It was an amazing afternoon on the Musconetcong River. As soon as I left the launch a bald eagle flew over and I spotted a great blue heron in the tangles of a fallen tree in the river just upstream. Making my way downstream to the dam an immature eagle flew by heading upstream. I watched as it circled back around and flew over again disappearing downstream. I encountered another great blue heron on an another dead tree just above the dam.

I made the turn back upstream at the dam where I encountered my first yellow iris of the season, yes they re invasive but I find them very pretty and can’t help myself but snap a few shots of it. On my way back upstream I watched as another great blue heron took off from the river in front of me. I noticed it had a mouth full of carp as it flew across the opposite shore where it swallowed the huge fish.

Made my way up to Saxton Lake where I saw the male resident mute swan patrolling in front of their nest as the female sat on the her eggs.

Paddled up the flats I encountered another great blue heron standing on another downed tree which it soon took to the air flying up stream. Approaching Otter Island I spotted a sandpiper working the shallow channel on the downstream side of the island. As I made the turn around the back side of the island the heron had landed on a limb then took off landing across the river to the entrance to Schittz Creek- a tributary to the Musky.

I made the turn back downstream and to the flats where I saw what I thought was just another vulture soaring over the river but as I watched I soon realized it was one of the resident eagles. I watched from my boat as it circled high over head and slowly descended to tree level where it glided to the trees near their nest. I sat for quite a while watching it preen its chest feathers and look around. I watched these eagles build their nest here int he fall of 2024. I have not seen any signs of young in the time they have been here. Great to have them on the river.

I was able to find some amazing spring blooms along the way as well. I love to photograph flowers and am always on the hunt for the perfect shot. The yellow iris’ have started blooming-yes I know they are invasive but the iris is one of my favorite flowers. Soon the Blue Iris will begin blooming-they are native.

Such an amazing afternoon on the water.