Anhinga babies

[cpwm17]

A few weeks ago I saw the Anhingas working on a nest at Viera Wetlands in east-central Florida, near where I live. I returned not long after and saw one sitting on the nest. I returned not long after and there were these three large chicks on the nest. They grow fast.

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Anhinga

Viera Wetlands in Viera Florida is popular with bird photographers and nature lovers. The birds are used to people. I photographed some of the other birds while I was there.

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Least Bittern

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Green Heron

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Eastern Kingbird

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Cattle Egret

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Long-billed Dowitcher with a Stilt Sandpiper and a Least Sandpiper

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Boat-tailed Grackle

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Northern Mockingbird

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American Alligator

[postulater]

1. Nice pics. The anhinga chicks are nice, I didn't know they were white when young.

I'm coming to Florida this summer for a week or so.

We'll be around Amelia Island. I think that is in the northeast by Georgia.

Do you know of any good birding places in that area that I should not miss?

[cpwm17]

2. I've only briefly birded up there years ago, in the winter

I'm not sure there will be a lot of birds in the summer. There are probably Painted Buntings in the coastal state parks.

I hope the Anhingas avoid the hungry alligator under the nest when they fledge. That is a hazardous time for the birds. Alligators do protect wetland bird nests from racoons. So they do help also.

[locks]

3. Great pictures; thanks

If you ever get down to south Florida be sure to go to Ding Darling Refuge on Sanibel, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary north of Naples, and drive across Alligator Alley (Everglades 75) to see amazing number and species of birds. Probably needs to be in winter. I also saw white pelicans on the islands off Englewood/Pt. Charlotte.

[cpwm17]

4. I visited Corkscrew Swamp once over 15 years ago

I liked it. I saw Barred Owls which the place is famous for. I am thinking about starting from south Florida and driving up the west coast of Florida later this month. I've rarely been over there.

I don't like dealing with all of the traffic down south. But I do sometimes take the Turnpike south to Florida City and bird south through the Florida Keys.

[NCarolinawoman]

5. Wow!

Thank you!

[Solly Mack]

6. Excellent!