Nature Studies from Florida

Oh, what fun! Nature studies in an entirely different area. My parents live on a fresh water lake which is connected to a network of canals that you could spend years exploring. The water is stained to a dark coffee color by the cypress trees that grow along its banks. Years ago there were big alligators in the water, but now its rare to see them at all. Isn't this just beautiful?



We went on a boat ride today and were able to capture more wildlife and critters than I could see in a month at home. Here are some of the highlights.


This one is a juvenile Litte Blue Egret (Egretta caerulea).  They are unique in that the young look completely different from the adults.  This one is in his first year of life.  As it gets older it will first get blotchy and then turn gray blue.



 Here is the ever familiar Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias).  There are so many types of birds here. Big ones, small ones and everything in between. We even got lucky and found a small alligator.



In addition to the birds and reptiles, there are also gorgeous lotus flowers and huge lily pads.



Tonight we're going across the street the the camp to see deer and hopefully the resident owl. My uncle is the caretaker and lives there year round. I hope your family is having as good a week as we are.