Hiking around the Viera Wetlands

Out early and found the Bald Eagle nest but no activity in or around the nest. The nest is in a pine tree behind the Viera Fire Station. On to the Wetlands which is still closed to vehicular traffic--walk in only is allowed currently due to rain damage on the dirt road surrounding the Wetlands. I put my big lens on a modified 3 wheel golf cart ($25.00 at WalMart), carried my tripod and back up camera and lens and walked in to the Wetlands. Had the place all to ourselves. We had three Caracara posing as well as one feeding on a turtle, all at fairly close range. A pair of SandHill Cranes were walking near the road with their very small chick and allowed us to get close. The Least Bitterns were everywhere, flying from one hiding spot to another but they were too quick for me. A special treat was when an otter came out of the pond on the bank near me as I was shooting the Caracaras. I managed to swing over and grab a few shots before he ran back in to the water. Dozens of Roseate Spoonbills were sitting in a tree in the pond but the light was getting harsh by 11:00 as we were leaving. Lots of Moorhens and chicks and the usual Egrets, Herons and a few Osprey. There were several Black Bellied Whistling Ducks flying around the pond and sitting on the shore. Saw an Osprey eating a fish as we were leaving . Going to try to go back for evening light and hopefully dodge the thundershowers that are currently happening. Evaluating the quality of the images will have to wait for the bigger computer at home but the memories of the morning are outstanding regardless.