Other Chicks at Gatorland

Comorants usually nest so high in the tree, they are hard to photograph.  But I was able to get a shot at this nest by climbing the observation tower at Gatorland.  Up until now I hadn't really gotten a good look at the Comorant baby.

These Snowy Egret chicks have always been my favorite.  I like them as adults and I think the chicks are adorable.  They are delicate looking and so cute when they huddle together for warmth.



These baby Tri-Color Herons really know how to squawk.

Cattle Egrets - not very cute.  They are my least favorite, I think they are a little mean. 

The rookery is filled with the sounds of the White Egret chicks. 

Baby Woodstorks

I finally saw a baby Woodstork!  Adults are usually in abundance but I had never seen a baby until this year (May 2010).  Their nests are usually up pretty high and this year they were on the other side of the rookery - the far side, which I can just barely reach with my 400mm lens.

I knew they were ugly because I'd seen a picture (but adorable at the same time).  I joked with my dad that they are ugly as babies (a face only a mother could love) and ugly as adults - not an easy life for this bird.

Gators at Gatorland

Well, it is called "Gatorland".  Enough said.

When I was there this time, the alligators did this strange thing that I had not heard before but someone said they do it every morning.  Not sure if it's a mating thing or not, but they made loud noises and lifted themselves out of the water half way. 

This photo looks like they are waiting for a tourist to fall in.

Rookery at Gatorland

This is the rookery at Gatorland in Orlando.  It's a paradise for nature photographers. 

This rookery is so active that you can find all stages - nesting, flight shots, eggs, babies, and juveniles, all within close proximity.  (Oh, yes, and alligators)!  You could reach out and touch the nests.  It is definitely worth the drive. 

It was this rookery that I saw my first egg hatch right in front of me, saw my first babies of several kinds - Tri-Colors, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Comorants, and this past weekend I saw my first Woodstork babies.  I've even seen a baby Barred Owl here before. 

They have photographer passes so you can enter the park at sunrise and stay until sunset.  It's a great way to spend the day.

I've met some nice people at this rookery, photographers are always willing to share information and talk to each other about our equipment or our surroundings.