As we cruised along a busy road (Tamiami Trail) through the Everglades, we saw this huge flock of birds. The pops of pink made me turn around (no easy task). This is the closest I have ever been to a Roseate Spoonbill (the pink ones). The other birds here are Egrets and Wood Storks (same bird as yesterday). This is somewhat typical of the Everglades. The topography varies so much. The Everglades actually start just south of Orlando. By the time it gets to the southernmost region (here), it opens to the area known as 10,000 Islands, then to Florida Bay. If humans had left the Everglades alone, it would be better at filtering all the water in the southern half of the state. They are attempting to restore the Everglades to its natural condition. It won't be entirely possible because of politics, but it will be an improvement. There once an idea to drain the swamp as it isn't buildable. There are many square miles of marshland (seen here) full of sawgrass and other areas of higher land, known as hammocks. I noticed yesterday for the first time how the elevation changes drastically when entering the Seminole Indian Reservation. They are the true stewards of the Everglades and advise the State of Florida on its health.
what beautiful coloured birds. Wonderful to hear that some attempt to restore the Everglades is happening. We have destroyed so many beautiful parts of the world and are only just realising how important they are.
