Day 4 of the trip and we woke up to another heavy rain storm. Unusual for this time of year apparently. I decided that I didn’t want to get wet again, it’s not good for the camera I am sure. After a while though it cleared a little bit and with the temps touching 70 I headed off, still before 9 o’clock to West Lake Park just up the road. I find this place is pretty good for all kinds of common Forida species. This morning was no exception but you need to be a little bit patient and have a keen eye. The really good thing about Florida though is the light which, even when the sun is in, is always good. In fact it is better whe the sun is shaded because you get more even light conditions. This morning as the showers stopped, the atmosphere became incredible. Glorious scents were in the air and a warm damp foliage smell.

Exotic calls rang out, and little chips and calls from small warblers filled the air. Sounds good I know, but it really is!
The first birds that I managed to get my binos on was a nice little Palm Warbler, these are a smashing litle bird with bright yellows and a spanking chestnut crown. They are active and like most warblers everywhere not easy to photograph, they never stay still for long.
The exotic sounds were being made by a couple of Blue Jay. I was very pleased when I got a really good photo opportunity.
Firstly in a nearby tree and then on the picnic bench. It hopped around and flew nearer to me, thats what happens if you stay still and quiet. I was so chuffed when I looked at the image here because I captured the bird in mid-air as you can see.

Then it flew in to the tree in front of me and posed in this really classic way. Again the light has made this a great little picture.