“Behind the squaw’s light birch canoe
The steamer rocks and raves,
And city lots are staked for sale
Above old Indian graves.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
While Whittier was speaking of his native New England this verse is true of most of our country.
Quote found in Out of Doors in Florida by Charles Simpson Torrey.
The much easier life of the glossy ibis. In the 19th century they were viewed as “water turkeys” and purported to be good eating.
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” – Paulo Coelho
This fella is dreaming of a meal – I think I surprised him, it was interesting watching him look and smell trying to determine if I was a threat or not.
Quote found at http://addicted2success.com/quotes/12-stand-out-quotes-from-paulo-coelhos-amazing-book-and-fable-the-alchemist/
The wetlands have quieted down – most migrants are gone. However, I told folks on one of the tours Saturday how quiet things were and their response was “This is quiet?” They reminded me how important “fresh” eyes are. Thanks!
“Rest if you must, but never quit.” – John Greenleaf Whittier
Continuing with the Great Blue Heron, here is a younger sibling. They start life completely white, slowly changes colors over their first year. Often confused (by me) with egrets.
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/267703.John_Greenleaf_Whittier
Mom has done a good job here – nine ducks almost big enough to be on their own. The mottled duck is a Florida native.
“Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement.” – Mark Twain
Slightly different quote theme to go with my title. This is a regional reference, With one of our state university mascots being the gator (in fact the inventors of Gatorade), Georgia is a natural rival. So the title will surely make some cringe.
Back to nature, with a brief encounter I did notice the behavior of the Gerorgia alligators is altogether different than ours at the wetlands. Going to need to investigate.
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/paradox
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Just back from a week in Tennessee. Lots of pictures to sort through. Lots of history visited there – lots of sadness about the destruction of the old growth forests and treatment of the native Americans that the early settlers did. Much like what was done here in Florida only a century before. But first a visit the wetlands and see what’s happened there in a week.
Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/inspirational
“Conservation is now a dead word” – Marjory Stoneman Douglas
The above quote came from a 91 year old Marjory in the early 1980’s. Still trying to rally the troops to protect her beloved everglades. Perhaps our (Florida) legislators will listen to the will of the people and continue current conservation efforts.
Quote found at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/marjory_stoneman_douglas.html
“Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is” – German Proverb
These birds, while cautious were not afraid. Fortunately there were plenty of fish about. Alligators prefer fish since they are much easier to catch and deal with than birds.
We counted 8 alligators among the flock of over 150 birds feeding in this area.
Quote found at http://thinkexist.com/quotes/with/keyword/wolf/
Picture This by Frank 