State of the Rookery – April 2026

 There is a specific kind of magic that happens in St. Augustine this time of year. While the rest of the world is rushing into spring, the rookery at the Alligator Farm becomes a masterclass in patience, elegance, and the raw cycle of life.

As I’ve been documenting the 2026 nesting season, I find myself drawn more than ever to the quiet moments. My work has always been about more than just a "bird on a stick"; it’s about the emotional weight of a gaze and the clean, architectural lines of a Great Egret’s display.

Current Observations:

The rookery is currently a symphony of activity. We are seeing:

• The High Drama of Courtship: The Great Egrets are in peak form, their delicate plumes tracing intricate patterns against the Florida sky.

• Nest Architecture: It’s fascinating to watch the intentionality behind every stick and twig—the literal foundation for the next generation.

• The Life Cycle in Real-Time: From the vibrant green lores of breeding adults to the first glimpses of the "dinosaurs" (the chicks!) beginning to hatch, the energy is electric.

For me, this blog is a new way to share these stories. It’s a place to slow down and look past the chaos of the colony to find the soul of the bird.

Staci Doucett