[danFL62]

This shot was captured this past May in the breeding marsh at Gatorland in Orlando.




If you are interested in taking pictures there, the following description is from the Gatorland web site.


"Shortly after its development, the Breeding Marsh became a haven for several different species of Florida's birds, such as Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Anhingas, Ibis, and Storks. Protected by the alligators from their natural predators (such as raccoons, snakes, and bobcats), the birds began using the area as both a roosting and nesting site. With the addition of the Bird Rookery, visitors now have a unique opportunity to view the courtship, mating, nesting, and feeding behaviors of not only alligators, but also of wild birds in their native habitat.

Today, the Gatorland Breeding Marsh & Bird Rookery is one of the largest and most accessible Bird Rookeries in Florida. An oasis of nature in what is fast becoming suburban sprawl, the Gatorland Alligator Breeding Marsh and Bird Rookery was chosen in November 2000 by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, as part of its Great Florida Birding Trail. Be sure to check out Gatorland's Gator Cam for a live view of the Breeding Marsh area!"

http://www.gatorland.com/virtualtour_4.php