Alligator Farm rookery update
The rookery season at the Alligator Farm has officially begun! Due to our harsh winter, the birds have been arriving a little bit later than usual. The first Great egret pair usually arrives on or around Valentine's Day, but were only a few days late this year, showing up on the 17th. There are now 3 pairs in the rookery, with 2 pairs on eggs. The egrets should begin to arrive daily. The Wood storks, though, appear to be behind by about 2 weeks. They have been observed over the past week roosting in the rookery, but not quite yet "stimulated." Yellow and Black-crowned night herons are currently roosting in abundance. They will be gone within a month's time as the rookery becomes more chaotic. A good half-dozen spoonbills have been out sunbathing for the cameras for a month straight. One Green heron has been observed fishing in the swamp, but they do not begin nesting until ~April. Peak season is in May and the zoo averages ~400 nests!
For a rundown of the average flow of our rookery, check out www.alligatorfarm.com. Click on the "Your visit" tab, then "Photographers" for answers to any questions you may have plus the rookery schedule.
Gen Anderson
Bird & Mammal Curator
St. Augustine Alligator Farm
