Last days at South Bay, Florida

Osprey with Threadfin Shad

January is coming to a close and we will be moving on.  It's amazing all the birds and other wildlife that is here at the South Bay of Lake Okeechobee that we have been able to observe and to photograph.  We have also met some very nice campers here and have enjoyed boat rides into the lake with them. 

Osprey chases Turkey Vulture out of it's territory

One of the many channels in South Bay

Many Purple Gallinules tread the lily pads

Gray-headed Swamphen - exotic import to Florida

Am. White Pelicans and egrets gather at Water Treatment #1 east of Belle Glade

What big teeth you have - now smile for your photo

Male Painted Bunting right at the campground

Snowy Egret at John Stretch Park

Someone's not happy with competition

Cedar Waxwing checking some berries out

Scissors-tailed Flycatcher stops by

This Merlin was a surprise, sitting out on flooded branches only a few feet above the water.  He didn't even fly as we approached in the boat.

Another Purple Gallinule stays close by

Amazing reflection of our local Alligator 

Limpkin hunts for Apple Snails

Look closely for the fuzzy baby Limpkin, Mom watches nearby

Snowy Egrets watching for something?

Black-crowned Night-heron

Wintering Northern Waterthrush pops out of the brush

American Bittern

Shaking out to get feathers in line

Green Heron

Snail Kite comes in for a landing by Anhinga

Male Northern Harrier flies near the road

American Kestrel grabs a snack, clip those wings!

Banded Tree Snail

There is a 400 foot radio tower near the campground.  A pair of Peregrine Falcons are seen there every day.  One day he was low enough to get some photos.

Barn Owls come out after sunset from this old pump house

We don't have to go far to birdwatch, "park it and they will come."  Our local flock of White Ibis check for grubs right out our door. 

We head to Chokoloskee Island on February 1st by the western end of Everglades National Park.

Love & Prayers,
Ty & Ida Baumann