
Rosiette spoonbill Photos by Judy Hushon
Rookery Bay is part of the 10,000 Islands that consist almost entirely of mangroves. This is the largest growth of mangroves in the western hemisphere! During Irma, many lost some leaves but they are growing back in a lovely “new” green color. The mangroves that grow closest to the water are the red mangroves with the characteristic prop roots and air roots hanging down. They are the real storm barriers because they are so resilient to waves and wind. Behind the red mangroves are the black mangroves and white mangroves. Their names are derived from the color of their bark. In the late spring, they release propagules that can float in the salt water for up to a year before taking root.

Herons are a familiar sight at Rookery Bay.
Our bald eagle pair in Hall Bay are in evidence and may be shoring up their nest after the storm as well as adding new lining and extra sticks to replace any that were lost. They usually raise a pair of chicks and typically lay their eggs in early December with the chicks hatching about a month later.

Black mangroves: The name is derived from the color of the bark.
Depending on whether it is a lunch cruise or a sunset cruise the itinerary shifts slightly. The lunch cruise makes its way south to Isles of Capri for a lunch at Pelican Bend then back to the dock. The sunset cruise goes out to the Rookery Islands and waits for the thousands of birds that nest on these tiny islands to come in to roost just before sunset.

A pair of bald eagles
Book your cruise on the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Good Fortune II at www.conservancy.org/goodfortune. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Dr. Judith Hushon is a Conservancy of Southwest Florida Board Member and Volunteer.

Red mangroves with the characteristic prop and air roots.
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