We started chores early. We lowered Fat Tuesday, went to the marina with garbage, did laundry, showered and ordered a grocery delivery by insta-cart. By 1130 we had this all done. We took everything back to the boat, ate lunch and set out on a walk to the alligator farm. We crossed the Bridge of Lions but the lions were missing from the St. Augustine side. Fiel and Firme have been removed to protect them while they restore the sea wall. They return in 2028. Pax and Peli still guard the other side.
We were more interested in birds than alligators but it all seemed thrilling. The staff at the marine center in Ponce had recommended this stop as a lot of the birds are nesting at this time. Also, I remember Annie and Jer visiting birds at an alligator farm in Key West. The theory is that the alligators keep the area free of bird and egg predators. A fledgling has to be careful as do adults on the ground,but other than that, it is a relatively protected nesting ground.
The alligator farm is pricey but they do research, capture dangerous man eating crocodiles, and breed several endangered crocodiles that they have successfully released into their natural habitats. Plus, after the two mile walk, we were going for it.
The swamp is the central exhibit and they have made a lovely boardwalk through it. Birders with large scopes and cameras and families all had room to enjoy the amazing scene. There were egrets, herons, spoonbills and storks nesting in the trees. Large gators patrolled the waters below or just lay motionless in the sun, some with their mouths open.
Birds were nested anywhere and everywhere. Some had chicks, some eggs and some were building. Many nests were hidden. Bird pairs split duties, one attending young or eggs, the other standing guard.
We walked through the swamp twice, we did not have time for a third trek.
The alligators and crocodiles were amazing too. We watched a feeding and they could move. Apparently they only need about 70 calories a day. They mostly lounge but they can move. A bird was eaten while we were there. It was so fast, there was nothing to see by the time we heard the splash.
The walk and the swamp made us thirsty. Somehow two drinks and an ice cream sandwich at the Toucantina set us back $27. I think we somehow bought cups that have a lifetime of refills.
We walked back to have tacos with Laura and Dan at The Osprey taco bar. They have been here since last week waiting on some boat parts. They feel like their motor is ready to go. They are staying at the Marker 8 marina which is open again. It is nice but current dependent requiring most entries and exits at slack tide.
Tomorrow it is still too rough in the oven for an outside passage but we can travel inside to Fernandina or St. Mary’s. We tried to arrange a meeting with Grace and Patrick and the girl’s but were unable to work it out. We hope to see them on their northern travels this summer.