The Swamp was pretty devastated from the horrendous fires that burned for a couple of months last summer. You may wonder how a fire can burn through a swamp? Due to the drought it was dry! We were told it is still down several feet. Going through on the boat ride through the swamp was indeed a little dicey because the water was so low
The Water is almost pitch black. Our very colorful swamp boat captain demonstrated its healthful qualities by scooping out a glassful, reminding us that it looked like ice tea and then proceeded to drink it. YUK! he offered me some...you can guess my response :-)
We went to a critter show which really was a snake and alligator show. This guy was REALLY a character. I loved his snakes. We got to get up close and personal with each of them and were able to touch them to feel the differences in their scaly skins. We had to keep our hands in our laps for the immature alligators he pulled out for us to see (1yr to 4 yr old)
There were a couple of walkways through the swamp that you could take. These guys were looking like they were just waiting for a slight misstep by one of us.... while they were sunning themselves, of course.
You know me and birds. I believe this was an injured Harris hawk... I know it looks like a redtail, but I think it is too dark for that.
Old Roy meet a peaceful end to his long life last year and they decided to stuff him and put him on display.
You can see here how low the swamp still is as well as the results from the fire. The trees are all fairly blackened and the underbrush has not quite grown back. I am very glad we visited in winter as I only got about 5 no seeum bites. Also our swamp boat guide said the 5 types of poisonous snakes that live in the swamp were all still hibernating otherwise they would be giving us quite a show as they "are everywhere". Believe it or not, lots of black bear live in the swamp as well.
We went to a critter show which really was a snake and alligator show. This guy was REALLY a character. I loved his snakes. We got to get up close and personal with each of them and were able to touch them to feel the differences in their scaly skins. We had to keep our hands in our laps for the immature alligators he pulled out for us to see (1yr to 4 yr old)
There were a couple of walkways through the swamp that you could take. These guys were looking like they were just waiting for a slight misstep by one of us.... while they were sunning themselves, of course.
You know me and birds. I believe this was an injured Harris hawk... I know it looks like a redtail, but I think it is too dark for that.
Old Roy meet a peaceful end to his long life last year and they decided to stuff him and put him on display.
You can see here how low the swamp still is as well as the results from the fire. The trees are all fairly blackened and the underbrush has not quite grown back. I am very glad we visited in winter as I only got about 5 no seeum bites. Also our swamp boat guide said the 5 types of poisonous snakes that live in the swamp were all still hibernating otherwise they would be giving us quite a show as they "are everywhere". Believe it or not, lots of black bear live in the swamp as well.
4 comments:
nice photos! What are no see them bites?
No see 'ems are nasty little bugs that you can't see that bite you and leave similar to mosquito bites. They are a little smaller (on me) but they still itch.
What fun!
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