Birding and Wildlife at Lettuce Lake Park (Tampa, FL)

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On this day we took a drove about 35 minutes or 22 miles from home for a hiking day. We took stroll at the swamplands around Hillsborough River. Lettuce Lake Park offers a 3,500 foot boardwalk and paved trails to photograph the local resident birds and wildlife that call it home.

We learned you could rent a canoe or kayak as another way of exploring the area but on this day we had a leisurely walk.

We saw plenty of alligators but I was here mostly for birding photography.

Is this a Downy Woodpecker or Hairy Woodpecker?

Is this a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher vs Gray Vireo?

Is this a Yellow-Rumped Warbler?

Black-and-White Warbler

Nine-Banded Armadillo

Red Shouldered Hawk

Osprey

I don't recall if we were on our way or winding around the Observation Tower, but I seemed to be the only one to notice this little creature sheltered and tucked away under branches on the side of the boardwalk. I love it when I slow down and take time to stare and listen to the surroundings. You can really catch an eye on things others whiz on by.

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