Jan. 29, 2016---continued again---Wakodahatchee Wetlands:

We drove about 3 or 4 miles from Green Cay to Wakodahatchee Wetlands where there was a  policeman or security guard directing traffic  for parking.  He sent us up one way and everyone behind us another way where they all got parked and into the wetlands while still waited for a parking spot.  At least we were close to the start of the boardwalk when someone finally moved.  

These man made wetlands were designed to recycle highly-treated wastewater from the county’s Southern Region Water Reclamation Facility. It also provides approximately 50 acres of freshwater marsh habitat for wetland species. A 3/4 mile elevated boardwalk weaves it's way through the wetlands.

 A lone Roseate Spoonbill and a lone Wood Stork.

a Florida Softshell

 another view of him

 another flying tri colored heron

Common Yellow Throat Warbler.

 great blue herons kissing---or fighting.

 still at it.

 more along the walkway

great blue heron

 the Great Blue Heron "cooing" to the sky.  Almost sounded like a dog howling.

 Just another view of him with his long plumage.

 a cattle egret.

 a couple Cormorants on their nests.

 a young green iguana

 a red winged blackbird.

 the young green iguana again.

 wood stork

 blue winged teal

 yellow rumped warbler or vireo?

 yellow rumped warbler?

 weird water lily flower

 a marsh rabbit. 

 another alligator

 Wood stork and black bellied whistling ducks.
Heading back towards the entrance

 assortment of birds in the trees.

one more wide angle of Wakodahatchee wetlands.  Can't wait to go back again!

Jan. 29, 2016---continued---Green Cay:

While wandering around the Peaceful Waters, we talked with other folks.  Several of them said we should go to Green Cay, too, which was about 5 minutes away from Wakodahatchee, so we revised our plans for the day and dropped going to Mounts Garden so that we'd have time for both Green Cay and Wakodahatchee.  Both were well worth seeing and like Peaceful waters, they're free!
First came Green Cay----
 Green Cay Nature Center is Palm county's newest nature center that overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat. The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animals.

a little butterfly garden leading up to the Nature Center.  Too cold for any butterflies today, though.  It only got up to about 60 degrees today.

 From the Nature Center looking out over the lake.

 Some people near us were excited to see these.  They said these are lesser scaup ducks.

 a Florida cooter

 more views along the boardwalk.

 looking back towards the main entrance

 another Florida cooter

more of the extensive boardwalk.

 some wild flowers

more wild flowers around the wetlands---they had it listed as something with "weed" in the name.

 ibis flying in

 more of the wetlands

 I believe this is a Pied-Billed Grebe.  Looked like a baby duck.

 a female Grackle?

 American Redstart?

 pretty sure this is an alligator!

American Coot

The alligator turned his head a little bit.

 an anhinga

 cypress knees

 an ibis up to it's knees in cypress knees

 a 2nd alligator

 a moorhen also known as a common gallinule

tri colored heron

snowy egret

 looking across at the meandering boardwalk.

 fall colors in south florida!

 wild flowers in the wetlands.

 more little wild flowers in the wetlands.

 Looking over towards the Nature Center from the boardwalk.

 Gazebo in the boardwalk.

 wide angle of Green Cay looking back towards the Nature Center.

 Reddish Egret?

 more coots

continuing along the path

 another pavilion.

 a Green Heron

 more of the scenic byway

 They even had these little bird houses on a pole.

 a tri color heron intent on getting dinner.

 still working on it.

 Yellow rump warbler

 some sort of snake curled up on the leaves

 Back at the Nature Center there was a group of people painting.  They were really good!

 inside the center there was an exhibit with some baby gators in it.

And that was it for Green Cay.  I will be back!