Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper sends in another nominee for Florida's Special Places, this time from inside Everglades National Park, near the Tamiami Trail. Eric learned about this special place after a visit with a supporter. Together, we can teach others about Florida and help spread the word of these incredible natural places. We want to hear from you - send in short narratives, photos or videos about the places in Florida that are special to YOU. Go to our Facebook Page or email your content to Jonathan Webber.

Enjoy:

Frank Hawkins and his wife love seeing Everglades National Park from Tamiami Trail.  Frank says the loop road is loaded with wildlife.  He pulled off near one of the control structures that moves water from the water conservation area to the park and took this wonderful image of feeding spoonbills, a white ibis and a snowy egret feasting in the shallow water.

Managing fresh water flows is critical to the success of Everglades restoration.  Much of Everglades National Park is parched from too little water and wading birds populations have plummeted.  Roseate Spoonbills are one of the birds used as ecological indicators of restoration.  From Audubon’s perspective Everglades restoration will be a success when the great flocks and colonies of wading birds once again populate the river of grass.