With a fine scoop net, and some plastic trays we examined in detail some of the creatures which call these creeks "home". It is pretty amazing doing this, if one has not done it before.The most obvious creatures are Mayfly larvae. They are easy to identify as they have three parts to their "tails" (3 "caudal filaments"). In fact these are different stages of development, and possibly different species, but that's a matter I shall leave to the specialists.
These insects are "true bugs" but aquatic - they are the "Water Striders" - of the order "Gerridae".
If you click to enlarge the image, you will see a tiny (minute) red creature floating on top of the surface of the water. I cannot tell what it is. It has numerous legs - maybe a kind of mite?This is a Freshwater Shrimp,
(Palaemonid prawn)
along with a very heavily-built Mayfly larva (on right).
(Palaemonid prawn)
along with a very heavily-built Mayfly larva (on right).
Click to read the notes, and to see these creatures in good detail. 
This is another Shrimp, with a Water Strider.
This is a very poor shot.
But it is of a different type of bug from the others.
Possibly in the order Veliidae
This last creature is in a totally different group of aquatic life forms. I have been told it is a "Hydra", which would suit it - from the reference to the mythical many-headed beast (the Hydra of Lerna) which terrorised the ancient Greek sailors.
The 5 arms are unusual and separate it from other creatures.
Hydra (if that is what it is) are related to Jelly fish.
Its body is semi-transparent, and obviously soft and flexible.
This is a very poor shot.But it is of a different type of bug from the others.
Possibly in the order Veliidae
This last creature is in a totally different group of aquatic life forms. I have been told it is a "Hydra", which would suit it - from the reference to the mythical many-headed beast (the Hydra of Lerna) which terrorised the ancient Greek sailors.
This is a minute creature (thank goodness - it is scary enough at 5mm long), which at first I thought might have been related to the leeches, from its soft body, and its manner of moving, which is to hunch itself up, then project the front end, grab hold of something and them pull itself forward.
Hunched up Hydra - about to stretch out to move forward.
The 5 arms are unusual and separate it from other creatures.
Hydra (if that is what it is) are related to Jelly fish.
Its body is semi-transparent, and obviously soft and flexible.
