Ft Lauderdale area

Tuesday Dec 29, 2015: we headed out at about 6:30 for the east coast.  We stopped a few times looking for the Snail Kite (would be a new bird for us) but did not find one.  Our check engine light came on yesterday so we stopped at the Ford dealership in Miami.  We lucked out.. they only have one diesel bay and it was empty!  took about one hour from the time we drove into the shop until we drove out.. no charge as it was under warranty..  

Off to:

there were a lot of Canadians enjoying the park today

including a wedding on the beach

 hmmm.. not sure what this is...

too hot.. needed ice cream

Eric had to dive into the Atlantic ocean..  I got my ankles wet..

after checking into our hotel we headed out for dinner.

great dinner at 101 Ocean.  we had some appetizers and beer.  it was really good with a very good wait person..  

Wed Dec 30:  out early to the beach..  

we took a 4+ mile walk on the beach 

not sure what these two are...

got settled in at our spot by 10:30  it was a bit cloudy but warm

great day on the beach.  not too crowded, hot or noisy.  I did go into the water almost to my shoulders and no shoes...  I survived...  

we headed back to our hotel after about 8 hours on the sand, long showers and walked to dinner at a local bar and grill.  great appetizers, rib rolls, great rib meat and cheese wrapped and deep fried like an egg roll.  very very good..

New Years eve day Dec 31:  we headed out early.  Met a fellow birder that told us where to go and where to look for specific birds.. and it payed off!  we got 6 new birds today!!!

not sure what this is but cute..

Blue Crowned Parakeet 

Red Masked Parakeet

Spot Breasted Oriole

three of our New birds we seen today!!  what a way to end the year..  

Campfire, drinks, snacks and fun conversation with fellow volunteers ended our year.