Wondrous Wetlands
Several months ago, my husband brought me an article from our local newspaper about a birding hotspot near our home. Although I do not consider myself a birder, yet, I saved the clipping with the intention of checking it out. Last week we searched out the 50-acre bit of wetland set aside by a developer to mitigate development of a housing community. We could not have missed it. Tucked between apartment buildings and a country road that leads to a landfill tall grasses surround lower sedges and shallow water dotted by sandbars. There vast assortments of shorebirds gather to feed. In the fall and winter months, we’re told, the marsh is filled with migrating birds eager to escape chilly northern weather. Early this morning, on our third visit, we were welcomed by great white egrets, moorhen families, snowy egrets, glossy and white ibis, black necked stilts, a white pelican, great blue heron, green heron, roseate spoonbill, and sandpipers to name a few. Although the distance between my camera and the birds challenged my zoom lens, I took these shots of a morning fishing expedition.
Let's go Fishing
Jump Before you Dive
Gotcha!
Breakfast Time
Soon after we arrived, a birder pulled up. We chatted as she shared incredible views of distant spottings through her Swarovski scope. Then, she offered to show us other bird-populated marshes in the area. We eagerly followed her to some of best locations for bird photography that we have seen. One remote area packed with birds required us to slip around a tall chain link gate and tromp through grass and weeds half again as tall as we are. As I climbed a low dike, a surprised flock of white and glossy ibis took flight.
Surprised Ibis
We returned home tired and hungry, but oh so relaxed after a morning of discovery in South Florida’s wondrous wetlands.
Go Green (heron that is)
Morningjoy's Weblog 
Wow! What a wonderful adventure. Your pictures are amazing! It must be so much fun exploring this beautiful spot. Who knows what you’ll discover next? Thanks for sharing with us!
Seeing these pictures reminded me of my time in Florida. The diversity of birds was impressive. Here in Indiana I often watch eagles and very large vultures ride the thermals for hours on end with seeming ease. Last night cardinals were flocking to our hackberry tree to gorge on dark blue berries (oh, how we dislike the purple tinged ‘gifts’ they leave behind).
Thank you for sharing.