Last Vacation Picture - Tomorrow Back to Work

Mrazek Pond, The Everglades

I remember once standing at Mrazek Pond and looking down to see a five foot alligator three feet from me. Stepped back quickly. Another time I saw a nice wood duck there, male - again, right at my feet.

This time there were blue winged teal, a white pelican, great blue heron, great egret, white ibis, yellow crowned night heron, tri-colored heron and coots (as I recall).

Also the nastiest little gnats in the grass nearby. They are there every time.

Mrazek Pond is famous for bird feeding frenzies when the dry season starts and all the fish in pond become concentrated. I have never seen it but here is a picture of a number of egrets.



Saw a number of beautiful great egrets - with their bridal veil flamage on their backs. The very feathers that almost made them extinct form hunting to feed demand for fashionable lady's hats at the turn of the 20th century. The great egret is the symbol for the Audubon Society. A favorite yet common bird. I have painted a few.

Tomorrow I go back to work - LIRR train and subway. Phone calls and work emails and meetings and time sheets. Not sure when I will have time for a good cup of coffee.