If you’re down my way a go-to spot for seeing Florida birds is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a man-made gathering, roosting and breeding spot for a variety of species.

As this photo shows, nesting involves a bit of wooing.

A pair of anhingas (AKA snakebirds), female on left. (Photo by Ron Haines)

Derived from a Seminole Indian phrase meaning “created waters,” the area was constructed by the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department next to an existing water treatment plant and about a mile from a regional water reclamation facility.

The project converted about 56 acres of former percolation ponds into a thriving wetlands habitat. Approximately two million gallons per day of highly treated reclaimed water is used to maintain the wetlands, which attracts an abundance of wildlife in a park-like setting.

It’s in western Boynton Beach on Jog Road.

Another wooing photo, and below the results of some earlier wooing.  (Photos by Ron Haines)

A very unusual sighting for me was this purple gallinule with a couple of chicks.  Sorry about the focus. (Photo by Ron Haines)

Saw lots of nesting wood storks, but it’s a bit too early for offspring.  I couldn’t see, but I am pretty sure there were eggs in the nests.  (Photo by Ron Haines)

Above are a marsh rabbit, a turtle, and of course an alligator, keeping an eye on his menu.  (Photos by Ron Haines)