As a member of our local Audubon chapter, I joined other members on one of the birding trips to the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area. Located in western Martin County, here in south Florida, the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area plays a crucial role in the restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed by improving the quality of water flowing into the lake. The wetlands will treat stormwater runoff from the Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough basins to the north before that runoff enters Lake Okeechobee. Approximately 2,700 acres of Lakeside Ranch is open to the public to enjoy hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing. The recreation area is surrounded by levees that are accessible to visitors on foot or on bicycle. Our trips are generally taken early morning before it gets too hot, and we spend about 4 hours at the destination. On this particular day, it was cloudy and somewhat overcast. Our wonderful Florida sun was on hiatus, but the wildlife was extraordinary! As we approached this huge flock of Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Snowy Egrets and Cattle Egrets, they suddenly took flight and I shot as quickly as I could. I increased saturation and vibrancy as well as exposure to help brighten the gloomy day's colors in post editing using Photoshop on my computer. Taken with my Canon EOS 60D, f5/6, 1/200 sec., ISO 100, 0 step, 135mm, max app 5, no tripod, no flash.