Farewell Tour, Part 3, Section b

The second part of our trip to Florida’s Panhandle included a visit to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Though the usual abundant ducks were not there, we did see abundant birdlife.

Vermillion Flycatcher. We photographed him at the same spot a year ago.

Immature Vermillion Flycatcher, also a male

Short-billed Dowitchers, distinguished from Long-billed Dowitchers by their shorter bills

Redheads (also aptly named)

 

Great Egret, snacking

Tricolored Heron

Gators are part of the Florida experience.

Those red spots that look like acne are ladybugs.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Butterbutt is what they call it in the South)

The American Coot, like the Butterbutt, is fairly common but cool to look it. It's purpose on Earth is to feed Bald Eagles.

Brown Pelican

American White Pelicans, differing from Brown Pelicans by being white. And larger.

Kim says these youngsters are learning to use their bills.

There are a number of names for a group of pelicans, none very good. I challenge you to come up with one. A brief of Pelicans?

We stayed one night at Wakulla Springs Lodge in Wakulla Springs State Park, just south of Tallahassee. Built in the 1930s by financier Edward Ball, the building is relatively unchanged.

The lobby ceiling features painting of local wildlife scenes that combines European folk art, intricate Arabic scroll work, and Native American influences.

The world's longest known marble bar, at 70 feet 3 inches, is in the Soda Fountain. Eight pieces were cut from one block of marble and "face matched" so the grain pattern flows smoothly.

Now a swimming area, the springs are where "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" and several Tarzan movies were filmed. Boat tours on the river take you to manatees and abundant bird life.

Wakulla Springs - a great place for a family reunion.