There was a huge osprey nest near the canoe docks (3'+). There were 3 young osprey. The father would bring in a fish from the bay, go to a near by tree to eat the head and then bring the body to the nest for the juveniles.
After the sun went down, I broke out the flash light to shine some crocs. I found a male just over 11'. I believe this was a fairly accurate measurement as I walked right beside the bank with my feet toe to heel as measuring tools. He posed for about an hour. While I was photographing him, a female surfaced about 10 yards away and hissed. Her jaws were at a 45 degree angle and slightly ajar. Unusual behavior I thought. I figured the male would be protecting the female not the other way around. I was told there was another acutus in the area that made the 11 footer look small. Sounds like a mission for next time.
Around midnight, I started to head out of the park road cruising for snakes all the way of course. I only found one red rat and a bunch of frogs. I stoppe to investigate several trails and ponds on the way as well. I ended up being in the park from 8 a.m. until about 2 a.m. the next day.
The flight back to Ohio was depressing. We had to make an unexpected stop in S.C. because a sensor was not working? As we were landing the pilot said the fire trucks approaching us were just using us as practice. Suuuuure.
75 degrees when I left Florida, 33 degrees when I returned to Ohio.
Can't wait for the next fundraiser. Bruce said maybe around Chicago. Do they have crocs, gators and 80 degree weather there in February?
Eric Erb
