One of the fascinating things about the Everglades and other swamp areas in Florida, is all the variety in the plants. It seemed like everything was growing on everything--ferns and mosses springing up or hanging on branches, and epiphytes like these growing on trees, subsisting almost entirely on air. This type had red flowers, adding a bit of color among the many shades of green. This large cluster is growing on a type of cypress in the swamp that grows in the water environment. 4/24/22 www.sparhawkphotography.com
In Florida there were a wide range of types of reptiles, lizards, anoles, iguanas. One type that made me smile every time I saw one, was the one I call Mr. Curly. I loved the curled-up tail, which also shows here in his shadow. Looking them up, it appears to be an invasive species, related to the iguana. 4/23/22 www.sparhawkphotography.com
While in Florida, I went birding at a wonderful place, Wakodahatchee Wetlands. I had heard it was a good place to bird, but I had no idea it was a great rookery for Wood Storks--there were a few hundred of them there, including many nests. This image is an example of a nest with baby storks. Other nesting birds there included Cattle Egret, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, and Anhingas. It was a noisy and chaotic place with birds flying all over, feeding, displaying, swimming, wading. I had a great time experiencing close up views of amazing bird life. 4/22/22 www.sparhawkphotography.com
