http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/sou...sfla-home-headlinesBird and alligator sightings rise as water levels continue to fall
By Sallie James
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
April 28, 2007
Two weeks ago, Charles Peiffer could steer his rumbling airboat down most any Everglades water trail at the Sawgrass Recreation Park without a worry.
No more.
One of the worst droughts in South Florida history has dropped some airboat trails so low that navigation is tricky. Other trails already are reduced to wet muck.
"Every day, I can see a difference," said Peiffer, who has been conducting airboat tours for more than 10 years. "I can still go out, but I have to be very careful where I stop. This boat will go in 1 to 2 inches of water, but I can't stop or I will get stuck in the muck."
Water levels during a recent trip ranged from just inches to about a foot deep in many places, down from the usual 31/2 feet, Peiffer said.
Clusters of dry, brown sawgrass and brittle cattails stretched into the distance.
"If we don't get rain soon, we are not going to be able to go up into the low-lying areas," said Steve Melnick, who conducts airboat tours at Everglades Holiday Park near Southwest Ranches. "We are limited a little bit."
For those who appreciate Everglades wildlife, the low water levels provide some visual rewards.
One recent morning, the drone of an airboat engine startled great egrets, wood storks and stately herons that were feeding on a bounty of fish trapped in drought-depleted waters. Almost in unison, the birds rose into the sky and circled overhead.
"This is unreal," said Peiffer. "This is awesome. I never see this unless there is a drought."
The birds flew over the Everglades in lazy circles, disturbed by the engine noise but determined to return to their meal.
"The water is so shallow and there are fish all over the place," Peiffer said. "All these birds are not usually out here because they can't walk out here. The fish are trapped. It's a feast for the birds."
Alligator-viewing conditions are good, too, Melnick said. The gators seem to be moving west, and their increasing numbers are becoming apparent, Melnick said. The shallow waters make them easier to spot.
And the water levels could get lower. In an effort to prevent saltwater intrusion into urban well fields that supply drinking water, the South Florida Water Management District is seeking federal approval to pump Everglades water eastward to canals throughout the county.
The Army Corps of Engineers is expected to decide by next week, said Jesus Rodriguez, spokesman for the water management district.
Officer Chuck Erismann, with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said people should be aware alligators might head to deeper canals and lakes near populated areas because their own habitat is getting too dry.
He said parents of small children shouldn't leave them unattended near lakes and canals because of the potential risk.
"It presents safety issues that require people to be more vigilant with their kids and be more aware of their surroundings," Erismann said.
Sallie James can be reached at Sjames@sun-sentinel.com or 954-572-2019
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