No matter how many times I go to Gatorland , near Orlando, FL, I am always delighted by the chance to observe closely the waterfowl there as they mate, build nests, lay eggs and hatch fledglings. The boardwalk meanders across a lagoon with over 125 gators in close proximity. These prehistoric looking reptiles protect by their mere presence hundreds of bird nests. The raccoons, 'possums and even snakes are not likely to risk being in the neighborhood so the area has become very safe for nesting.
The Great White Egrets, because of their size, are very showy when they are in nesting mode. During this stage they have aigrettes, the long plumes growing from their back. Because in the late nineteenth century these plumes were prized for women's hats, the Great Egrets were hunted to the point they became endangered. The National Audubon Society was founded in part to protect these birds.
After eggs are laid the Great Egret has to routinely turn them in the nest so that they are kept warm evenly. Note green coloration on the egret's face from the eye to the beginning of the bill. This appears only during the breeding season.
Snowy Egrets are smaller than Great Egrets. Their feet are yellow instead of black like their larger cousin while their beaks are black and the Great Egret has a yellow beak. Their breeding color at the base of their bill is red.
This unusual wading bird, the Limpkin, is found from Florida down to Argentina. It is usually in marshes and swamps searching for apple snails.
Rich in wildlife year round, Gatorland never disappoints.
