Emeralda Conservation Area

Hi All,

Emeralda Conservation Area is about 40 miles south of Salt Springs. The birding was excellent as we hiked 4 miles along the top of the dike. Lots of raptors including bald eagles, red tailed and red shouldered hawks and osprey. We also heard a barred owl calling. One of the highlights was a flock of cedar waxwings. On the way into the area we passed an alligator sunning himself down in the Ditch. 

On the way back out of the area, we found that the alligator had climbed up on to the road. 

Since the only alternate route would be about 6 miles and we could stay on the other side of the road about 8 feet from the gator, we decided to calmly walk past. He watched us but did not move.

Love 
Sandy & Carl

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone