Sometimes we only have moments to try to capture special views of nature. First I’d like to share the instance of an egret in my friend’s garden. Egrets in Florida usually come in pairs or groups and forage the yard for food. At a slight movement by a human, away they fly. This time the bird just watched and didn’t leave. Time to attempt to capture a photo or two.
Read MoreTag: birds
Ducks in a Row
Muscovy ducks are unusual Florida residents. They hiss instead of quack, they fly clumsily, and they somehow flourish in Florida’s urban environment. Native to Central and South America, they have lived in Florida for many years and can be found near lakes and canals statewide. These birds were illegally released primarily by private individuals for ornamental purposes or as pets. Muscovy ducks can be extremely prolific and local populations can increase dramatically in a short time. As a result, controversies frequently arise between residents who enjoy the birds and residents who consider them a nuisance. When you have a large number of ducklings multiple times a year, a duck mother is kept busy herding.
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May in Terri’s Yard
Photos today are courtesy of my friend Terri who lives outside Nashville, Tennessee.
My friend Terri has a large home with a deck close to the woods. She has several bird feeders, bird houses, and of course, a garden. Today’s photos were take this month as she potted flowers and captured a few birds in her yard.
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By The Canal
Florida was originally nearly all wetlands. Over the years miles of wetlands were drained for buildings and people. Today there are many canals and lakes in neighborhoods where you can often see wildlife drawn to the water. These photos were taken by a canal not far from my neighborhood.
Roost in The Wetlands
Today’s photos are taken very close to my home. I hesitated to share them as I don’t have the equipment to zoom in and really do close-ups of the birds. Some of you may remember my bird photos are when the birds walk up to me. There is a strip mall on U.S. 19 (a major road running north and south on the west coast of Florida) where I often shop. The post office is there as well as Dollar Tree, a bookstore, a candle shop, Ross for Less, several restaurants and even Bealls. Easter morning I needed to get out of the house for a while and took a drive. Most of the mall stores were closed but I went anyway. There is a small street on the side of the mall that many of us use to avoid U. S. 19. Along that small stretch of road is a fenced pocket of wetland where birds roost.
A Perfect Day
This time of year here in Central Florida it is already unbearably hot and humid with a heat index in the 100’s (F). Sometimes a front moves in from the north with dryer and cooler air. Then you have a perfect day. Read More
My Friend’s Backyard
Just sharing a few photos from my friend’s backyard. The older development is built around a lake. Below is an iguana.
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Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary
Flamingo Gardens & Wildlife Sanctuary
3750 South Flamingo Road
Davie, FL 33330-1614
Flamingo Gardens was originally founded as Flamingo Groves, a citrus orchard, in 1927 by Floyd L. and Jane Wray. The Wrays came to Florida in 1925 and were deeply intrigued with the horticultural possibilities of the subtropical locale. They purchased 320 acres of land around and including Long Key in the Everglades. On January 2, 1927, Floyd L. Wray incorporated Flamingo Groves, beginning what was to become one of the first botanical gardens and tourist attractions in South Florida.
The Floyd L. Wray Memorial Foundation was established in 1969 by Mrs. Wray, in honor of her late husband, to preserve the core property for future generations and emphasize the history of the Florida Everglades. The name was changed to Flamingo Gardens, and the gardens were preserved and expanded. In 1990, the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary opened with the Bird of Prey Center, followed by the half-acre Free-flight Aviary featuring the 5 ecological zones of South Florida. One of the first of its kind in the country, the sanctuary gave residence to permanently injured or non-releasable Florida native wildlife.
$21.95 per day adult admission
Last week my post, Flamingo Gardens & Museum, explored one of my favorite places in South Florida, Flamingo Gardens. Acres of one of the last natural jungle growths in South Florida with over 3000 tropical and subtropical species of plants and trees, Flamingo Gardens is a beautiful place to wander. See that post for photos and information regarding the Wray Home and the gardens. Today we’ll explore the wildlife in the sanctuary.
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