We did some hiking along the river trail this morning and were on the lookout for feral pigs!!! But alas these are elusive creatures and we saw none.We bought tickets for the "Mayakka Maiden" super duper air boat and went for a tour on the lake after lunch. The guide told us about the birds we were seeing and about the pigs and alligators. They have a trapper that is on contract with the park to trap and remove feral hogs and the guide said that 1700 were caught this year. He said there are an estimated 2000 still roaming the park. The trapper is not paid but is allowed to sell the meat and keep his proceeds.
We were told that there are an estimated 600 alligators in the lake and that they live for thirty to thirty five years. Since it was overcast and windy we had a hard time finding any today. We did see a couple back at the weir where we took pictures on Wednesday.
Tomorrow we will be breaking camp and moving further south to the Port Charlotte area. The forecasts are for more sunshine and warmer temperatures. Here are the days pictures:
Hiking the river trail looking for critters
We found this wasp nest hiding in the Spanish moss. I remembered the one we got for Ben!
Florida acorns. They should call these beer nuts (Black and Tans)
We also found these magic mushrooms. Nancy couldn't get over the pink color.
Here's the Mayakka Maiden air boat. Powered by a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado engine.
Nancy was on alligator patrol.
Watching the shoreline for gators. We only saw one that was tucked against the bank.
The "snake bird" or Anhinga, it swims with only its head and long neck above the water
This is what the snake bird looks for as it swims. It catches fish then maneuvers them so it can swallow them whole!
The Great Blue Heron
I don't know what this one was? Anyone?
This is the air boat I want to ride next time!
Till next time.....
No comments:
Post a Comment