Another year, the rookery is almost coming to an end but there are still plenty of newly hatched chicks to see. The numbers of nests are at least tripled this year due to the amount of rain we've been receiving. Heavy rain and storm also torn up part of the thick wood, left a few good openings for photography. The air surrounds the whole area are twice as thick with the smell of regurgitated fish.

Unlike most rookery found on the swamp area, the SWMC's rookery is one of kind. It's right in the middle of city, a small part that preserved for bird sanctuary. I was told it's property donated by a warm-hearted lady and now owned by SWMC. Due to the nature of its location, there are no threats from common preys such like gators or raccoon normally found on the swamp. The waders are much safer here and comfort enough to build nests few feet from the ground.

I found a few nests right on the alley. After numerous visits with slowly approached techniques, the chicks were slowly to get comforted with my presence. Some of you may found these too be too close but i tried to avoid damage or threats done to these nests as much as possible. I'm not proud to get a 15mm fish eye out of them but it was too tempting. If that make you feel better, my equipment and cloths were covered with wading's poop on several occasion, from my mouth, head to lens. It wasn't very tasty.