There used to be Pileated Woodpeckers that lived across the lake by the bird walk. My family dates to 1822 in Florida, and in Sarasota since 1920's. I grew up going to Myakka Park regularly since the time I could walk. Had my first little canoe at 5 so I have explored every nook & cranny of the place since about 1960. ( I moved west in 1977 though). Was once cornered by a 13' gator 9as large as any I have ever seen there) right there at the weir (he swam up from right where you are sitting) only place friend & I could get was on top of two fence posts on the other side of weir. The gator sat near the base of posts and the park rangers had to come across by boat after dark to retrieve us. Grandfather had a key to the park (friends with rangers) so we could wade & fish until dark and let ourselves out of the front gate after hours. Still visit there occasionally but family owns the huge property that borders the park on one side which is just as beautiful as the park so mostly spend time there. Certainly helped develop my appreciation for preserving habitats.......part of my profession with an environmental business out west, to this day. Beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing.
@@gabrieln3613 Yes I do see them in the park however I would not say they are common like Red-bellied Woodpeckers. I also take part in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for Myakka RSP over the past 20+ years and will be doing so again in just over two weeks. For the CBC we usually see or hear a few Pileated Woodpeckers for the section of the park that my group covers.
@@ShawnCarey01 Very Nice. Actually the only ones I used to see were about 2/3 of the way along the shoreline from where the bird walk is going further towards the park's back gate that goes to Myakka City. We used to fish that section going towards where the wetlands collect and enter the lake a little further around. They would be in the large oaks between the road and the lakeshore. That was my first introduction to Pileated Woodpeckers. If you have not visited, you would appreciate San Diego County here....I am not a "birder" but do design land projects, habitat restorations, etc. and San Diego County has over 500 species, I believe the most of any county in US (except maybe Los Angeles due to size). Ocean, Wetlands, Uplands and into mountains provide a real variety of micro-climates and habitats......plus the Pacific Flyway. Keep up your good work!
I fish an area on central Florida gulf coast . I was inshore in a creek the other day and seen something I’ve never seen. In a large mangrove tree in the distance I seen three Anhinga fly out of tree then the forth one . I thought and made a comment that that’s something you don’t see four of those in the same tree . As I came closer there was at least 40 came out of that tree . Have you ever seen that . ?
Thank you Shawn, I really enjoyed seeing Myakka especially now that it is shut down. Your filming and photography are great and I enjoyed your narration and enthusiasm! Really gave one a sense of what Myakka at the weir is like..
Shawn, very impressive video and images ! I'm planning a day trip there next week for bird photography . Is the Weir an area marked on park brochure ? Looks like the kind of spot I'd like to shoot. Thanks
The weir was actually taken down in March of last year but the area where it once was should still be a good location for bird photography. When you arrive at the parking lot to the upper lake the shore line will lead you towards the mouth of the Myakka River, that's where you want to "find your spot". That's the good news. The bad news is all of the work they did to remove the weir and the old platform was some major movement of earth. I was there on December 19 for the annual Christmas Bird Count and while we did have a lot of wadding and shorebirds the area I typically liked to set up for photography was a bit over-run with some grasses and other dying plants. I would however not let that scare you away from going there. I have some friends that are in Florida right now and they reported that the water level is low (which is good) and lots of birds including 35 Spoonbills. Hope this helps and good luck.
Breath taking area for Birds!! Thanks for the video!
Awesome photos
Thank you very much for the video and the information. I enjoy your channel.
If you want to see real Florida, this is it. Every season, the park is different. This is the Florida we need to save and protect.
Very tempting Shawn. You might find me trailing after you sooner than later....
It’s a fantastic place to visit but I not sure I would want to be there with the heat and humidity of June, July and August.
Been there once a few yrs ago, I should take a trip there
So fluid, unscripted and informative. Awesome work as always Shawn.
Fantastic overview of photographing at Myakka!
There used to be Pileated Woodpeckers that lived across the lake by the bird walk. My family dates to 1822 in Florida, and in Sarasota since 1920's. I grew up going to Myakka Park regularly since the time I could walk. Had my first little canoe at 5 so I have explored every nook & cranny of the place since about 1960. ( I moved west in 1977 though). Was once cornered by a 13' gator 9as large as any I have ever seen there) right there at the weir (he swam up from right where you are sitting) only place friend & I could get was on top of two fence posts on the other side of weir. The gator sat near the base of posts and the park rangers had to come across by boat after dark to retrieve us. Grandfather had a key to the park (friends with rangers) so we could wade & fish until dark and let ourselves out of the front gate after hours. Still visit there occasionally but family owns the huge property that borders the park on one side which is just as beautiful as the park so mostly spend time there. Certainly helped develop my appreciation for preserving habitats.......part of my profession with an environmental business out west, to this day. Beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your memories and glad you enjoyed my video on Myakka RSP.
@@ShawnCarey01 Do you still see Pileated Woodpeckers there?
@@gabrieln3613 Yes I do see them in the park however I would not say they are common like Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
I also take part in the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for Myakka RSP over the past 20+ years and will be doing so again in just over two weeks. For the CBC we usually see or hear a few Pileated Woodpeckers for the section of the park that my group covers.
@@ShawnCarey01 Very Nice. Actually the only ones I used to see were about 2/3 of the way along the shoreline from where the bird walk is going further towards the park's back gate that goes to Myakka City. We used to fish that section going towards where the wetlands collect and enter the lake a little further around. They would be in the large oaks between the road and the lakeshore. That was my first introduction to Pileated Woodpeckers. If you have not visited, you would appreciate San Diego County here....I am not a "birder" but do design land projects, habitat restorations, etc. and San Diego County has over 500 species, I believe the most of any county in US (except maybe Los Angeles due to size). Ocean, Wetlands, Uplands and into mountains provide a real variety of micro-climates and habitats......plus the Pacific Flyway. Keep up your good work!
Wonderful and informative! I am a relatively new birder who lives in midstate Florida. You have me planning a trip down there ASAP - thanks!
Debbie glad you enjoyed my video on the birds of Myakka RSP. Hope you are able to plan a visit there, if so I'm sure you will have a good time.
I am going to myakka. Hoping to see a spoonbill!
If you are going there in February you will very likely see Spoonbills, good luck.
Some stunning images, and really enjoying the video as well. Thanks for a little tour of Myakka!
Shawn - what a GREAT video, not only are you an excellent photographer but so intelligent and well spoken.
Kathryn good to hear from you and glad you enjoyed my video on Myakka RSP. Take care and hope to see you in FLA later this year.
Awesome video - I feel like I'm out there photographing with you!
Just an outstanding video. Wow!
I fish an area on central Florida gulf coast . I was inshore in a creek the other day and seen something I’ve never seen. In a large mangrove tree in the distance I seen three Anhinga fly out of tree then the forth one . I thought and made a comment that that’s something you don’t see four of those in the same tree . As I came closer there was at least 40 came out of that tree . Have you ever seen that . ?
Thank you Shawn, I really enjoyed seeing Myakka especially now that it is shut down. Your filming and photography are great and I enjoyed your narration and enthusiasm! Really gave one a sense of what Myakka at the weir is like..
Thanks Pam and glad you enjoyed my video. I look forward to being back at Myakka RSP and maybe doing another video.
Great video, I enjoyed it very much.
If you ever find yourself in Sarasota, Florida check it out. Cheers!
I like the part where you said the stuff about the things. But seriously... great talk; you obviously know your birbs
Shawn, very impressive video and images ! I'm planning a day trip there next week for bird photography . Is the Weir an area marked on park brochure ? Looks like the kind of spot I'd like to shoot. Thanks
The weir was actually taken down in March of last year but the area where it once was should still be a good location for bird photography. When you arrive at the parking lot to the upper lake the shore line will lead you towards the mouth of the Myakka River, that's where you want to "find your spot". That's the good news. The bad news is all of the work they did to remove the weir and the old platform was some major movement of earth. I was there on December 19 for the annual Christmas Bird Count and while we did have a lot of wadding and shorebirds the area I typically liked to set up for photography was a bit over-run with some grasses and other dying plants. I would however not let that scare you away from going there. I have some friends that are in Florida right now and they reported that the water level is low (which is good) and lots of birds including 35 Spoonbills. Hope this helps and good luck.
@@ShawnCarey01 Shawn, thanks for the quick update. I appreciate your tips. Looking forward to exploring the park.