Snail Hunter

Spent an hour this morning at Sweetwater Wetlands Park here in Gainesville. Much of that time was watching 15-20 female Boat-tailed Grackles (and one male) searching the undersides of the water lily leaves for Apple Snails. Once a snail was discovered it was carried to a large pad, dug out of it's shell and eaten...sans the drawn butter I must report. When I returned to take some more shots before I left...they were all gone! Moved on to the next course, I assume! I also was fortunate to see a mother Limpkin (check the 'extra') and her FIVE chicks. Unusual to see such a large family especially in an area like this where there are many predators. The mother Limpkin would hunt for an Apple Snail by the waters edge then take it back and feed it to her chicks. It was wonderful to watch!

 *** Here's a link to the Breast Cancer Awareness Site that will provide a free mammogram to a woman in need for every click on the pink bar.  Please take a minute for a great cause. And please pass it on! ***