We visited Green Cay Wetlands in Boyton Beach, (Florida) with our dear friends Fay and Howie who rented a place in Boynton Beach. The incredible area overlooks 100 acres of wetlands and hosts a one and a half mile elevated boardwalk that takes you directly into the wetlands.
The last time we visited was about 6 years ago. The area was lush with a vast variety and amount of birds. We were disappointed this time because someone said that many of the birds use this spot as a stopping point on their way to migrating to South America. Maybe we came at the wrong season or wrong time of day? It was around noon...
We did see one ahinga, a heron or two, and a few ducks and a few egrets or ibises. Truthfully, I am not knowledgable to identify each bird.
It was disappointing; we wanted to see much more like we did in the past.
However, after we left we went to a strip mall that was close by to get a cup of coffee. Surprisingly as we drove into the parking lot, there was a large puddle that full of white birds.
I'm guessing they were mostly egrets or ibises ( I don't know the difference), but then I spotted a few what I think are wood storks!! That was quite a treat!
Can anyone identify the bird below as wood stork? Yes! commenters have identified this as a wood stork!! Thank you!!
I found out that wood storks are the only variety of storks that come to the US. White storks live and breed in Europe, Southwest Asia, and in North Africa. However, in the winter they travel by the thousands out to sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Only Wood stork's live and breed in the US- mostly in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. They also live throughout the Caribbean and Mexico.
It was ironic that we saw the largest amount and variety of birds in a large puddle in the parking lot as opposed to the wetlands nearby!
Regardless, it was wonderful being out in beautiful nature, seeing the limited wild life that we did see which included the birds, turtles, a snake, ducks, and an alligator. We certainly enjoyed the day secluded in the wetlands at Green Cay!
sharing on Saturday's Critters.
Yes, it was ironic that you saw the largest amount, and variety of birds, in the large puddle which was in the parking lot as opposed to the nearby wetlands. However, I did enjoy seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
Great excursion! Love the birds and photos!
ReplyDeleteAt least you had a nice day out in nature. I would have gone for the walk alone as I know nothing about birds.
ReplyDeletefrom Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI have some photos from Green Cay today too. It is a great preserve for birdwatching.
You have a nice variety of birds too, the Anhinga, the Green Heron and Tricolored Heron, The Wood Storks and White Ibis are all a treat to see. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a wonderful weekend.
Nice to meet the storks!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen an ahinga -- those are fantastic! It looks like a wonderful visit and a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteI’ve been to Green Cay several times over the years. You never know what the birds will do. I think the birds with the long downward-curving red beak are ibis, and the wood stork is the right ID for the big black and white bird. One year the storks didn’t go to the nature areas near Boynton Beach but they were in the irrigation ditches along the road a bit north of there.
ReplyDeletebest, mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Yes that looks like a Stork and the white group are Ibis. We see a lot of birds sometimes...and then not as many . Not sure why! This is an area I would love to visit!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos. Perhaps the birds get more food in town? I would also like to visit there. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteHow nice to enjoy the warmth of Florida! We used to visit a lot more when my inlaws had a place down there.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful outing!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing the diverse array of birds you captured.
Happy Sunday, Judee!
We went there years ago and enjoyed it. Glad you had a nice day out in nature and saw all the birds. Even if most of them where in a parking lot. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a great trip!.....Abrazotes, Marcela
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with you about the bird being a Wood Stork. Wonderful images. You never do know where you will meet the most interesting birds and wildlife!
ReplyDeleteThe weather seems really nice with fluffy clouds and blue sky...Looks like that you had a great time with your friends.
ReplyDeleteSomebody needs to tell those silly birds to hang out at the preserve set aside for them, not a parking lot. Great finds for you. Birds are where you find them I guess.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, such a fun trip.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun outing! And yes, it is funny that you saw the most birds once you'd left the wetlands!
ReplyDeleteI love that because it shows that even when you least expect it, things can turn out for the best. 😀
I am a twitcher from way back and love checking out our local wetlands etc for birds. Yes we have migratory birds too - from Siberia. They only come for a short time each year.
ReplyDeleteIt appears it is a great place for bird watching.
ReplyDelete