A Picture Report of the Ichetucknee in May 2017

by John Moran

 

Editor’s Note:  Gainesville photographer, writer, springs advocate and Lifetime Ichetucknee Alliance member John Moran visits the Ichetucknee every year on his birthday. This year (2017), he graciously agreed to share this series of his birthday trip photos. Thanks, John!

This picture report begins with a few underwater pictures shot in the short stretch between the headspring at the Ichetucknee and the canoe launch. This is the small “window” where you can remember a time when the entire river looked so healthy. The comparison to the Devil’s Eye Spring underwater photo is striking. I made the “healthy” pictures in the restricted area with permission from the park manager. This is my 31st consecutive May 17th birthday outing on the Ichetucknee and, oh the changes I’ve seen.
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Healthy Underwater Eelgrass, photo by John Moran

 

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Underwater Eelgrass, photo by John Moran

 

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Underwater with Snorkel, photo by John Moran

 

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Devil’s Eye Sign, photo by John Moran

 

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Birthday Wishing Tree, photo by John Moran

 

Devil’s Eye Underwater Panorama, photo by John Moran

 

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Birthday Wishing Tree, photo by John Moran

 

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Dragonfly on Paddle, photo by John Moran

 

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Egret Feathers, photo by John Moran

 

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Limpkin, photo by John Moran

 

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Turtle Shell, photo by John Moran

 

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Solo Turtle, photo by John Moran

 

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Maple Leaves, photo by John Moran

 

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Ibis on Log, photo by John Moran

 

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Egret in Wild Rice, photo by John Moran

 

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Egret Flight, photo by John Moran