Nature Walk – Cabin Fever Reprieve

People who live in cold, dark climes in the winter know all about cabin fever, yet I live in sometimes sunny Florida.  However, I’m recovering from a lengthy bout of the latest flu.  Symptoms were light, but the fatigue long-lasting.  And the flu this year has been a killer, so I’m one of the fortunate ones.  Being retired, too, allows me to gradually heal as needed.

Well, beyond the personal bits, I managed to get out to Wakodohatchee today and was greeted with a feast of feathers (perhaps that’s a better title for this piece!).   The Wood Storks are back in full force and I even spotted a few heads of babies peeking up above the branch piles that pass for their nests.  The great storks are stoic birds, elegant in their own way and very patient parents.

I was also blessed with three sightings of alligators, some iguanas who were literally hanging around, as well as an assortment of turtles and other birds.  My, the Great White Egrets are stately birds.  I’m glad their feathers are no longer used in women’s fashion.  They look better on the birds.

Naptime.

The weather was in the mid-seventies and at 88% humidity, slightly sticky but pleasant.  There were many of crowds, but most people were in a good mood, intent on taking in all the sights and activities.  The parking lot was crowded when I arrived around 9 a.m. and overflowing when I left.

Great Blue Heron

Egret busy watching a nearby alligator.

Subtle patterning on a Florida Water Snake (non-venomous)

And here’s a rainbow for luck!

It’s a Double!

Have a great week, everyone!

Sunny

© All Rights Reserved, Elizabeth Ayres Escher, http://www.bluedragonjournal.com

Photo Credits: Delray Beach Municipal Beach, Wakodahatchee Nature Preserve