Michelle Connally, 2018
It was a crisp morning as we walked our kayaks to the ramp. Launching before nautical dawn is a prerequisite. Witnessing the water evaporate from the surface against the backdrop of gradual sunlight is an absolute favorite.
As the sunbeams started to hit the water and trees, the sounds of a Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Parula, Eastern Kingbird, Mourning Dove, Prothonotary Warbler, and Carolina Wren were identified using the Merlin Bird ID app. At the same time, we drank our coffee on this serene Caddo Lake paddling trail. The Cornell Lab Merlin Bird ID app records and identifies the bird calls, making the entire experience even more meaningful to put a name to the tune.
We decided on the Old Folks Playground Paddling Trail for today’s paddling adventure. This trail is just one of ten paddling trails in the Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou. Over fifty miles of trails were created in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Greater Caddo Lake Association, Friends of Caddo Lake, National Wildlife Refuge, Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area, and the flotilla’s host the Cypress Basin Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. We are paddling today as part of the 11th annual flotilla, and all proceeds go to supporting the padding trails.
We entered every nook and cranny to see what was around the corner while using the Merlin Bird ID app to identify the Fish Crow, Yellow Throated Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Pine Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and American Crow.
We also found Bigfoot off the trail; he was hanging out in Barney’s cut-through. Then with the sun rising from the east, a magnificent Bald Cypress requires me to choose a side.
A few turtles were sunbathing as we turned onto the last leg of our trail. We found one final shady spot to enjoy the view before returning to the launch point. The Merlin Bird ID identified a Red-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, Yellow Throated Vireo, Blue Jay, White-throated Sparrow, and an Indigo Bunting while we rehydrated.
As we skimmed across the water, setting a nice pace, the lure of a beautiful flower stopped my momentum. And it was worth seeing and smelling this beautiful American white waterlily identified by the iNaturalist app.
We said hello to fishermen and bird watchers, along with other paddlers in canoes, fishing kayaks, and a one-of-a-kind kayak made of wood. It was slightly chilly, with the day starting at 51. However, it warmed to about 69 when we returned to our starting point. It was another fantastic paddling event. We have supported the Annual Caddo Regatta or Flotilla since its inaugural event in 2012. We have launched from Caddo State Park, Johnson’s Ranch Marina, Clyde’s Crip, and Shady Glade Resort. Each launch point has multiple trails available for the beginner to expert level. My tip for any paddler is to grab a pair of paddling gloves.
Here are a few links to help get you started on the apps used in this adventure, plus a couple of paddling links.
Jean Suplick’s Shaking the Trees 2022 Article about the Merlin ID app.
Getting Started with iNaturalist
Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Paddling Trails
Texas Parks and Wildlife Padding Events
