Green Heron on the Nest

I photographed this nesting Green Heron at Blue Hole last week on Big Pine Key.

I was on my way to Key West and was lucky to get these pictures of the Green Heron on the nest.

There are many places in the Florida Keys to see wildlife in their natural environment.

John Pennekamp State Park

Pennekamp State Park is all about the water, they have all these great waterways that are wonderful places to take a kayak or canoe. The park is over 50 years old.

The waters around Key Largo are crystal clear making Pennekamp State Park a great place to go boating or snorkel or do anything water related.

Dotted in the water all over the Florida Keys are these uninhabited island that are great to explore, this one at Pennekamp State Park is an example of the larger ones.

This rocky beach is part of the beautiful scenery waiting to be explored at the popular Florida State Park, or you can just spread out a towel and enjoy the sun. Pennekamp State Park is all about the water - talk about what you can do famous for snorkeling and scuba diving, canoeing and boating.

Feeding Tarpon at Robbie’s of Islamorada

If you’ve been in the Florida Keys and haven’t visited Robbie’s of Islamorada you’re missing out on a view of tarpon that all Florida Keys fishermen dream of. It’s the scene of a 100 lb. tarpon jumping straight up with gills flaring and head a shakin.

And you get to see it very close up, while you feed the tarpon by hand. That’s me while I’m starting to look at the camera, the tarpon is about to inhale the small frozen Spanish sardine that Robbie’s sells to unsuspecting Islamorada tourists.

Robbie’s also has a nice little bar and a restaurant that serves local seafood. There’s an open air market with art, jewelry, clothing and other tropical necessities. Fishing charters can take you to catch your own tarpon and snorkel charters will take you to the reef for a complete day on the water.

Crystal Clear Water of Bahia Honda Key

The crystal clear water of Bahia Honda Key offers some of the best snorkeling places in the Florida Keys. The State Park offers camping, canoe and kayak rentals, boat tours and more.

Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key

The National Key Deer Refuge is about 8,500 acres and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. One place in particular that’s easy to find is Blue Hole lake, an abandoned rock quarry used for fill on the Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad.

Spotting Key Deer

Blue Hole lake is one of the best places to see Key Deer on Big Pine Key as well as other species.

The endangered Key Deer found primarily in the Florida Keys is a species threatened by habitat destruction and auto collisions.

Crocodiles

Crocodiles are much less common in South Florida than the American Alligator. I was lucky to get a picture of this one at Blue Hole.

Iguanas

Iguana’s are an invasive species in South Florida yet cause few problems and are a thrill to watch.

Blue Hole is located on Key Deer Blvd.