Last Thursday, Howard and I took a walk down a path in the park.
We ran into a naturalist, on Wednesday when we arrived, and he told us about this path, saying he has seen Barred Owls in this area. We met him last year when we visited the park for the first time, and found him to be a real character and very knowledgeable.
I was sharing with him my lack of never having seen a Barred Owl in the wild. Saying, “it would be a nice Life List bird for me”. So off we go in search of this elusive owl.
It was a pleasant walk with temperatures just about perfect. The path we were walking on was slightly higher than the forest floor with swampy areas between us and the trees.
As we walked along enjoying the scenery, we saw something fly across the road up ahead of us. We tracked it to where we thought it entered the forrest. We were looking up into the trees and this Red-shouldered Hawk had landed on the ground next to the water. Seeing it standing there, near the water, was a surprise. It appeared to be digging in the moist earth. Of course as we approached it flew up into the trees.
Sadly, no Barred Owl sighting for me on this day, just a beautiful hawk. I will keep searching.
We continued, over the next 30 minutes or so, to watch this hawk as it hunted along this path. After observing, it fly into several different places and its behavior, I believe it was gathering nesting material; however, I can’t be sure.
Here are several photos as it flew from the ground to tree to tree.
The hawk flew to this stump and sat there looking around. Notice its muddy beak.
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It took to higher ground landing on this tree branch.
This spot was near the ground; a low branch over the swamp.
Last location, was back into a tree. This photo is blurry, but it shows this beautiful Red-shouldered hawk snapping small twigs.
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The feathered photo above shows a Palm Warbler with its back to me. I took this photo while watching the Red-shouldered Hawk.
Later in the day, in a different location, I took this photo of another Palm Warbler.
The header photo above shows Black-bellied Whistling Ducks catching a few winks.
Wednesday evening we arrived at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, Florida. This is our second visit, and it is so much fun to be here again. We are in a large, corner, full hook-up, pull-thru, with lots of vegetation between sites, so whats not to enjoy!
All you have to do is walk out the door of your RV and the sights and sounds of nature engulf you. This afternoon, a Red-shouldered Hawk flew into a tree near us. He was screeching so loudly and what seemed like a very long time. We couldn’t figure out what had him so upset.
Myakka is a nature lovers paradise! Since Wednesday, I have seen over 44 species of birds, and have taken hundreds of photos! I hope to post a few of them, which depends on the quality of the internet. It has been slow…..
I captured this White Heron hunting for a late meal, the evening light was gorgeous. (Note the yellow legs and bill on.)
“Listen up guys, if I fish here will you leave me alone?”
“Okay, thanks. I will hold you all, to your word.”
“This little guy, I don’t trust so much.”
“I can tell, he is still watching me, I better get out of here.”
“I got a little itch.”
“That feels better; how do I look? Now I just need to catch a fish.”
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Click on this link Myakka River to see what activities this beautiful park has to offer. It has become one of my very favorite locations.
Yesterday, we ventured out of the park for lunch. Found a local place called Cedar Reef Fish Camp to eat. I had butternut squash ravioli with shrimp and Howard had Fish n Chips (fresh catch haddock). It was all delicious; we love to find local and unique places to eat. Here is their web-site: Cedar Reef.
If you love to walk, geo-cache, hike, swim, canoe, camp, bike, view a gorgeous sunset, take photos, horseback ride, or bird watch, then a visit to Jonathan Dickinson State Park should be on your agenda.
The other day while walking along the banks of the Loxahatchee River we heard music; finally figured out it was coming from one of the many pavilions the park has. A man was playing his fiddle and he was really good. We sat on a park bench and listened to him play for a little while.
Another day there were a group of people with their easels, painting beautiful images on canvas. So just not the typical activities within the park, but some unique ones as well.
Located in south Florida, north of West Palm Beach, it is a great place to spend a couple of weeks. Howard and I have camped at this Florida state park during the winter for many years and we truly enjoy each visit.
To see some photos of the park and investigate what other activities Jonathan has to offer, go to the link below.
The dock area, located on the Loxahatchee River, where you can swim, launch/rent a kayak, paddle board and canoe or take a tour of the river with a professional guide. During your river experience you will see gorgeous scenery, historical landmarks, alligators, manatees, herons, osprey, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Guided Tour Boat
Loxahatchee River
Broad walk along the river
A charming swimming hole
Birding opportunities are plentiful…
Above a posing Northern Mockingbird
Great Blue Heron
A beautiful sentinel
No sunset photo this evening, it is raining. Until next time!
“That feels better; how do I look? Now I just need to catch a fish.”
Wolf Song Blog 