And down in Florida there’s good news and bad

Dry conditions in the Florida Everglades are forcing some adjustments as Bird and alligator sightings rise as water levels continue to fall.

Airboat pilots are having a tough time getting through some of the usually shallow but now dry areas the Glades. But, if you’re a birdwatcher, there are benefits to the drought:

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 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."

Of course there’s a down side too. Just keep your eyes open on the ground and leave the poodle home.

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 there's this:

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.

So watch your step, y'all. Hurricane season is right around the corner and could provide some much needed relief.