In case you don't know, the Everglades is not just a place to see alligators or, hopefully, an endangered manatee! At first glance it might be a bit disappointing, after all there no beautiful rock formations or high mountains or stunning waterfalls, etc., etc.. It is really rather unassuming....thousands (2,300 sq miles) of acres of "wet plains" dotted here and there with small hammocks of mangrove trees...and then you dive in to a world of so much wildlife it makes your head spin! If you do not see wildlife in the Everglades, it is because your eyes are closed;) It is true most of the wildlife you see is of the 2 legged variety but there is nothing wrong with that:)!!
Here are some pics of our first couple of ventures into the park. There are a couple of new birds for me. So exciting! So beautiful!
Below, a red shouldered hawk has his eye on lunch....and it looks like lizard is the main course!
Anhingas resemble cormorants from a distance but are much more colorful. This trail in the Glades takes you right through a nesting area for these large birds.
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| female anhinga, these birds have webbed feet and must dive for food |
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| nearby a gator sunning |
lots of turtles in among
the lily pads
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| heres looking at you! took this from a distance but still looks kinda scary;) |
We got to witness an anhinga couple doing a mating ritual. Note the eye colors seem to deepen when they are doing their "dance" amazing to watch!
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| the male is quite handsome with his black and white feathers |
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| striped lily |
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| this resting female anhinga shows again how the eye color is subtle when not mating |
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| egret lookout:) |
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| little blue heron |
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| just another egret;) |
Lots of American kestrels
around!
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| my second new bird! this lily pad walker is a purple gallinule! love those colors!! |
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| if I can't see you, you can't see me! |
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| black vulture |
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| tri color heron |
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