John U Lloyd State Park is a recreation area situated between Hollywood ad Ft Lauderdale. In the early morning after the gates open at 8 its a quiet place to be and very beautiful, next to the ocean with glorious white sandy beaches and sea the colour that you wished all seas were. I parked my car next to the mangrove fringed “Car Park Lot 1” and crossed the bridge over Whisky Creek to the dunes and the beach behond. Before I left the car I scattered some beef bones to attract vultures in! The plan was to entice them to the hide and then get some close up photos of the feeding activity. On the beach side of the dunes my attentions were diverted to this American Kestrel, the continents smallest raptor who was making the most of the tranquiulity, albeit in the strong breeze. A pair of Ground Doves flew in to the dunes for cover and then on the beach a small flock of Sanderling skittered to and frow, avoiding the surf but not me, magical!

Back at the car now I was greeted by a dozen or so vulture who had obviously smelt and located the bones as soon as my back was turned. I had totally underestimated the reaction of the vultures and am disappointed that I missed the opportunity. Still there is always tomorrow and I will be repeating the excersise!
Later on in the day we went out west again and found our way into Markham Park, a vast area of open spaces and lakes. On one of the playing fields was a another small colony of Burrowing Owls. I didn’t stay too long amongst them, mindful that I would disturb them. It is the start of the breeding season and that would be totally wrong.

Also seen in the fields there were several pairs of Killdeer but the highlight of the day has got to be a Marsh Harrier that drifted past me on the edge of the Everglades.

This is a femalw Boat-tailed Grackle wel and truly getting stuck in to her bathing.

I just think it is so amazing that once you get good light then you can get really good pictures. Look at the way this bird has closed her eyes , she seems in bliss.