Full Day At Myakka State Park - Wednesday - January 18, 2012

Again, we were both up early! But instead of our usual 4 mile power walk, we took a leisurely 3.5 mile stroll with camera and binoculars in hand.

We started at the campground (lower left), walked along Lake Myakka to the Bird-walk (upper right) and then back the same route to the campground.

Very few people enjoy the sunrise as much as we do.  Seeing all the wildlife early in the morning is really special for us.  By 9AM, Nancy had already snapped well over a hundred pictures.  Buzzards, deer, song birds, all types of wading birds and a few feral pigs made for quite an interesting morning.

(Be sure to click on any photo to enlarge it,)

Sun is just coming up as we head down the road.

Past the Vultures’ roosting tree.

Turkey Vulture - a face only a mother could love;o))

Our first view of the lake and the Sandhill Cranes!!

As we walked along the lake,

there were hundreds of birds coming from every direction.

Yes, the morning was waking up!!

This little blue bird (not sure what it is)

was singing his heart out as we walk by.

It took us a while to make our way out the bird-walk

as there was so much to see in every direction!!

They had a couple informational signs about the birds that can be seen in this area.

When we finally reach the end of the bird-walk,

this Swamp Sparrow was really checking us out;o))

There were birds everywhere and

if you look across the lake in the center,

you can see two feral pigs.

(Sorry, Nancy did not have her zoom lens)

The pigs are not native and really do

a lot of damage to the landscape.

I really love the green blanket made by the Saw Palmettos!!

Nice view across the lake and more Sandhill Cranes

as we head back to the campground.

The natural canopy over the roads is wonderful!!

Well... she was annoyed that we interrupted her breakfast!!

All this took place before breakfast!!

After breakfast, we hopped on our bikes and rode to the visitor’s center where we watched five short films about Myakka State Park.  Myakka SP is the largest of all the state parks in Florida.

It’s about a 5.5 miles round-trip

from the campground (upper right)

to the visitor’s center (lower left).

(Remember to click on any photo to enlarge!!)

It was a beautiful morning to ride:o))

Riding under the canopy and past the tour tram.

We didn’t stop on the way to the visitor’s center.

However, we took our time riding back

and

checked things out along the way.

First stop was the bridge crossing the Myakka River.

Three Fishermen (including the Great Blue Heron)

The river is so low you can almost walk across in places!

However, that probably is not a good idea!?!?!?

Feral Pigs and the destruction they leave behind:o((

Next stop was the Myakka River State Park Memorial.

We rode passed several nature trails, but we will check them out on another day.  Right now we were getting hungry and heading back to the campground.

Much of Myakka State Park is grassy plains. 

It reminds us of what the Serengeti might look like.

After lunch, we took a break.  Just sat outside and enjoyed our campsite and the beautiful surroundings. Later in the afternoon, it began to cloud up. Before the rain came, we walked over to the marina and outpost which is just behind the campground.

It is only about 1/2 mile

from the campground (lower right) to

the Weir, that dams that creates Lake Myakka.

Trail from Campground to Outpost area.

Moss covered Live Oak Trees which fill

with roosting Vultures every night!!

Airboat Marina and newer Outpost building.

Original (smaller) Outpost

which carries mostly camping supplies.

The newer/larger Outpost. 

It is a large gift shop and restaurant.

You do get good/free WIFI here ;o))

View from the Upper Deck of the new outpost.

There are many day visitors to this state park

so they provide large parking areas. 

 Just a shame it had to be right along the lake;o(

The rain clouds were rolling in so

we took the trail behind the original outpost and
headed to the Weir.

See the Vultures gathering in the trees!!!

The Weir that forms Lake Myakka.

We reached the Weir just as the rain started. 

However, there was so much wildlife just below the dam

that we decided a light rain would not deter us;o))

Wood Stork and Little Blue Heron

Great Egret caught his dinner!!

Flips his dinner into position!!

Down the hatch --- All Gone!!

Nature is AMAZING!!!

Great Blue Heron fishing in the rain.

Black-neck Stilt digging for dinner.

Perhaps an immature Great Blue Heron???

Roseate Spoonbills and a lonely Wood Stork.

Snowy Egret

The area below the Weir was obviously

a favorite fishing ground for all the birds. 

 As we were leaving, Nancy stopped

to take a photo of this sign about alligators.  

(Click to Enlarge)

Just as we turned to leave,

we got to see something you rarely see….

an Alligator moving on land!!

Out of the water and up the bank…

the birds never flinched…

He climbed out of sight and then…

in just a couple minutes,

he headed back towards the water!!

Guess he wasn’t hungry or Vultures don’t taste good!?!?

YES, Nature is AMAZING!!!