Though the Keys are a skinny set of islands, they are chock full of wonderful nature surprises. We recently visited the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center (@keepthemflying ) to see all the good work the organization is doing. It takes in hurt birds and either heals and releases them or takes care of them for their natural lives.
Nestled among the mangrove trees are cages (and the stories) of the current set of residents. In order they are short-tailed hawk, barn owl, broadwinged hawk, barred owl, ibis, Merlin and Harris’s hawk.
After seeing most of the birds, we make our way to Florida Bay and the conservation easement that protects much of the surrounding mangroves. Fry swim close to the shore while tiny crabs scurry about. There is a sign warning about crocodiles in the area. Walking the trail near the shore we see a line of recently trampled vegetation; a likely sign of a croc. Time to turn around.
