Rookery Bay

Scientists come to the estuary and use this laboratory to conduct experiments and make tests to preserve and protect the mangrove and marine environment. Visitors can stand at these windows and watch the scientists work.

This cardinal is one of the birds seen on our May visit to the Reserve. The Reserve has also been designated as a National Audubon Sanctuary. The cardinal was photographed from a raised walkway between the educational building and the mangroves.

Small fiddler crabs seen from the raised walkway at Rookery Bay Estuary. At low tide the male fiddler crabs rise out of their holes in the mud and display their large claw to attract females.

An anole lizard was spotted displaying his dew lap. Another male animal trying to attracting a female. This lizard was also photographed from the raised walkway.

Tall dead tree shows signs of woodpecker activity by the large holes drilled in the trunk. We watched the tree for awhile hoping to see signs of an active woodpecker nest. But, although we could hear a woodpecker calling in the distance, we never caught sight of one.

One of several small aquaria that show the marine life of the Estuary.