Day 34 Captiva

 Early up this morning at 6:30. Sunny but cool at 54 degrees here but 24 at home with snow. We left about 8:30 to go to a lecture at Ding Darling.  Although it started at 10,  the room would fill up quickly and you have to be early to get a seat.  The space was completely filled by 9:15. Kevin Karlson, a birder, tour leader, and a wildlife photographer,  gave a presentation on birds of prey.  He began with a video by Pete Dunne who wrote Birds of Prey. He showed many great slides of all kinds of raptors including those in the book and had many stories to share.  Also, in attendance were Don and Lillian Stokes in the audience.

After the talk,  we took a walk on Indigo Trail out to the Wildlife Education Boardwalk.

The alligator was there but no signs of the nesting yellow-crowned night herons that we saw on our earlier visit.  We did see Ibis, Blue Heron, Anhinga and  2 green herons who supposedly are building a nest.

Alligator from different views:

Green Heron sitting near Alligator:

More of the Green Herons:

We returned to the cottage and had lunch of chicken salad and iced tea on the porch.

We spent time at the pool while the cottage was cleaned by Edguardo and Norma. 

Dinner tonight at The Mad Hatter restaurant ....one of our long time favorites.  Reservation for 5:00 for a window table  so we had a great view of the gulf.   Al ordered glasses of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir.  He had the Caesar Salad with Italian White Anchovies and I had Spiced Watermelon salad with Arugula, Pine Nuts, Mint, and Feta Cheese.  We should have shared a salad....one was enough for 2.  Al dined on Short Ribs braised in red wine and served with horseradish sauce and truffle yucca fries.  I enjoyed Florida Gulf Shrimp served over goat cheese grits with roasted red pepper cream.  Both dinners served with fresh asparagus.  We finished by sharing Espresso Crème Brulee for dessert.  Excellent dinner!   We watched the sunset from the parking lot as we left. 

 Pictures from internet:

Quote from website:

The food is divine, the view is spectacular

and the experience is unforgettable."