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The two have a symbiotic relationship: Alligators patrol the flooded forests where wood storks nest, keeping predators such as raccoons away from eggs.

Their bald heads give wood storks an almost prehistoric appearance, leading to nicknames such as “stonehead” and “flinthead.”

They also go after amphibians, reptiles and wading birds, including some beloved and endangered species, such as the wood stork.

In the canals, we also loved seeing rows of sunning turtles, as well as majestic shorebirds, including egrets, several types of herons, a wood stork and anhingas, their wings outstretched to dry.

Rare Indian olive, carnivorous pitcher plants and fly traps take root here, while more than 200 species of birds such as warblers, wood storks, bald eagles and snowy egrets soar through the trees.