Posted by Paul on April 23, 2002 at 06:42:12:
The Great Blue Heron babies will leave the nest. If you are new to the area and haven't seen this event, stop in quick. See other posts below for details on this site. Also, Moorhens are hatching all over the place, the duckweed is increasing greatly, and flocks of ducks still circle the area.(mottled) The Blue Wing Teal is still paired but no evidence of nesting yet. Limpkins call daily but except for a few fortunate people, are somewhat elusive. The least bitterns are in great number and their "croaking" call rivals the bullfrogs. Several Moorehens are nested within 10 feet of the boardwalk, it is a spectacular viewing opportunity. One glossy ibis is still present, a few white ibis come around and the population of greenbacks is great. Fish Ravens and crows are taking their toll of eggs and chicks. The cane, bullrush, etc is nicely cleared. The seed pods are growing high of the alligator flag which makes for good pictures as the Purple Gallinule are fond of walking to the top and weighting down the seed pods for feeding. They look like colorful tightrope walkers. Least terns have so much soiled the top of the shade houses that as they land they slide down the roof line unable to get good footing. The lack of rain has made this event "something to watch." They just can't get a good footing. Those with newer "fast action cameras"..this is the place to go to catch terns hovering in mid-air. they do so often near the boardwalk presenting great photo-ops for the classic "hover" pictures of terns. Grebes are producing much of a show here, this year. The question among the photographers is: Who will get the baby blues leaving home?