping cool with plenty of frosty treats. Rehabilitation Specialist Tabby Smith brought Hank this fish frozen into a block of ice. It's not just a way to cool down—it's also a fun enrichment experience and a nourishing snack!

As fish specialists, Ospreys are at particular risk of entanglement in fishing line. When not properly disposed of, the line can be mistaken for nesting material or brought back to the nest with a fish, and babies and adults alike can become entangled. Be sure to dispose of all fishing line and gear responsibly, and never leave it in the environment. 🐟

06/21/2024

Cruise into the weekend with us tonight on our Evening Relaxation Cruise departing at 6:30pm.

Our 60 minute cruise will allow the stress of the week to flow away as we take in the scenic views of the North Fork of the St Lucie River.

$25 per guest (cash or check & will be collected onboard the boat). Don’t forget to bring cameras, binoculars, water & BYOB (No glass containers please).

Call or text 772-489-8344 for more information or to reserve.

We look forward to seeing you! Steph & Eddie

04/05/2024

Cruise into the weekend with us tonight on our Evening Relaxation Cruise departing at 6:30pm.

Our 60 minute cruise will allow the stress of the week to flow away as we take in the scenic views of the North Fork of the St Lucie River.

$25 per guest (cash or check & will be collected onboard the boat). Don’t forget to bring cameras, binoculars, water & BYOB (No glass containers please).

Call or text 772-488-8344 for more information or to reserve.

We look forward to seeing you! Steph & Eddie

04/05/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/18/24. A very curious River Otter chose to check out the boat prior to swimming over to hunt along the fishing docks at River Park Marina. A Green Iauqna 3-4ft. 4 American Alligators- 3ft, 5ft, 8ft & 10ft. 7 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders & Red Bellied Cooters. 18 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, & Turkey Vulture, Swallow-Tailed kite, Pileated Woodpecker, & Anhinga (female).
Water temperature steady at 74 degrees.

04/02/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/15/24. A Raccoon along the shoreline hunting crabs. An adult Manatee warming in the sun. 7 American Alligators- 3ft, 7-8ft, 10ft & 13ft. 2 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders & Red Bellied Cooters. 16 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron (adult & juvenile), Yellow Crowned Night Heron, Tri-Colored Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, White Ibis (adult & juvenile), Belted Kingfisher, Swallow-Tailed kite & a pair of Mottled Ducks. Osprey dove for a fish, but missed.
Water temperature steady at 74 degrees.

04/02/2024

We have these smart animals along our shoreline.

Raccoon POV: “I got fooled!” 🦝

What’s your take on this picture for April Fool’s Day? 😆

Raccoons are known to be smart, adaptable and a bit mischievous. They’re a native species in Florida, commonly living in forests, wetlands and urban areas. With five fingers and nimble hands (but no thumbs), they are equally clever at getting into a trash can outside your home or at a campsite.

: Store food and trash in secure containers when camping, and clean up thoroughly after meals to minimize food odors. 🍔🍕

***
📍: Myakka River State Park
⭐: Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
🌐: https://bit.ly/3Lc3ZGz

04/01/2024

Can you believe what we saw on our cruise today?!? April 1st?

04/01/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/14/24. 3 Manatee- Mother and Calf & another adult. 13 American Alligators- 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, 7ft, 8ft, 9-10ft, 11ft & 13ft. 11 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders, Florida Softshells & Red Bellied Cooters. 21 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, White Ibis (adult & juvenile), Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher & 2 Swallow-Tailed Kites.
Water temperature steady at 73 degrees.

03/31/2024

Happy Easter! Did you receive any visitors today?

03/30/2024

Check this out... Let us know what you observe in the wildlife around you or just - your 'wild' life. In our house the sun and moon greatly affect our children's sleep routine and schedule.

Does a solar eclipse affect wildlife? The short answer – it does. Thank you for coming to our Ted Talk. The long answer – it does, and we can look to past eclipses for answers.

Critters don’t have actual clocks, so they take their behavioral cues from nature. A darkening sky and lowering of temperatures brought on by an eclipse can cause wildlife to shift their behavior to nighttime routines.

One of the most famous wildlife eclipse studies is that of entomologist William M. Wheeler. In 1932, he led a team that collected almost 500 observations from the public regarding wildlife behavior during an eclipse that happened that year. People reported observations that included crickets chirping, owls hooting and bees returning to their hives as the eclipse went on.

How will the upcoming April 8th solar eclipse affect wildlife? Check the comments to learn more and about how YOU can help record wildlife observations in your area.

Photo and graphic of red foxes by USFWS

03/28/2024

Great communication between all parties to protect this family of Barred Owls. ♥️

03/28/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/13/24. 12 American Alligators- 20", 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, 6ft, 7ft, 8ft, 9ft, 10-11ft & 13ft. 11 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders, Florida Softshells & Red Bellied Cooters. 10 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, White Ibis, Anhinga (female), & 2 Swallow-Tailed Kites.
Water temperature steady at 72 degrees. Cool and windy day.

03/27/2024

We're so fortunate to have them year round here on the Treasure Coast. After mating season, however one of of resident Osprey's seem to leave the area for vacation until next mating season.

Have you seen any osprey so far this year? Most osprey will arrive at their summer breeding grounds by mid-April. You may be lucky enough to see them year-round in parts of the west, southeast and Mexico!

📷 courtesy of Gordon Garcia

03/27/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/12/24. A Manatee Mom and her calf. 6 American Alligators- 22", 3ft, 4ft, 7ft, 8ft, 9ft, 11-12ft. 6 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders & Red Bellied Cooters. 13 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, White Ibis, Pileated Woodpecker & Swallow-Tailed Kite.
Water temperature steady at 72 degrees. Cool and windy day.

03/26/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/11/24. 12 American Alligators- 3ft, 4ft, 5-6ft, 7ft, 8ft, 9ft, 11ft. 3 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders. 12 Birds- Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, White Ibis, Pileated Woodpecker, Anhinga (f) & Red Shouldered Hawk.
Water temperature warmed up to 74 degrees.

03/20/2024

River Lilly Wildlife Report 3/8/24. 12 American Alligators- 20", 3ft, 4ft, 6-7ft, 8ft, 9ft, 11ft & 13ft. 12 Turtles- Yellow Bellied Sliders & Red Bellied Cooters. 12 Birds- Little Blue Heron, Tri-Colored Heron, Osprey, Black Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker & Swallow-Tailed Kite.
Water temperature steady at 73 degrees.

03/20/2024

Children or grandchild who enjoy wildlife and nature? Join these classes to learn more. Online session is tomorrow evening from 8:30pm EST.

A fox so confused, it forgot how to fox. Sometimes we need some help reading animal signs! All youth nature enthusiasts, young anglers, avid hikers, and wildlife lovers are invited to this Wednesday’s USFWS Youth Fish and Wildlife Club where you’ll learn how “Whose S**t is That? And Other Environmental Clues…”

🔗 See comments for links to the event! 🔗

ABOUT USFWS Youth Fish & Wildlife Club: Youth Fish & Wildlife Club (YFWC) aims to tap into youth curiosity and wonder, foster appreciation for nature and culture in Alaska and the Mountain-Prairie region, engage young people informally with science, and teach proficiency in outdoor skills. Programs are geared towards youth ages 8-12 but all are welcome, including the younger kiddos and curious adults.

Photo by Kristine Sowl/USFWS