Going to the Everglades in winter with the weather being cold and windy should have kept the mosquitos at bay. Should is the operative word. It did not. If you were on the windy side you were ok but once you stepped out of the wind, opened a car door, or the sun went down the mosquitos were out in full force. I think we killed 40 mosquitos in the van one night. We battled the mosquitos for 5 days. The tree swallows were out in large numbers having a grand time eating them. The park embraces the mosquitos and you can even purchase a mosquito t-shirt.
A trip to the Everglades, for most people, starts with a stop at Robert is Here for a milkshake or to pick up some fresh fruit or salsa. Robert talked us into trying Black Sapote. The sign said it tastes like chocolate pudding and it did.
There is only one Everglades. This is a unique place and it has changed over the years since we have been visiting. Mostly for the good as the state of Florida and the Federal government is trying to change the flow of water. The original water flow started up near Orlando and down through central Florida and into the river of grass. To learn more on the water issues you can read The Swamp by Michael Grunwald or follow Captains for Clean Water on social media.
We took full advantage of the free ranger led programs and learned more about the threats that invasive species have on the native wildlife of Florida. Learned a bit of history on the Flamingo area and kayaked in Florida Bay. We were unable to do the wet walk this time. I highly recommend this program if you have never done it. Most of the bird life we saw was while kayaking on Florida Bay. This was the first time we had kayaked in the Bay and it will not be our last.
Mahogany Hammock is were the warblers and the barred owl were. Going slow, looking everywhere and listening can help you locate various animals and birds. The owl gave itself away by making it signature call.
Nine Mile Pond is where were found 1 of the 2 crocodiles we saw. She was ready to get warm after a few days of it being overcast and cold and was just lying out on the lawn in front of the parked cars.
Wildlife sightings: Barred owl, crocodiles, alligators, anhingas, wood storks, Brown pelicans, White pelicans, Great Blue herons, White morph of the Great Blue heron, Yellow-crowned Night herons, Little Blue herons, Osprey, Least terns, Cormorants, Black Skimmers, Bald Eagle, Gray Catbird, various warblers, crow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Hawk, Yellow-bellied Cooter, Tree Swallows, Black Vultures, Turkey Vultures
Side Note: If you do not have an RV or tent, the Lodge at Flamingo is now open and accepting reservations. The restaurant is also open.
Nature Moments
Scenes from Florida Bay
Note: All photos and videos unless otherwise stated are property of Wayne and Margaret Shoemake. If you would like to use any of them please email us at [email protected].