One of my favorite places to bird – or just walk – is a beautiful preserve with a very long name: The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat.
A lush, marshy wetland, with scenic views in every direction! Even on this very windy day, the Terns loved it (I think these are Forster’s Terns, but would be happy to be corrected).
Two long walking bridges, a large gazebo, and comfy benches along the curving, paved walkways make it a pleasure to bird, stroll, bike, or jog. Shhhh….and it’s never crowded!
Even this tiny Blue-gray Gnatcatcher flitting from branch to branch managed to hang on and not get blown away (- always hard to catch him facing the camera, though)!
Definitely worth a visit next time you are in Palm Beach County, Florida! ☀️
“The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat (Section 24) is a 365-acre rainwater storage area with nature trails and learning centers. It was built through a partnership between South Florida Water Management District and Wellington. In compliance with the 1994 Everglades Forever Act, rainwater from Wellington must be cleansed of phosphorus before it enters the Florida Everglades.” (Wellington Environmental Preserve)
Remind me about this spot when we are there😊 I went once ages ago, but can take Kathy this time!
Yes!! Wonderful spot. Hopefully I can go with you☀️
Exceptional post!
Exceptional destination!
Your words capture the essence!
Thank you, Berny…. Always a treat to go there with you☺️.
I love the gnatcatcher butt shot!
He’s one fast-moving little bird, Yaffa! 😊
Ten years ago, my best friend and I chaperoned our boy’s Boy Scout Troop to the High Adventure camp there in the Keys. Once they sailed off into the sunset, we had a week free to explore the Keys and Everglades. One of the wonderful places we went was Marjorie Stoneman Douglas. I remember being tremendously impressed. And that was in the summer! Your photos show why I should plan a return trip in the winter.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Amy! Marjory Stoneman Douglas was a real heroine for the Everglades and passionate advocate for Florida wildlife and nature. This location is an hour north of Everglades National Park. I was taught by a local NWR naturalist that the northernmost remaining parts of the Everglades are in Palm Beach County. The Wellington preserve is named after Stoneman Douglas and is a real tribute to her. Hope you get to visit sometime soon!
If I ever get to Palm Beach I’ll be sure to visit. Of course I need to get to Florida first which I never have. Nice to see a post from you.
It’s worth the trip! ☀️
Thanks for your comment…. Have to catch up, I’ve been away from WordPress since October.
Happy Hanukkah, Carol. Best of everything to you.
Thank you – same to you!
🙂
Another beautiful Florida habitat, and perfectly displayed by your post.
So glad you liked it. We are fortunate to have so many beautiful wetlands, parks and preserves in Florida.
Looks wonderful. Great locals too😊
And this was a rather quiet day because of the wind. I’ve seen American bitterns, Eastern meadowlarks, northern harriers, roseate spoonbills, hummingbirds, all manner of herons and egrets, and even a barn owl there in past visits.
Beautiful place. Hope to get there one day. 😊
I hope you do!
Most probably I will never come to Palm Beach County in Florida but I’m very happy that you shared this amazing post.
You never know…. 🙂
It’s a pleasure to share our beautiful preserves and wetlands. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderful preserve, luscious habitat! I just looked up where this was exactly, hubby & I just arrived to Everglades City. I’m overwhelmed AND having a blast trying to research all the places to visit from our ‘pivot point’ location! Your ‘Florida’ wildlife is awesome!!
Florida is absolutely filled with wonderful birding spots. The Great Florida Birding Trail website is a good place to check by region: https://floridabirdingtrail.com/
Enjoy!!!
Thank you very much for the weblink!!!