St. Petersburg, FL (11/13/2017)

Most of Florida's landscape does not lend itself to my kind of photography, so while here I try to take advantage of birding opportunities.  Sawgrass Lake is a park near my location with a nice variety of birds and some other wildlife.  Although it is right next to the interstate, it seems remote and serene.  Over the years, I've had some great experiences here, but haven't visited this park for five years or more.  Park management has allowed vegetation along the waterways to grow without trimming, which probably benefits the wildlife but handicaps the photographer who needs to get closer.  Guess I shouldn't complain about it, just buy a longer lens.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Anhinga

Downy Woodpecker

Blue Jay

Tri-color Heron

Great Crested Flycatcher

Little Blue Heron

Florida ponds and lakes are often full of Common Moor Hens, as well as the similar looking American Coots, normally swimming along calmly and quietly, a very peaceful bird.  Occasionally, something will cause them to squawk at another resident, then run across the water to a safer place.  On this day, two Moor Hens crossed paths and decided to "duke it out", a first for me.  The fight raged for several minutes, first one then the other having the advantage.  Finally, one saw a chance to get away and scurried toward the bank.  It's opponent seemed happy enough with that outcome and did not pursue.  These are only a few of the fight scenes I got.

In addition to birds, there were also a few reptiles.  Several different types of turtles and a few young alligators were present, along with many garfish.

I also enjoyed the colorful wildflowers and the butterflies they attracted.  Too bad the butterflies rarely light and then only for an instant.  Makes it difficult to get their portrait for the old family album.