Oh – Cay!

Actually, it’s FAR more than okay!

American Alligator, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Last week I filled you in on the glories of Wakodahatchee Wetlands. As if this natural paradise was not enough, it’s only 2.2 miles away from an equally incredible preserve: Green Cay Nature Center.

Just make a right, left, left and right. Better yet, check it out on Google Maps.

Great Egret, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Green Cay features at 1.5-mile boardwalk broken into two sections – a one-mile track and a half-mile option, both touring 100 acres of wetland habitat. At the entrance, a Nature Center serves as a perfect welcoming location with a small gift shop, information center and interpretive exhibits.

Cattle Egret, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

It’s another surprise in a spot where you wouldn’t expect such a preserve, which is what I’ve learned over the years of visiting.  Dismiss your perceptions -- southern Florida is full of surprises!

Little Blue Heron, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Again, photos offer a better picture (pun intended) than words can ever offer…

Green Heron, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Florida Softshell Turtle, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Blue-winged Teal, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Eastern Phoebe, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

American Bittern, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Pied-billed Grebe, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Iguanas, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Raccoon, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Common Moorhen, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Pied-billed Grebes (fledgling and adult), Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Green Tree Frog, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Tri-colored Heron, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Red-winged Blackbird, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Great Blue Skimmer, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida

Red-shouldered Hawk, Green Cay Wetlands / Boynton Beach, Florida