Three weeks ago, I ran a photo of a Roseate Spoonbill that is visiting here in northern Virginia. Here is one in his native habitat. This was taken in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Based on where this photo was in my massive unsorted file, it was taken when I was in Florida waiting for my mother to die. While I was there, I took some long drives into the backwoods of native Florida. The north end of the MINWR, has three great drives. If it hasn't rained a lot recently, the driving trail through the south east on the river side is an amazing place for bird spotting. Blackwater Drive is more developed, better drained, but also more heavily traveled. Biolab Road, from the road to the beach back north, is the best place to see alligators in the wild. On a sunny winter day, you will sometimes see dozens of them warming themselves on the banks of the swamp and streams that run through the area.
That would be cool to see one of those Roseate Spoonbills. Maybe that will give me a good memory of Florida. I haven't had one yet heavens knows. I have yet to see the allure of that state.
ReplyDeleteWarm winters, and great swamps,
DeleteSo many beautiful and unusual creatures to be seen. I never have seen an alligator in its native environment.
ReplyDeleteIf you decide you want to, I can offer a couple of suggestions
DeleteI am sure I would hate the Florida climate, but what great wildlife it has. The young is pink and the adult grey? I am pleased to read your mother did not 'pass on to the other side' but sadly I'm sure, just died.
ReplyDeleteA Spoonbill and a Heron hanging out together.
DeleteIt's a very striking bird!
ReplyDeleteThe wings have spectacular color
DeleteBeautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteWhen they stretch their wings the colors are amazing
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