Purple Galinule

Purple Galinule at Shark Valley, The Everglades - a good bird, but a mediocre photo. It was at entrance and one of very few birds we saw mid day in Shark Valley. Saw more birds that day outside the park than inside.



Everyone goes to the Everglades to see alligators. Not moi. Most Floridians who go to the Everglades are into fishing or boating. Saw more German tourists there than any other nationality.

Outside of Shark Valley we saw two Everglades specialties - the endangered Snail Kite and the Limpkin. Both have a diet of apple snails. We had views of both male and female snail kites, the male - gray as pictured below - flew very close.

Male is slate grey - female is brown for better camoflauge when on the nest.

Limpkins can hide incredibly well. That day we saw at least three, two were flying.