A Rainy Morning at Lower Wekiva River Preserve

Lower Wekiva River Preserve
Red-headed Woodpecker
I was well over a mile away from my car when it started to rain. It was a drizzle at first, but eventually, it became a downpour. I wasn't expecting rain, so I didn't have my camera bag or binocular bag with me.  I was forced to tuck everything under my shirt and hat and hope for the best. And interestingly, it was really slow for me until it began to drizzle, and then the birds came out to play.  Yellow-rumped, Pine and Palm Warblers were numerous all around me. There were also  about 15 Eastern Bluebirds and about 3 Red-headed Nuthatches.  Then I heard a Red-headed Woodpecker calling--the first I've ever found in this park. After finding, it I continued to walk the path back to the car, and I found 5 more!  I've never seen so many in one place. All were in the same general area.  After I saw my sixth, there was a little break in the rain, so I decided to walk the area again and recount. On my second pass I saw 4 and heard 1 more.  Of course, if it wasn't raining it was drizzling, so none of my photos were great, but at least I came home with something. After I got home, I checked my equipment; my cameras turned out fine, but my binoculars were not.  I have them sitting in a Tupperware container with rice, though, and I believe they are making a full recovery.

Lower Wekiva River Preserve
Eastern Bluebird
Lower Wekiva River Preserve
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Lower Wekiva River Preserve
White-tailed Deer

Comments

  1. Timing is everything - and yours was great! Sort of makes getting wet worthwhile! Terrific photographs, Scott! Nice collection of Red-headed Woodpeckers! Hope they all nest successfully in the Spring!

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  2. I really do hope they stick around. The habitat seems right for them, and one appeared to be caching acorns, so hopefully he's planning on sticking around.

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