Within driving distance of where we live are two created wetlands.  It is a natural habitat for nesting birds, and of course spring is nesting time.  For the longest time we had a variety of birds, Great Blue Heron, Anhinga, Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Great Egret etc.  Somehow the secret got out to the Woodstork and they have become the major nesting bird.  I always loved the Woodstork, who looks like a prehistoric bird, but lately since they have taken over the wetlands I am liking them less and less.  Added to that when you have the mass of birds that are there now, they are kind of stinky.  However, I still like getting out into the wetlands and enjoying my 1 mile walk in nature.

Spiny Orb Weaver Spider

The Spiny Orb Weaver Spider is one of the smallest but most interesting spiders I have seen in South Florida.  Aside from the spider being interesting, the web it creates is outstanding.

Great Blue Heron

This Great Blue Heron is fishing.  Daily they make their way into the water to catch fish.  The Great Blue Heron watches the fish with it’s head facing sideways.  Once caught the fish goes down in one big gulp.

Leaf on the water

We spotted this leaf on the water and it really looked like something was towing it about.  However, it was just the wind creating a sail and moving it about the water’s surface.

Juvenile Wood Stork

A juvenile Wood Stork looks soft and downy, but as they mature, the darkness around their face becomes almost leathery looking.  The Wood Stork is very prehistoric looking as an adult.  The wetlands is full of these young birds and they are very noisy.  Right now a good few of them are testing their wings to see if they can fly.

Alligator Flag

Alligator Flag is a common plant in the wetlands and the Moorhens and Purple Gallinule love to eat the flower.  It is always interesting to watch as the plant stem is very thin and bends easily and the birds are not petite.  However, they do manage to grab what they want.  This method of taking photographs is one of my favorite styles.

Iguana

This iguana sits on a branch under the Woodstork nests.  Based on the color of his flap I am going to say that right now it is orange.  However, it has been pooped on so much that it is looking gray.

Bees on a Pickerelweed flower

A sure sign of spring is the busyness of the bees, and the wetlands flowers are definitely a good source of nectar for the bees.

Alligator

Lying below another set of Wood Stork nests was this big guy.  This is a little island in the middle of the water.  The Alligator is sunning itself at this point however, if the chicks fall out the nest the gator would probably snap it up.

Blue Dasher Dragonfly

Dragonflies are another of my favorite critters to watch.  I was happy to see this Blue Dasher out and about.  For the last couple of years it has felt like there was so few dragonfly around.

Pond apple petal

The Pond Apple plant is a tropical fruit plant and it typically grows in wet areas so the wetland is perfect for it.  Apparently alligators like to eat pond apples.

So that was my meander through the wetlands.  It takes me about an hour depending on how long I stop to watch different birds or animals.  It is a great time for me to get out and clear my head and just commune with nature.  And take photographs as well.

Thank you for joining me for this month’s 10 on 10.  This is a circle blog.  Please take time to visit my good friend Ceri of Ceri Herd Photography and see what she has for you this month. Keep following the circle to see what the other photographers have shared this month. Don’t forget to leave a little love on their pages.

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