Anhinga Trail in the Everglades is ‘like a zoo but without fences’

It is still pitch dark as our caravan of 16 photographers and two instructors passes the entrance gate of Everglades National Park. We have come here on this February weekend to photograph birds on the Anhinga Trail. Escaping the Pennsylvania winter is an added bonus. By the time we arrive at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the darkness has given way to early dawn light. Countless vultures perch on the branches of palm trees near the visitor center and along the short trail. The sun has not risen yet, but nature never sleeps.