White birds in the morning
May 11, 2015 -- We call it a “white bird event.” It happens occasionally, when the tides are just right, and when the freshwater levels are low. Because the rainy season has not quite started, this often occurs in May or June. A “white bird event” is when we are awakened by dozens, sometimes a hundred or more, white birds who are noisily squawking and feeding in the pond in our back yard. Not all of the birds are white. We see the occasional blue heron and immature ibis participating in these feasts. Once, we even saw an alligator swim right through the middle of the gathering, not even pausing for a bite. Last night, after sunset, we heard a little alligator out there in the pond snapping away at fish. When the water levels are low, the pond is teaming with fish. The water is so thick with fish that we decided to name it Chowder Pond. Chowder Pond is long and narrow, so it looks like a creek or bayou that goes somewhe...