FRESNEL LENS

 

STAIRCASE TO....

Climbed to the top of the St. Augustine lighthouse. An easy climb only 219 steps. I'm warming up for a climb to the top of the Pensacola Lighthouse which has something like 769 steps. It's on my bucket list.

 

TRANQUILITY

This beautiful garden was hidden in back of the historic William Paca house on a small, beautiful street in downtown Annapolis. The extent and beauty of the gardens were a wonderfully enjoyable surprise.

 

 

 

 

 

 



THE GATORS

 The majority of Alligator Farm is, of course, dedicated to the Alligators and a few crocodiles. It was disturbing at first to see how many gators were there and how large some were. There was a feeding demonstration we strolled upon which was pretty interesting. Alligators only need to eat once every 6 or 7 days--that surprised me. Excess calories are stored in fat deposits at the base of the alligator's tail. Incredibly, by burning fat reserves, it is possible for an alligator to last more than two years between feedings.

 

Sunning themselves at the "beach."

 

Hey mom, are we just going to lie around all day?

 

I got this one.

 

Okay, I'm ready. Where's the food?



You'll just have to wait your turn.

 

Albino Alligator

 

Blue Parrot



African Crowned Crane

 

ROOKERY II

A few more Rookery shots. The only disappointment was not being able to photograph the beautiful Roseate Spoonbills. There were many of them, but they hung out deep in the interior of the trees. I did manage a shot or two, none of which do them justice. Tomorrow, the 'Gtors.

 

 

Great Egret

 

Great Egret and Chick

 

Nest building - Snowy Egrets

 

The elusive Roseate Spoonbills

 

Chick umbrella - Great Egret

 

Incoming

 

THE ROOKERY

Took a quick visit to St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Rookery last week. I was primarily interested in the Rookery and was not disappointed. Hundreds of birds were in the trees actively nesting, displaying, mating and tending to their chicks while predatory alligators were waiting below for any little chick that may fall from a nest.

 Snowy Egret - Mating Display

 

 Great Egret with chicks

 

Great Egret

 

Great Egret

Snowy Egret chick

 Snowy Egret and chicks

 

Cattle Egret

Great Blue Heron