Growling gators host hundreds of nesting birds at Gatorland
Mar 72011 Filed under: Gatorland, Video Posted by: Matt Roseboom
By Don Gworek
March is a great time to visit Gatorland and see native Egrets nesting and breeding among the growling alligators. Let’s take a look around and see the sights and hear the sounds at the park in the spring.
Gatorland has many natural ponds and marshes, and many birds build nests close to the walkways. Note the towers on the horizon. They are for a zip line attraction opening this summer.
Great egrets develop long lacy feathers during breeding season.
The lacy feathers may look ornamental, but really they are for trapping air and keeping their eggs warm in the nest.
You can see how the feathers spread over the entire nest, trapping a blanket of warm air.
Migrating birds have taken over these cypress trees.
Here’s a close-up of one of the trees.
Of course, alligators are still the stars of Gatorland. The video below shows some gators growling up a storm.
Three Theme Park Alternatives in Orlando
April 18th, 2011 at 7:31 am
[...] Located between Orlando and Kissimmee on the South Orange Blossom Trail, Gatorland has been in operation since 1949, when the first visitor entered through the park’s signature giant alligator jaws at the entrance. Here you can explore over 100 acres of parkland, be a trainer for the day, or take part in one of the educational programs. Gatorland is also a natural wildlife preserve and home to dozens of other species that nest and breed here during spring. [...]