March 27, 2022 - St. Marks NWR

Here’s another set of photos from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Florida.

Although I have plenty of Alligator photos, I always end up taking a few more at St. Marks NWR. When the sun is out, you can usually find some Alligators sunning themselves on the banks of the various pools.

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Here’s an Anhinga posing on the branch of a tree. The light brown feathers on its head and neck indicate it is either a female or a young male. An adult male would have all black feathers on its neck and head, but it doesn’t molt into that plumage until its third year.

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This sullen-looking creature is a Reddish Egret. It was resting on an island in one of the refuge pools.

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Snowy Egrets are a common sight in the refuge. This flight shot gives a good view of its “golden slippers.” Also note the yellow stripe running up the back of its legs.

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Fish are an important part of a Snowy Egret’s diet. This one was chasing around trying to catch something to eat.

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The Egret was eventually successful, catching a nice-sized fish. In Minnesota we would call this a Sunfish, but I think it’s called a Bream in the South.

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This colorful leaf is from a vine growing in the refuge.

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