If you are looking for fun and free things to do in the Tampa Bay Area, check out this photo tour of Florida wildlife, birds and alligators at Sawgrass Lake Park. Come explore this FREE nature park, observe wild alligators and beautiful Florida waterbirds, friendly squirrels, shy armadillos and cute turtles.
This post is part four in my mini series about Sawgrass Lake Park in Florida.
Here are the clickable links
Sawgrass Lake Park - A walk, a pond and an Ibis
Sawgrass Lake Park - Waterbirds, Trails and Turtles
Alligator Photos and Tour of Sawgrass Lake Park
I've been stalking this fellow - A Great Blue Heron - for several visits.
The picture that could have been:) had I not cut off his head:)
There were a pair of blue herons on my last trip to the park. This one looks juvenile or maybe it is a female? I almost mistook the reddish brown markings for blood from an injury.
Fishing 
Here he is about to strike and score a fish.
I think this Great Blue Heron is the prettiest waterbird I've seen so far.
On this day, I explored the grassy hills surrounding the ponds.
The gnarled tree branches formed an interesting pattern
on the bright green grass.
No matter how often you go, each visit to the park is unique and you will encounter different wildlife and waterbirds.
An Anhinga - definitely a strange bird - with pretty black and white feathers and tufts of light beige brown.
One evening I stayed to see the sunset.
Snowy White Egret
Sunset Reflection
Alligators swim so silent it's spooky, predatory deadly - you can't see a ripple - the water looked like glass with the alligator just gliding.
Swimming right through the white egret reflection.
On another day,
I caught a Snowy White Egret together fishing together with an Ibis
fishing buddies:)
There are many paths and boardwalks to take through Sawgrass Lake Park.
I explored the different areas of the park in my various posts. You will find picnic areas, boardwalks (across this bridge) to the lookout tower, winding paths past small ponds and benches perched on top of grassy mounds and alongside the water.
Pretty scenrey and shady huts and benches.
You never know what you will see on any given day.
Armadillo - scurrying away through the woods.
My friend the Great Blue Heron is putting on a show - I spoted him
preening
on the opposite side.
It looks like he has a beard flying in the wind, but it's all feathers in different colors.
At first I couldn't believe it was the same bird that I've photographed before.
He looks so different, depending on his activity.
On another day I came across this Snowy White Egret.
The scenery reminded me of a Florida wildlife painting, the palm trees and a bridge on ahead reflected in the water, the egret in the typical pose.
Taking a leisurely stroll along the water at dusk.
Here is where
I happened upon this white egret - illuminated by the sun.
I was mesmerized, didn't even feel the mosquito bites as I was clicking away.
A beautiful creature.
One parting shot
as the park is about to close.
SUNSET
It doesn't matter if you have an hour, an afternoon or a day to spend, there is always something new to discover at Sawgrass Lake Park in Florida.
If you go, I suggest you bring your own water and wear comfortable shoes.
This post is part four in my mini series about Sawgrass Lake Park in Florida.
Here are the clickable links
Sawgrass Lake Park - A walk, a pond and a Juvenile Ibis
Sawgrass Lake Park - Waterbirds, Trails and Turtles
Alligator Photos and Tour of Sawgrass Lake Park
All images © 2009 Rose H.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 33
Again, amazing photos, Rose. Have a good week.
I just noticed the amazing similarity of the heron's legs and the branches behind him in the first picture. Great shot.
Wonderful photo essay!
Sorry I missed the other parts to this essay but will go there now to catch up on this amazing scenery.
Esther - thank you. It's a great place to hang out for an afternoon or just an hour.
wonderful photo essay. I would love to visit this place. now, if I can come up with a free way to get to Tampa Bay.
Wow, Rose........such absolutely magnificent photos! I would love to visit that park.....it looks absolutely incredible!!!!! I lived in Florida for three years (in Tampa)..........and, at that time, there were so many great, free things to do. I know the area has changed considerably since I was there, though! Thanks so much for sharing such elegance and beauty!
Nora - thank you! You have to come in the spring time March/April when it's not so blazing hot.
Wonderful pictures, I love the one with the ibis in it~
Great photos. I really like the one with the gator in it.
I love Tampa...best of the beach and best of the city!
It has a lot to offer.
Wonderful pictures.
Thanks, Ryan!
Beautiful photos of the wonderful birds. I see quite a few Heron and Egrets flying but can't find their destination. :(
I've yet to catch one in flight - but I try:)
Me either, they are usually flying up to high.
Wonderful photos. No, I don't live in the Tampa Bay area. After seeing these photos, I kind of wish I did.
Maybe on your next vacation - it's only about two hours from Disney:)
Gorgeous photos! It's been so many years since I've been to Tampa!
wow! I would stalk that heron too.but I think the armadillo is very cool!!
Rose--Wonderful! The aligator one is very cool-- it makes you look twice-- is that the egret's reflection or does the aligator have one in his jaws? I've never seen or heard of a Anhinga or is it "an" Anhinga? Very prehistoric-looking! Fabulous photo story! I really enjoyed it!
Wonderful photo essay ,Rose. Great photos all of 'em ,but the Great Blue Heron is a gorgeous creature .
those birds are amazing!
This has been a great series. If I ever get down there...
Gorgeous shots.
This is a beautiful photo essay. I love the anhinga, I don't think I've ever seen one. You and these birds are getting along quite well.
Another great photo essay. Good job Rose. TY for sharing.
a great photo essay! i really luv the ones with the bird looking @ its reflection & the armadillo running into the woods. 10!
Isn't Florida wonderful? Just full of interesting stuff to do and you don't have to spend much to do most of it.
I've really enjoyed all your photos of this magnificent place. Isn't it wonderful to be so close to an area with all these beautiful birds and scenes. I can never get enough of it myself. Every day is different and you just never know what you're going to see from one day to the next. Your photos are beautiful. I love the reflections you've captured and that Great Blue Heron is gorgeous.
Thanks so much for sharing with my group.
Fantastic photoessay, Rose! It looks like a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or two... or three...
Those birds and views are lovely!
Now that is what I call a True Nature Park...you have it all...beauty and the beast...all part of the way of nature...love the photos, will come back later and comment on some of them seperately.