"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven." ~ Emily Dickenson

My mother has been visiting us for the past week, and has another week till she heads back north. We have done a number of things since she has been here, and have a few more yet planned. It has been nice to play host! The other day, we made another trip to Wakodahatchee Wetlands. While some of these photos are very similar to the ones I posted a few weeks ago, I can't help sharing the wonders of this place! I'm so glad that Mom could see it.

Great Blue Heron with hatchlings in nest.

Anhinga

Several species of bird all nesting together.

American Alligator swimming

And sunning

Someone told us the name of this lizard while we were there, but I can't remember it, and I can't seem to locate it in my books.

Baby American Alligators

Great Egret

During breeding season, the male Great Egret develops a green color around the eyes, and a beautiful wispy plume of feathers, which drape over its back and well past its tail.

Night Heron

It has been great to have Mom here, and I hope that we can do the same next year!

“It is amazing that something so beautiful will be destroyed. But then again, that is the story of our lives." ~ A woman who watched the creation of a sand mandala (from the article Embracing Impermanence - Lessons from Sand Mandalas - link below)

Over the weekend, Bruce and I went to a local arts fest. This one is a bit different than most in that it includes a "Cook Off" with chefs from local restaurants, a one act play put on by high school students, and lots of activities for children. This year there was also the added attraction of Tibetan Monks creating a sand mandala. Unfortunately, I only had the camera on my phone with me, and the quality of the pictures is really quite poor. This is too bad, as the color and detail were really worth capturing.

For a much better view and explanation of how they do this, please check out this article on TCPalm.

Also, the following article is a good reflection on mandalas and their relationship to our lives - Embracing Impermanence - Lessons from Sand Mandalas. 

"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous." ~ Aristotle

One day last week, I ventured to the Wakodahatchee Wetlands  and the Green Cay Nature Center and Wetlands with a couple of friends. I have posted from both spots before, and will again! Every trip is a new opportunity to see nature at its finest.

Nesting and mating season for the Wood Stork. These birds are huge!

Purple Gallinule - the colors of the feathers almost defy description. There will be a few more photos further down.

Great Egret

American Alligator

Cattle Egret - As you drive cross-state, you will see these egrets literally sitting atop cattle.

Tri-Colored Heron

Purple Gallinule

Marsh Hare 

Ahinga

Glossy Ibis

I think that this is a Night Heron, but I'm not sure.

Baby American Alligators