Dusk at the wetlands
Jun 19, 2016 14:30:26 #
Our local wetlands, like many, is part of the nearby wastewater treatment plant. It gets no funding from the parks department, and many things are managed by volunteers. One of the volunteer tasks is to make sure everyone is out by closing time and to lock the gate. It is generally an enjoyable task because it brings you to the wetlands in the evening when everything is different than in the day. Birds are returning from distant feeding grounds. Raccoons and deer are more active and snakes come out to enjoy the warmth of the road. Alligators are more likely to be out walking from pond to pond. And, there are some nice sunsets to witness. One evening I stayed 30 minutes late just watching the sunset with about a dozen visitors from around the world - watching the changing sky as the birds called all around. It was beautiful. These are some photos from some recent evening trips to close up - all taken with the Canon 100-400mm zoom hand-held and most taken with very high ISO.
Taken with my iPhone, standing in awe with a crowd of visitors.
Immature night heron?
Black-bellied whstling ducks
Reeds at dusk
Least bittern
Not sure what kind of ducks these are - anyone?
Jun 19, 2016 14:32:37 #
Jun 19, 2016 15:07:33 #
Loved your story and your photos. It's obvious you have a great appreciation for that area, the wildlife and all the nature. And your photos reflect that. Wonderful series, Steve!
Jun 19, 2016 17:06:28 #
great set. the wildlife there is one of many reasons I'm considering relocating there is couple years. it really is beautiful. gary
Jun 19, 2016 17:21:24 #
Interesting story and very enjoyable set. Especially like the ducks. 
Jun 19, 2016 20:57:59 #
Beautiful series Steve. Each shot is well thought out and adds to the overall sense of the area. Your narrative also gives a glimpse of special times in this lovely setting.
Jun 19, 2016 23:16:33 #
Jun 20, 2016 06:27:18 #
sakitson wrote:
Pied billed Grebes on the last photo. Cute babies.
Of course - thanks! Very interesting markings on the babies for sure!
Jun 20, 2016 06:32:12 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Loved your story and your photos. It's obvious you have a great appreciation for that area, the wildlife and all the nature. And your photos reflect that. Wonderful series, Steve!
Thanks Linda - we have loved this spot for years - even just as a place to take a great one-hour walk for exercise - always something interesting to see! When I found out they needed more volunteers I signed up right away! We (the volunteers) have printed up a very nice large four-panel full color birding guide which we hand out to visitors and is greatly appreciated. And the opportunity to meet folks who come here is fantastic - this little bity part of our waste water treatment plant is a destination for birders from around the world and I routinely run in to folks from around the US and world who have put this spot on their itinerary! How much fun is that!?
Jun 20, 2016 06:32:32 #
Sylvias wrote:
Interesting story and very enjoyable set. Especially like the ducks.
Thanks, Sylvia!
Jun 20, 2016 06:33:32 #
Jun 20, 2016 06:36:09 #
gwr wrote:
great set. the wildlife there is one of many reasons I'm considering relocating there is couple years. it really is beautiful. gary
Thanks. The area where I live has a lot of preserved space all around, and we have deer, fox, raccoons, possums, armadillo, otter, and birds like sandhill cranes, roseatte spoonbills, wood storks, bald eagles, and osprey routinely in our neighborhood. It is a very popular spot for folks for a lot of reasons. See my note to Linda - if you come to this area (Space Coast - Brevard County) you can become a volunteer at the wetlands! A great opportunity to help and to meet lots of people. The cost of living is good, no state income tax, good beaches, boating, good access to health care, and a low crime rate make this area attractive. I miss the seasons, and woods and hills, and the summer is miserably hot (but nothing to shovel, as they say!), but there are lots of good things. Maybe I will be a snowbird when I retire and spend the summers in Maine.... One caveat - Florida is NOT a friendly state towards pedestrians and bicyclists - you have to work hard to find safe places to walk and ride. Florida is #1 in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities....
Jun 20, 2016 06:41:59 #
Jun 20, 2016 09:56:05 #
Steve - is this Viera? only asking because my mom and brother live in Melbourne and when I visit, I always go to Viera....and if time, up to Merritt Island too!
Nice photos!!
Nice photos!!
Jun 20, 2016 16:00:50 #
A wonderful varied series from beautiful sunset to the grebe family!!!!!
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