A drive to the island on Saturday morning, I stopped several times along the way 'cause raptors and kingfishers were hanging to the power lines, and atop the power poles. I saw hawks, kingfishers, osprey, American kestrels, more grackles than I could chart, cormorants...all perched high above the highway. Pulling off the road onto the shoulders and ditches away from the traffic flow, I took photos and drove on. It took me a lot longer than normal to arrive at my first stop. Once I arrived, I walked up the ramp to the observation deck and boardwalk, and the lake was truly a sea of white!! This photo really doesn't show you the numbers of winter migrants!! White pelicans by the hundreds, dozens of egrets, and a huge number of white ibis. Of course there were other birds, with the likes of heron, egrets, stilts, gulls, ducks. But....the highlight was one of the resident alligators just 3-4 feet away from the boardwalk, in shallow water! It was amazing to me to see this massive creature so up close. It was sleeping in the warm sun. I took photos of course, and took time to use the zoom lens to filter through the shallow swampy water to get details of its feet. Come, take a look....
These two look like they were cropped - but they are TWO different photos. Just in sequence as they came off the camera card.
Once all the birders on the deck realized and saw me leaning over the railing with my camera, they decided to investigate what I was taking photos of, and eventually a crowd gathered. I then left this area for my 2nd hotspot...
After the massive waterfowl crowding the lake, this next area was very quiet. Five ducks [blue teals] and one lone warbler greeted me only. I left shortly after taking photos. Can you see the warbler in the reed grasses?
Look...Upper left center.
Your alligator shots are amazing! And he was so close! I especially like seeing the tail,it is so tall with spines and such! All the white birds look like dozens of tiny ships out on the water! What a trip you had!
ReplyDeleteI like your reference of "tiny ships".
DeleteWow, those shots of the alligator are awesome. That would be a little frightening being that close but also quite exciting.
ReplyDeleteI was more concerned about dropping my camera in the water. Lol
DeleteHe is a magnificent creature, but I'm glad you told me you used the zoom to get those closeups of him. I got scared for you just looking at those pictures! And it was easy to see the little guy in that last shot. :-)
ReplyDeleteJust the zoom for his feet. The other ones...regular setting. I thought the camouflage would make finding the bird a challenge...not so.
DeleteThat gator made me realize I am glad I left Florida. I had a few scares when kayaking.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a safe perch to get those splendid shots.
Good eyes spotting that little fellow in the bushes.
We had a vicious alligator in the Louisiana swamps once...scary.
DeleteI am so glad you took the closeups of the gator, he is one magnificent specimen. my favorite is the tail shot and the foot under water.. I like to see them, but would not want to meet up with him in his environment.
ReplyDeleteSo true, so true.
DeleteGosh. At least our bears run away!!!
ReplyDeleteHe was snoozing.
DeleteI'm not surprised you drew a crowd! This was a fascinating scenario! I came, I saw, I hated to leave!
ReplyDeleteI loved getting the best images I've ever taken...so close.
DeleteOhhhh, that longgggg guyyyyyy is scary looking!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete🎄🌲🎄
He isn't scary as long as he's on the "other side"....hehehehe
DeleteNice detailed shots
ReplyDeleteThanks Lydia
DeleteYou got a good look a the alligator's feet and tail. I'm always zeroing in on his eyes and teeth!
ReplyDeleteThat gator was a big one - great shots!
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots of that Gator.As long as I was in a safe place, I would love get pictures of this critter. Of course the birds are great as well.
ReplyDeleteI would not want to come up on the alligator by surprise! Would have loved to witness that sea of white!
ReplyDeleteo what great alligator photos they are!!!
ReplyDeletelove the alligator :) I remember going there when lived down there always wondering if there were gators I also remember one time my cousin thought I had lost my mind when I told her about all the pelicans The one in particular was the rosetta spoonbill ( I thought they were pink pelicans yes the laugh was on me as always thank you for the wonderful memories GINA
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