After a week of hot and humid days we were due some nice weather and so when it showed up we took advantage to investigate some local sights. One of these was St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
“The refuge was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. It is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses over 70,000 acres spread out between Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida.” — St. Marks NWR Site
One of the highlights of our visit was the waterlilies blooming in the canals along the road leading into the refuge. It’s the most waterlilies I’ve ever seen at one time and each bloom almost perfect — very beautiful!
Of course there was also what you’d expect to find in a wildlife refuge — wildlife!
We heard the bellow of this big alligator in one of the ponds as he seemed to be hunting his next meal and then on our way out this other smaller alligator boldly crossed the road in front of us.
It was a beautiful day spent beautifully.
Seems strange to a guy from Colorado to imagine an alligator crossing the road, let alone to see one. Traveling does introduce us to new worlds where wildlife, plants and people seem almost foreign. Different worlds for sure.
We are seeing spring like weather for a change out here. Loving it!
Well we haven’t had alligators crossing the road in western North Carolina for as long as I can remember so it’s a bit of a new experience for this guy as well…and yes I do brake for alligators! Sometimes those new worlds may only be a few miles down the road…certainly worth the travel.
Glad to hear spring has finally found you, enjoy!
Looks like such a great place. Wow, those water lilies! Probably a lot of birds too?
Yes, lots and lots of birds but I stupidly didn’t have my longest lens with me and even if I had it probably wouldn’t have been as long as I would have wanted — a 600 would have been great.