ayerscreekadventures.com Blog

Ospreys, also known as sea hawks, have been putting on quite a show for us the past month.  The osprey is one of the largest birds of prey in North America and eats almost exclusively fish.  We are privileged to see them soaring and fishing over the creek daily. Their keen eyesight allows them to locate their prey from up to 100 feet above the water’s surface.  They dive to the water’s surface and sometimes appear to almost completely submerge while grabbing their dinner.  The Osprey has a unique gripping pad on their feet which helps them in plucking fish from the water.  The pads along with curved claws allow the osprey to carry fish great distances.  It is amazing to watch the osprey in flight with their catch.  They will orient the fish headfirst to ease wind resistance and it appears that they are actually surfing or riding the fish.

Most entertaining is to watch them chase the bald eagles.  The osprey is protective of its nest and fishing area and does not take kindly to eagles entering the area.  Although smaller than the eagle, the osprey is the aggressor, often diving toward the eagle from high above.  He is nimble and determined and sustains the chase until the bald eagle moves on to another area.

The osprey can be found around waterways worldwide including right here on Ayers Creek.

Photo Link – http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb436/larisuetaylor/June%20Paddles/osprey2.jpg (Osprey over Ayers Creek – photo courtesy of Ayers Creek Adventures paddler Jon Haas)

Happy Paddling!  Ayers Creek Adventures

Kayaking down Ayers Creek, near Ocean City, MD, offers spectacular views of nature and wildlife.  Various birds such as bald eagle, osprey, heron, egret, tern, ibis and plover fly above seeking their next meal.  Looking around you, the salt marsh is active with wildlife demonstrating its importance to the survival of coastal fauna.

A closer look into the salt marshes will reveal several types of grasses and shrubs.  Grasses included spartina alterniflora, spartina patens and common reed grass called Phragmites.  While spartina grasses provide diverse habitat for terns, ducks, herons, and ibis, Phragmites do not.  Phragmites is an invasive and exotic reed grass that provides limited habitat value for the wildlife found in the region.  It out-competes native grasses and stresses local wildlife by limiting nesting and foraging areas.  In fact, at most federal and state parks, efforts are underway to control the spread of Phragmites.  Large tracts of this invasive plant are burned and small areas are typically sprayed with a water sensitive herbicide to control its persistent spread.

There is however scientific debate regarding Phragmites.  Some argue that this reed grass has been here for thousands of years and has value in controlling erosion and providing a food source for some fish species.  Others argue that it creates a mono-culture that provides little diversity in these important coastal habitats. Come to Ayers Creek to witness for yourself the importance these grasses and any potential impact Phragmites may have on the local environment.

Did you know that Forster’s Tern build elaborate floating nests in salt marshes?  The nests are constructed of dry marsh grass capable of floating the tern and her young.  The nest is contained in the marsh interior by surrounding vegetation preventing it from drifting into open water.  When the tide rises, the nest floats to accommodate the higher water within the wetland system.  See the full story on our oceancity.com blog.  Check back every week or two for more interesting facts and check out Oceancity.com every day for great deals at the beach.

The amazing Green Heron has been a frequent visitor to Ayers Creek and is sighted regularly when paddling both the north and south routes.  This beautiful bird has a glossy, greenish-black cap, a greenish back and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue, and a chestnut neck with a white line down the front.  They are sometimes hard to spot, blending in with the marsh shrubs and grasses and standing statue still in search of their prey.  The Green Heron typically eats small fish, frogs, or other aquatic species, but may also eat small animals such as leeches or mice.  Many consider the Green Heron to be one of the world’s most intelligent birds.  This is primarily due to its feeding method of dropping food, insects, or small objects on the water’s surface to attract fish.  The Green Heron is one of the few known tool using species.  Keep a look out and maybe you will catch a glimpse of the Green Heron the next time you paddle on Ayers Creek.

The Atlantic blue crab is a frequent sight on Ayers Creek.  We often see them hanging on the marsh edges or just swimming by our kayaks.  Sometimes we see seagulls pluck them from the water, but the blue crab does not surrender easily and attacks the gull by thrusting pincers towards the bird’s eyes and face.  Gulls will drop them to avoid these painful weapons only to re-catch them in mid-air in a more advantageous position. Persistent gulls carry them away for a tasty treat.  Younger gulls learn to leave them alone.

Blue crabs have a number of natural predators such as eels, drum, striped bass, spot, trout, some sharks, cownose sting rays and humans.  Human consumption of the blue crab is significant.  Visitors and locals alike enjoy the taste of steamed crabs as well as the “party-like” atmosphere when eating with friends.  Picking meat from steamed crabs requires patience, tolerance for sliced fingers and a palate for spicy seasonings.  Summertime crab feasts are great fun and a local tradition.

These delicious creatures provide an environmental service.  They are scavengers that feed from dead and decaying aquatic life.  They consume thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, small fish, plants, carrion, human waste and other blue crabs.  Their search for food does not end at the water’s edge and are sometimes found deep in the marsh foraging for food.  From time to time, we find reconnaissance crabs in our yard, so watch your step.  But my experience is they’ll find you before you find them!

Male and female crabs can be distinguished by examining their abdomens.  Males have a long slender apron while females have triangular apron.  Mature females develop a more rounded but triangular apron and have red claws at the tip sometimes referred to as painted fingernails. After mating, mature females travel to waterways with higher salinity levels such as Sinepuxent and Isle of Wight Bay’s to fertilize her eggs.  She develops an external egg mass, or sponge, beneath the apron which may contain 750,000 to 2 million eggs. The crabs hatch in larval form and float in that area for about four to five weeks, then juvenile crabs make their way back into the tidal reaches of the coastal bays.

We are often asked if it’s okay to eat female crabs. Yes, you are allowed to eat females as long as they don’t have an external egg mass or sponge.  Female crabs and male crabs taste exactly the same.  In fact, already picked store-bought crabmeat consists mostly, if not entirely, of female crab.  Female crabs are priced less than the restaurant desirable male crabs, so packing houses prefer the cheaper females.  Some people choose not to eat females to help ensure the crab population remains healthy and plentiful.  So, whether you enjoy eating them or not, crabs are interesting creatures and important to our local ecosystem.

Ayers Creek or the entire Coastal Bays for that matter are beautiful and a wonderful natural resource.  While kayaking, we often see diverse wildlife with stunning natural landscapes serving as the backdrop.  Bald eagles, herons, cormorants and egrets are commonplace, but what’s really awesome is when you see a bald eagle with a black snake in its talons or watching a cormorant successfully swallow an American eel that appears too long to consume.  Similarly, understanding wildlife and their niche is quite rewarding.  For example, knowing that terns build nests that float with the tides or learning that buffleheads depend upon tree cavities constructed by Northern Flicker woodpeckers is amazing.  As beautiful as this coastal ecosystem is, our local waterways are not pristine.

For the Coastal Bays, the most significant problem is nutrient enrichment.  While nutrients are normally good for coastal ecosystems, excessive nutrients are detrimental.  Nutrients come from various sources such as fertilizers, septic systems and automobile emissions.  When these nutrients reach local waterways, it stimulates plant growth causing an abundance of algae.  As the algae breaks down, after consuming the available nutrients, oxygen in the water (dissolved oxygen) is depleted.  The depleted oxygen levels harm fish and shellfish that cannot escape these stressed areas.  (Imagine being in a smoke-filled room and you cannot find the exit.)  Compounding the problem is excess algae.  The algae become so thick that it covers underwater grasses with heavy matting that blocks sunlight critical to their survival.  Seagrasses are essential for supporting various bay fishes.  Studies indicate that juvenile fish are 1000 times more abundant in seagrass areas versus non-seagrass areas.

Another significant problem is the loss of natural habitats such as marshlands and forests.  Over the years, forests have been lost to farming, residential and commercial development, roadway construction and other landscape alterations.  Forests that once allowed rainwater to slowly penetrate the soil and replenish aquifers are now avenues for rainwater runoff (stormwater) laden with contaminants such as fertilizer and bacteria. Similarly, marshlands have been drained for agriculture, filled for development, and encroached for the ubiquitous lawn.  While these trends have slowed, they continue.  So, you might ask, “what can we do?”

The answers are not too difficult, but it will take time to see results.  As homeowners, we must reduce or eliminate fertilizer use, plant more trees and shrubs, maintain our septic systems and reduce our carbon footprint.  As environmental stewards, we must support environmental organizations, educate our families and friends, and practice conservation.  Success cannot be achieved by only a few.  It will require all of us to do our part.   As John Lennon once said, “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

Happy Paddling

Ayers Creek Adventures

We have been fortunate that the mild temperatures this winter allowed us to keep paddling even in January and February.  It is extra peaceful this time of year out on the marsh.  We also have the opportunity for up close views of birds and wildlife we don’t see in the warmer months.  While 60^o days in January can lull you into jumping in your kayak with nothing more than a light jacket, you must take extra precautions when paddling in cooler weather.  All the keys to safe paddling still apply.  Including:

• Preparing a float/paddle plan indicating where you are paddling and how long you plan to be out
• Communicating your paddle plan with someone who is remaining on shore in order that they will be on the lookout for your return.
• Paddle with a partner or a group.
• Check wind and weather conditions prior to your departure and prepare accordingly
• Ensure you have a means to communicate with someone on shore in the event of a problem.
• Dress appropriately for the weather.

While winter season paddling is a great experience it is inherently more dangerous due to the colder air and water temperatures.  So what additional precautions must you take?  Mainly you need to dress appropriately for cold weather paddling.  The American Canoe Association’s guidelines for cold-water paddling state that you should always wear protective clothing when:

• Both the water temperature and the air temperature are below 60°F
• You will be more than 1/4 mile from shore and the water temperature is below 60°F
• You expect be repeatedly exposed to cool (65-70°F or less) water in cool or mild weather

Protective clothing is generally either a wet suit or a dry suit.  For temperatures under 55^o a dry suit is recommended.  Wet suits and dry suits typically protect the entire body with the exception of hands, feet, and head.  Accessories are available for protecting the hands, head and feet.  A dry suit is designed to prevent water from entering and provide an extra layer of insulation.

Enjoy this mild winter paddling, but make sure you are well prepared.

Happy Paddling!   Ayers Creek Adventures

With the beautiful weather I have had the opportunity to get a lot of friends out on the creek these past couple of weeks.  What is surprising is the number of people who say, “Wow, this is beautiful.  I can’t believe we have this resource in our own backyard.”  While not everyone may have a creek, bay, or forest in his or her backyard we all have the opportunity to enjoy nature right where we live.

How many of you walk or drive by a park, nature trail, or reserve everyday and barely give it a second glance?  How many of you drive over the route 90 bridge and have never stopped at the Isle of Wight Nature Reserve?  Here you will find a multitude of waterfowl and marsh birds including, blue heron, green heron, buffleheads, and oystercatchers.  Take a walk down the pier and see the baitfish swimming and maybe a blue crab or two scuttling by.  Next time you go over the bridge or pass a park allow a few minutes to stop and look around.  Reconnect with nature and feel a renewed sense of energy as your explore your surroundings.

No matter if you live in the city, the country, or the beach you can take your own little eco tour without ever leaving home.  Open up the windows, step out on the balcony or, take a stroll around the backyard or nearby park.  Stop, close you eyes and listen.  After a few moments you will tune out the sounds of civilization and start to hear the sounds of nature, birds chirping, insects buzzing, squirrels chattering.  Now open your eyes and look around from a new perspective.  Do things look different?  Notice the colors of the plants, the movement of the insects, and the clouds in the sky.  Relax and enjoy the view.

You can take the best eco tour of all everyday, no matter where you are simply by watching a sunrise or sunset.  These are two of the most peaceful times of the day and also a time when the wildlife is extremely active.  It is a spectacular show and its absolutely free.  It is easy to find the sunrise and sunset times for your area.  One of my favorite web sites for this is http://www.calendar-updates.com/sun.asp This site even allows you to schedule the sunrise and sunset times directly to your outlook calendar.   So no excuses make an appointment to enjoy nature’s most beautiful show.

Happy Paddling!

www.ayerscreekadventures.com

Ayers Creek Adventures is a family owned and operated kayak and eco tour business located on scenic Ayers Creek.  The owners, Steven and Suzy Taylor, live on Ayers Creek and have enjoyed exploring the surrounding waterways for many years. Their desire is to share the beauty of this magnificent resource with others in an environmentally sensitive way.

Steven grew up on Ayers Creek and has spent many hours exploring the local creeks and streams.  He has worked in the environmental field for 20 years and has extensive knowledge of the local waters and environmental protection measures.  Steven is a founding member and was the original director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, a non-profit environmental conservation organization.

Suzy grew up near the Youghiogheny River in Southwestern PA where she developed a love of everything outdoors.  She enjoyed many years paddling the river before being lured to the calm beauty of Maryland’s coastal bays. She has been visiting and exploring the area for over 25 years and has a strong appreciation for this beautiful natural resource.

Located upon a beautiful waterway with minimal public access we seek to provide a low cost option for all to enjoy this magnificent resource.  Our location has easy access from Assateague Road (Route 376) and is convenient to both Ocean City and Assateague Island.

Welcome to our Blog.  We will keep you updated on kayaking, wildlife and local events here in Ocean City MD.

If you are new to Ayers Creek Adventures check out our video to learn a bit more about life and kayaking on the creek. Kayaking Ayers Creek Ocean City MD