January 16:  Just west of Route 441 in Boynton Beach is the Arthur Marshall Loxahatchee NWR, a vast tract that still offers unspoiled habitat for many bird species, otters, armadillos, snakes, alligators, and other wildlife. There are no boardwalks like at Green Cay and Wakodahatchee, and nowhere near the crowds. Here large gators sometimes block your way when they sun themselves on the berms and you either have to walk around them (they pay no attention to you) or turn around and go back if you are skittish. It is a good place to look for Snail Kites (early morning), and nesting Wood Ducks, Great Horned Owls or Red-shouldered Hawks, and an especially reliable spot for Pileated Woodpeckers.