A Rookery

Last week I traveled to Florida and got a chance to visit the Venice Rookery, which is located in Venice Florida. The rookery is a great place to photograph and view many birds nesting during February, March and April. Waterfowl nest on the island in the middle of the small lake. There's a gravel path that faces the island were folks set-up to take pictures and view the birds.

I arrived at 6:00 am and there was a fine mist in the air, great for photography. The island was not loaded with birds as I've seen before, but still a number of birds were nesting. 

This Great Blue Heron with the spiked hair just returned from the gulf on a fishing trip. The adults take turns fishing, feeding and protecting the chicks.

Nesting Egrets with a small chick. The birds nest on the island for security. Believe it or not here's the security guard, alligator.

  

The resident gator cruises the waters in hopes of a meal. Without the gator, raccoon's could possibly raid the island. 

If you enjoy nature, birds, and the outdoors, then you should take a trip to the Venice Rookery located in Venice Florida. Sometimes it's more fun photographing the bird watchers, watching the birds. Be careful while photographing and watch for gators.

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