We took a trip to Pelican Island, Sebastian, FL
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located just off the western coast of Orchid Island in the Indian River Lagoon east of Sebastian, Florida. The refuge consists of a 3-acre (12,000 m2) island that includes an additional 2.5 acres (10,000 m2) of surrounding water and is located off the east coast of Florida of the Indian River Lagoon. Established by an executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt on March 14, 1903, Pelican Island was the first national wildlife refuge in the United States. It was created to protect egrets and other birds from extinction by plume hunters.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge holds hundreds of species of animals including birds, fish, plants, and mammals. The wetlands of Pelican Island are a major ecological system supporting the huge biological diversity. Fifteen federally listed threatened and endangered species live in Pelican Island NWR and around Indian River Lagoon. Of the endangered species, West Indian Manatees and sea turtles occupy parts of the lagoon. Around the lagoon in the refuge are two Wood Stork refuges. These birds along with other wading birds that nest on the island thrive on the tremendous fish population. Pelican Island is home to many nesting birds including Brown Pelicans, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Reddish Egrets, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, American White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, and American Oystercatcher.
Thanks for all the kind comments, my friends :)
Tomorrow will be my Wordless Sunday again - stay tuned...
Susanne
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