Southwest Florida did not escape the frigid weather other places in the nation and world have been experiencing lately. There are reports out about thousands of fish and wildlife dying or suffering from the sustained cold and freezing temperatures–a cold spell longer than we’ve had in many years. I had planned for this post to be about Roseate Spoonbills having fun but under the circumstances, I decided to post a picture of vibrant activity at the rookery. I’m not sure if the Great Blue Heron baby chicks survived the freezes but as of Monday, January 11 this was what I saw:
[caption id="attachment_1444" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption=""For me??? Oh, ya shunnnt hev!""]
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It is some consolation to know that romance, presenting and nest building is not only surviving but going at a feverish pitch at the Venice rookery. I’ll keep you posted on these gorgeous birds over the next weeks and I’ll be back in a few days to talk about the Rosies and their antics. Meanwhile, wherever you are, keep a warm hearth and heart going. 
