O.K. I miss my swamp!

It's been awhile since we visited St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  We miss our swamp.  With the possibility of seeing alligators around each bend, every visit is an adventure.

A Florida Softshell Turtle in a Private Moment

When you visit St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, you are visiting the animals in their home.  You sometimes catch them in their private moments.  At least, the sometimes choose to have their private moments right by the road in front of God and everybody.  This Florida Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox) has either discovered a high fiber cereal like Kashi or is laying eggs in a depression on the side of Lighthouse Road.  These turtles are almost entirely aquatic, but they emerge from the water to bask or lay eggs.

Florida Softshell Turtle at St. Marks NWR

All along the watch tower in St. Marks NWR

If you go all the way down light house road in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, you'll find the lighthouse and a little observation tower.  It's a cool place to catch a breeze, watch a sunset, or look down on the canal running though the nearby impoundment and marsh.  It's also a good place to take the dog.  He won't get eaten and he won't try to eat anybody when he's up in the tower.

Observation Tower at St. Marks NWR

My Favorite Swamp - St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge

My favorite alligator habitat is St. Mark's National Wildlife Refuge.  It lies along the Gulf Coast just south of Tallahassee, Florida, and it is one of the best places in the eastern United States for viewing birds and wildlife.  It's also has magical sunsets!

Sunset at St. Marks NWR

If you'd like to take a virtual tour, check out my slideshow here:

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Near Tallahassee, Florida

Welcome to the Gator's Den!

Welcome to the Gator's Den! Throughout my life I've enjoyed visits to Okeefenokee Swamp, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Paynes Prairie, and other alligator habitats.  Through this blog, I get to share a bit of what I've learned over the years!

Coming Home in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge