In Search of...

East Coast Diamondback Terrapins.

Daytona Beach to Melbourne part 2

This probably wasn't the best time to go looking for Diamondbacks. Early May and it was very dry and already too hot. Fires in the Volusia area shut down portions of I95 over a couple of days. Though most of the fires were out this day, the air was heavy with smoke from the fires that were still burning miles away. Death and the promise of death's coming were evident everywhere I went. Though I didn't catch even a hint of Malaclemys this day, I included the pictures as they are a snapshot of the natural cycles of weather and life.

A group of Black Vultures Coragyps atratus, like this one, and Turkey Vultures Cathartes aura were stripping this squirrel and other dead animals in the area.

This Florida Softshell Apalone ferox was struck on the road, most likely while searching for water.

This tiny amount of water contained two adult Alligators Alligator mississippiensis and at least 14 babies. I didn't think much of their chances for survival the day I was there. However, it did begin raining two days after my visit. I think they probably made it this time.

Two of the little ones.

The dwindling water wasn't bad for everyone. A Green Heron Butorides striatus taking advantage of the concentrated fish.

This Alligator was as submerged as it could get in this puddle. Its tracks leading to this water were visible for well over a mile.

At the appropriately named Manatee viewing area you can occasionally see Manatee and...

...Dolphins.

No Diamondbacks here, but an amazing mix of birds. Roseate Spoonbills Ajaia ajaja, Great Egrets Ardea alba, a Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor, Snowy Egrets Egretta thula, and Glossy Ibises Plegadis falcinellus.

Close up of Roseate Spoonbills.

Kennedy Space Center

Atlantic Stingray Dasyatis sabina. It is a good idea to watch where you walk.

The search continues on Page 3.