Orlando, Florida (2017)

An insane amount of duckweed in the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA. It's a spectacular natural phenomenon. Because the 1650-acre park acts as a man-made water reclamation facility that filters up to 40 million gallons of reclaimed water daily, these nutrient-rich waters create the perfect environment for rapid, lush green duckweed and giant duckweed growth. While the vibrant, neon-green carpet transforms the marshes into a striking landscape resembling the Everglades, the 'insane amount' of duckweed is actively managed. The park's management periodically dewaters specific cells and removes accumulated muck to maintain the wetland’s delicate ecological balance.

A tricolored heron looking around in the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA.

The tricolored heron is an active, slender wading bird native to Florida's coastal environments and freshwater marshes. With its distinctive slate-blue neck, white belly, and sharp, dagger-like bill, it is often seen dashing through the shallows of central Florida's swamps.

An anhinga (snake bird) stretching its wings in the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA.

An anhinga (or snake bird) seen spreading its wings wide is a common sight in the Florida wetlands. Because their feathers lack natural oils to repel water, these birds must sunbathe to dry their wings before taking flight. Known for their long, thin necks and dagger-like bills, anhingas get their nickname 'snake bird' from how they swim. While hunting for fish, they submerge their entire body underwater, leaving only their head and neck exposed above the surface to mimic a gliding snake.

A white heron and its reflection flying by while on a walk in the (Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA.

A white heron typically refers to any of several species of sleek, long-necked, and long-legged wading birds in the heron family (Ardeidae) that feature entirely white plumage. Biologically, white herons are often called egrets — birds historically hunted for their delicate breeding plumes.

Vultures waiting for their next meal is a classic sight at the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA. This 1650-acre man-made sanctuary features miles of trails where both turkey vultures and American black vultures gather in large numbers, often alongside alligators. Vultures are frequently seen perched along the dead trees, boardwalks, and wetland edges, often waiting for a meal to be provided by the local ecosystem or keeping a watchful eye on alligator feeding behaviors.

Orange County and park authorities maintain prominent 'Danger: Alligators and snakes in area' warning signs across the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA. These visual warnings direct visitors to stay away from the water, avoid feeding the wildlife, and remain vigilant. Because the 1650-acre man-made marsh features warm limerock trails that attract sunning gators, park rules strictly prohibit swimming and require hikers to keep a safe distance from the water's edge. Should an alligator not slip away when you approach on the trail, you are advised to alter your route.

We were in awe of the proud hawk on a tree while on a walk through the Orlando Wetlands Park near the town of Christmas in Florida, USA.

The majestic red-shouldered hawk kept a sharp, upright lookout from a mossy tree branch in the 1,650-acre wilderness sanctuary that is renowned for its diverse raptor populations and prime birdwatching opportunities. The red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) is a year-round resident in Florida and is frequently spotted along the park's Wetlands Boulevard and near Alligator Alley.

Looking outside from the main building at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in the city of Orlando, Florida, USA. The 50-acre semi-tropical botanical oasis is nestled right along the banks of Lake Rowena. The property blends sprawling lakeshore views with historic Southern charm. The outdoor landscape features ancient live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, paved winding pathways, and over 40 distinct plant collections.

We liked this sculpture of a fruit picker in the Harry P. Leu Gardens in the city of Orlando, Florida, USA. The 'fruit picker' refers to the long-reach telescopic picking poles used by staff and volunteers to harvest high-hanging produce in the edible and tropical fruit collections. The 50-acre botanical oasis features over 800 edible varieties, including mango, avocado, and citrus.

An Eastern black Swallowtail butterfly, spotted while having a walk around the Harry P. Leu Gardens in the city of Orlando, Florida, USA. It is a common, striking butterfly in Florida with a 66–90 mm wingspan. In the lush, sub-tropical environment of the 50-acre Harry P. Leu Gardens, these pollinators frequently feed on nectar plants like Pentas and native wildflowers in the butterfly garden.

We spotted this female anhinga while on a river cruise through the Blue Spring State Park in Florida, USA.

Female anhingas (Anhinga anhinga) are year-round residents of Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida. Distinct from males with their black plumage, female anhingas have elegant, pale tan or light brown heads, necks, and breasts. Often called 'snakebirds', they dive for fish and must frequently perch with their wings spread to dry their non-waterproof feathers.

A great blue heron patiently stalks the shallow, crystal-clear spring runs of Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, USA. Towering up to 1.4 meters tall, these majestic birds stand statue-like over the cypress-lined waters, waiting to rapidly strike fish with their dagger-like beaks. They are easily spotted while on a river cruise or along the park's famous Blue Spring boardwalk, which serves as a prime, elevated viewing platform to observe them hunting, preening, or folding their necks into an 'S' shape in flight.

At Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, aquatic turtles like the Peninsula Cooter and Florida Red-bellied Cooter are frequently seen hauling themselves up tree stumps and fallen logs. They do this to bask in the sun, which regulates their body temperature and promotes Vitamin D synthesis.

At Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Florida, little blue herons are frequently seen patiently stalking prey. While often wading, they will readily perch on exposed cypress knees or tree stumps along the spring run to scan the tannin-stained waters for small fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.

We loved the breathtaking sight of these gorgeous cypress trees while on a river cruise in the Blue Spring State Park, Florida, USA. Bald cypresses are uniquely adapted to wetlands. Their trunks flare at the base and their roots send up mysterious woody protrusions called 'knees' above the waterline, which help them breathe and anchor into soft, muddy soil.

Spotted this American purple gallinule while doing a river cruise in the Blue Spring State Park, Florida, USA. It is a vibrant marsh bird common to Florida's wetlands, often nicknamed the 'swamp hen' for its chicken-like appearance,

The Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier is withstanding the waves in the town of Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA. It's a historic landmark extending 245 meters into the Atlantic Ocean.

Heavy wooden pilings were driven deep into the ocean floor to absorb wave energy. Reinforced concrete jackets protect the base of the structures from sand erosion. The boardwalk is built high above the mean high-tide line to prevent swells from lifting the deck. The spacing between the wooden beams allows massive storm surges to flow through freely rather than knocking the pier down.