This amazing wildlife event took place late this afternoon at Wakadahatchee Wetlands. At first it was thought that this lizard on top had gabbed himself a female and that mating was taking place. However after just a few minutes it became a little unclear to me. The larger 14 inch lizard appeared to be holding the one beneath and then, eventually picked it up by the neck and aggressively and also dramatically, disappeared with it's prey in to the undergrowth. A bit of research led me to the Jesus lizard, named because when threatened it has the ability to run on water. A great sighting and the highlight  of the day. I am yet to identify the unfortunate lizard prey.

This morning saw me first thing, at John U Lloyd State Park where, after negotiating an aggressive and very unfriendly ticket collector………….. in uniform of course, but so very rude……….. I took my place on the beach to wait for the Ospreys to come and hunt. One did, successfully,  but I am not sure I got better images than on other days. You judge.

As soon as I arrived though, a Semi-Palmated Plover gave me some really good views and I really made the most of it. This bird is not an adult and has been in the same location for a couple of days. The surf was pounding and spume filled the air as you can see.

Back to the Wetlands, and perhaps a few of the best photos of a Grackle, always very photogenic and I like them even though I am told by numerous local people that they are "boring" or a nuisance. Again………………….. you judge!!!!!

………………. and now another common favourite, Ahningha.

 

But perhaps this bird highlight of the day was these Whistling Ducks who perched right next to me on the boardwalk.