Lunch Bunch

Wednesday, we got up at relatively o’dark hundred to go to Orlando Wetlands with the goal of Betsy seeing roseate spoonbills. Mission definitely accomplished. As we walked along the boardwalk, we saw newly hatched common gallinules, tiny, tiny, being fed by parents. So cute, flapping their minuscule wings and begging. Further along, slightly older ones were still begging, but walking on the water lilies within ridiculously big feet, also finding their own food.

At the far end of the boardwalk, much larger wood stork babies clamored. We didn’t see any parents around, but did see an anhinga feeding her 3 babies, which were as big as she was. Time for those to start fishing for themselves, in my opinion. As we turned back, a fledged spoonbill and parent flew over and landed in a tree right next to us. Much clacking of bills, the mom coughed up a treat for her offspring. I think I’d rather be that species, than an anhinga, having my babies poke their sharp beaks down my throat.

But the best was seeing an alligator with an anhinga in its mouth. We missed the actual grab, but I looked over just as it was tossing it partially down its throat. We hurried over to that spur of the board walk. (I figured out the gates on each end of the board walk, not there when we last come, were to keep the gators off. The gates pull, not push, to open. Hard with those little reptile claws.)

With an anhinga leg sticking out either side of its mouth, the gator was rested on the bank. Surrounding it, black vultures looked like they were daring each other to grab a toe. One would approach, the gator would make a slight move, and the vulture would hop back out of range. The turkey vultures hung back, watching. We watched until a man approached down the trail. Instantly, the gator was gone.

On to Cocoa Beach, where I released my last stock of sea beans, mostly heart shaped mucuna, some hamburger beans, and a few sea purses. I had saved them from our extensive collections when I took all of our shells to the Fort Lauderdale beach to find their way home. Time to let them go. I resisted the urge to pick up a couple of shells. I still have a large vase with shells, sea beans, and other found objects from our beach-combing days. That is staying for now.

We had lunch at Squidlips. Meh, my salad was good, but my mahi-mahi was way over cooked. The day was cloudy and rainy, so we ate inside rather than on the water, double meh.

Friday, another almost early rise, this time to go to Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Like the wetlands, the alligators were out in force. Black neck stilts had babies, and at one nest, a small gator threatened. The parents noticed, quickly raised a fuss, and moved their chicks out of striking range. Driving along the lakefront, I thought I spotted a phoebe feeding 2 young, but EBird was negative about that identification. I figured out it was an Eastern Kingbird. Still a treat.

We drove over to Plant City and picked up Peg for lunch at the relatively new Strawberry Bakery and Cafe, really a diner with American, Mexican, and Cuban influence. Roast chicken, beef stew, mac’n cheese, yucca, etc. Good, but only ordering at the counter and using plastic takeout dishes for service. I’m unlikely to return.

Betsy stayed with Peg. We drove home with the easiest trip we’ve ever had on I4. At least for the next few years, until the next round of construction starts, that road is bearable.