While the weather has been rather chilly lately, it hasn’t stopped a few pairs of Great Egrets from making nests. At this point we have 4 sitting pairs along the Northwestern boardwalk and several more pairs building along the east bank across from the North Gazebo. Hundreds of White Ibis are arriving nightly to roost within the Breeding Marsh along with smaller numbers of Little Blue & Tricolored Herons, Snowy & Cattle Egrets, as well as Anhingas and Cormorants. The Great Blue Herons are plentiful but have shown no interest in nesting. Several Woodstorks are within the Breeding Marsh, but there is no sign of any nest construction. The Limpkin is very active throughout the day, fishing for freshwater mollusks and calling for its mate. The Spoonbills are around, but do not spend any consistent time in the Marsh, preferring to hang around the South Lake just south of the flamingos. Night Herons have been active throughout the day, and can be found around the North Lake as well as in the Breeding Marsh.

Gatorland’s “Dawn to Dusk” extended hours program will begin Wednesday, February 3, 2010 with Breeding Marsh only access 7:30am - Dusk every Wednesday through Sunday. The “Dawn to Dusk” extended hours will run through Saturday, July 31, 2010. (Dusk exit times vary depending upon time of year).

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