The Silverock Cove canoes were delivered last week and are waiting for you at the new Canoe Hut. It is very important to note that life jackets are required and are not provided by Silverock Cove. Please be careful with the canoes and return to them to their proper place when your are finished enjoying them. Stay safe and use your best judgment in operating the canoes.

Here are a few tips from canoecoutry.com to help keep you and your family safe while canoeing on Smith lake.

Please read through before using canoes.

Canoe Safety Tips:

Above all:

- Always wear an approved PFD
-  Do not overload the canoe
-  Stay low and steady
-  Canoe together as a group on apposing sides
-  Bring one extra paddle along for each boat or canoe

Loading and Unloading
Load the canoe while it is in water, making sure the load is balanced and kept low in the canoe with slightly more weight to the rear. Do not overload. Be sure to keep all gear plus people within the canoe’s weight limits.

Shoving Off
When shoving off, the person in front should get in first. Likewise, when landing, the person in front should get out first, stabilize or brace the canoe and remove the gear. Do not pull the canoe out of the water until the person in back is out.

On the Water
Always remain with the group when canoeing. It is also much safer to stick to the sides of a lake rather than paddling through the middle. The person in the rear of the canoe does most of the steering, so, if you are not an experienced canoer, take the front seat. It is important that the two paddlers act as a unit. Not only will you travel faster when paddling in sync with each other but you will be able to steer better and keep your energy levels higher. In order to paddle in sync, the two paddlers must find a paddling speed and rhythm that works well for them both. Often, the person in the stern (the rear of the canoe) takes longer to execute each stroke than the front person. This is because the person in back is steering with each stroke and compensating for the strength of the front stroke. Find a speed which works well for both of you. Also, when the person steering instructs the other paddler to execute a stroke, do so without hesitation. The person in front should also promptly notify the steerer of upcoming obstacles. Usually, the paddlers are paddling on opposite sides of the canoe. If you get tired of paddling on one side of the canoe or want a change, ask your partner if you can switch sides. It is a good idea to switch sides every so often in order to reduce muscle tension and stress. You should be able to paddle well on both sides of the canoe.

Last But Not Least
Do not stand in the canoe, suddenly turn around or suddenly reach out or lean. All movement in the canoe must be low, steady and slow to prevent tipping and capsizing.

As the weather starts to slowly cool off, the birds around Silverock are going to be looking for a cool new place to perch. Here are a couple favorites to think about adding to your porch at Silverock.

This Amy Adams design is made by Handmade by Perch!, Brooklyn, NY. It is low-fire ceramic, non-toxic glaze with a natural leather cord tanned with vegetable-based dyes. It is 7″ diameter x 5″ tall. Hangs from a 36″ leather cord and holds about 2 cups of bird seed.

Sells for $70 to $80 Buy Now

Modern Case Study Bird Houses

Modern Birdhouses’ Case Study Masters Series honors the architectural pioneers who participated in the Case Study Houses Program. These birdhouses — named after Case Study participants J.R. Davidson, Richard Neutra, and Ralph Rapson. They are hand-made from sustainably harvested teak that has been certified with the Rainforest Alliance’s SmartWood program (www.smartwood.org). The wood is finished with an oil that protects against water, mildew, and UV rays. The roofs are constructed of sandblasted 1/4″ thick aluminum plate and aluminum dowels. Stainless steel fasteners prevent rust and corrosion.
$195 Buy Now

Ceramic Bird Houses

Rae Dunn’s artistic pottery style extends to the common birdhouse. Select from styles imprinted with one of three images: Home, Chirp, or Nest.

Dimensions:

Home: 4.5″D x 7″H
Nest: 4.5″W x 4.5″L x 7″H
Chirp: 4.75″W x 4.75″L x 8″H

$29.95 Buy Now

The Bald Eagle was chosen in 1782 as the emblem of the United States of American. Believed to have only existed on this continent, the great bird was the natural choice to represent our triumphant new nation because of its long life, powerful strength and majestic stature. Since then the Bald Eagle has appeared on all official seals of the United States, as well as our money and U.S. stamps.

The Bald Eagle is one of North America’s largest birds of prey with adult females reaching 14 pounds and standing 42 inches tall. Adult males are only slightly smaller. Today, it is not at all uncommon to see one soaring above Silverock Cove. The mountainous shore elevations and the tall pines provide the massive bird with the perfect viewpoints to spot its dinner swimming in the clear water. However, had Silverock Cove existed on the shores of Smith Lake 20 years ago, the story would be different. According to outdooralabama.com and Wildlife Biologist, Kevin Pugh, while today the bald eagle is commonly seen around most of Alabama’s major waterways and lakes, two decades ago the bald eagle was seldom spotted in Alabama, except for a few migratory birds that would stay for the winter. These eagles would then return north to nest in the spring. Alabama lost all of its nesting eagles during the 1950s and 1960s when eagle numbers drastically declined.

In 1984, Alabama Nongame Wildlife Program of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources decided to make a concerted effort to restore Alabama’s nesting bald eagle population. Pugh continues, “This would not be easy because the eagles would have to be ‘hacked’ in Alabama. Hacking is the process where juvenile eagles are forced to take their first flight from an area. They become imprinted on the area and then return when sexually mature to nest. From 1985-1991, wildlife biologists hacked or released 91 juveniles in the state.” In recent years, thanks to the dedication of many wildlife biologists, conservationists and volunteers, Alabama averages about 100-150 Bald Eagles.

To Best Way to Watch Bald Eagles

• The best time is early (7 a.m.–9 a.m.) or late (4 p.m. –5 p.m.), when eagles are flying to and from roosts and are most active.
• Scan the tree line along riverbanks for eagles that are sitting in the treetops.
• Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe the eagles closely.
• Photographers should use telephoto lenses.
• Never approach an eagle or eagle nest.
• Do not make loud or sudden noises.