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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kibet" data-source="post: 3538861" data-attributes="member: 126488">Day 3 Monday 6th MarchJohn Chesnut Sr ParkSeveral people had already mentioned to me about John Chesnut. There was three main areas to John Chesnut; raised walkways in the center over a swamp heading to the lake, dried woodland trails to the south and raised walkways over a dry swamp in the north end. We started in the center, and immediately it was seen that most of the small birds flitting around were Yellow-Rumped Warbler, still obviously checking as many as we could just in case. The boardwalks led to Lake Tarpon ending in little lookout piers, with both male and female Red-Winged Blackbirds in the reeds. A Large wader flew in and I suspected (and later confirmed) that this was the Limpkin I heard mentioned. It seemed unphased by our presence, coming out into the open. After moving to the next pier, and a snap of an Osprey calling from the tree, an Anhinga landed on the next pier’s roof. Almost in response, the Limpkin seen earlier went on the other roof. No interaction between them though, and I later found out how noisy Limpkin’s were. Seeing some movement in the reeds beside me, I managed a very blurry shot of a Common Yellowthroat. Terrible photo but enough to see the colouration. Unfortunately, it was foraging away from me. As we walked to a tower, we noticed a male and female Cardinal following us along the boardwalk. The reason became more apparent later, although I am sure you have already guessed. Climbing the tower, we got a nice view from the top looking down to an Anhinga on the tree, a Pied Grebe out in the middle of the lake and another Osprey on the far side but now at eye level. Finishing the boardwalk, there was a small Gator, about a meter (3 feet) long, and deer greeted us on exit.Moving to the dry paths to the south of JC, on seeing a Gray Catbird in the open, we waited until it was in more light. I still had not worked out that they were rather consistent everywhere we went, at this time. After stopping to check the Yellow-Rumped Warblers, I noticed that there was another bird joining them, identified as a Pine Warbler. A male Cardinal pipped away as a female gathered nesting material. This was followed by Northern Parula high up in the trees. My Father, who is not a bird watcher, whispered to me and pointed. In the tree in front was a sleeping Barred Owl. Perched relatively low in the tree, only about 3 or so meters from the ground. It was sleeping soundly as I moved to different positions trying to get the best picture. With it being so close, it was hard to take as it filled most of the camera view. Any further back, and there was too many leaves of branches in the way. A couple of the Florida Turtles were seen out in the Lake Tarpon. After heading to the restroom, I was distracted before and after with activity in the trees. More Pine Warblers, Carolina Wren on a high branch, and Tufted Titmouse that went from the water fountain, back to the tree. Returning to the centre boardwalk again, and getting a photograph of the small Gator, we retraced our path back, stopping at each pier like before (hoping that I would get another shot at the Common Yellowthroat but I never got it). Instead, it was Common Gallinule, Coot, Boat-Tailed Grackle in flight, as well as the customary and plentiful Yellow-Rumps.  Moving to the North boardwalk, and seeing all the “knees” of the trees on the dry swamp bed. Apparently, these little pillars are part of the root system that will stick above the swamp water, so that the trees can still get oxygen. As we stopped, and looked at these, the Cardinals came into us, followed by a squirrel. All looked expectantly at us, which made it obvious why the Cardinals were always appearing behind us, as someone must be feeding them regularly. There was not too much activity at this part, with only a female Downy Woodpecker standing out. The final bird on the walk back via the dog park, was a Yellow-Throated Warbler.Photographed New Species – 32/60</blockquote>

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