This morning I am traveling back in time via my archives to revisit Sawgrass Lake Park in Pinellas County, Florida. I spent a lot of time at this park when I lived in Florida during the mid to late 2000’s.
Golden morning light at Sawgrass Lake Park 2007 – Nikon D70, handheld, f4.8, 1/200, ISO 1600, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 75mm, natural light
I photographed the birds, animals, and scenery at the 400 acre park from the trails, boardwalks and the observation tower. I have many happy and just a few not so happy memories from Sawgrass Lake Park.
Sawgrass Lake Park was easily accessible from I-275 and it was a fairly quick trip from where I lived in Tampa.
The lake, the swamp, and the nature trail always had something that I wanted to capture in my photos.
Male Anhinga with nesting material 2007 – Nikon D70, handheld, f5.6, 1/60, ISO 900, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light
The birds I found at Sawgrass Lake Park became my favorite subjects. The hawks, waterbirds, and perching birds caught my attention and were in my viewfinder quite often.
This Anhinga photo was taken at the park in August of 2007. I’m not sure why I never processed or share this image until now. The image shows a male Anhinga in a maple tree with nesting materials on his way to his nest.
Mia photographing at Sawgrass Lake Park in 2006 © Patty Ritter
My best friend, Patty, took this image of me photographing an alligator at the park in 2006. We used to wander and explore the park together frequently after I moved to Florida.
Misty summer morning at Sawgrass Lake Park 2007 – Nikon D70, handheld, f4.5, 1/200, ISO 400, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 70mm, natural light
My time spent at this inland park in Florida showed me that I could photograph birds in challenging light and weather conditions with practice and the skills that I learned there. This park was an integral part of the reason why I became a bird photographer.
Thanks for traveling back in time with me!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Anhinga photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see more of my Florida landscape photos.
Sawgrass Lake Park is new to me, as is most of Florida since I’m a bit of a west coast boy and, WOW, what a treat these pics are! I love seeing you in action…so cool. All of the pics are magnificent but the “misty summer morning” shot is the stuff of dreams. Thanks Mia.
Your photos are beautiful from Florida. Now I would not be sitting on the ground with an alligator near by! I hope you show more from your living in Florida.
Looks wonderful. I can’t say I would ever leave such green and bird opportunities. Oh well I guess for me the grass is always greener……..
I loved travelling in time and distance with you. Photography can have a bit of a Tardis effect can’t it?
I took photos of you at work because a photographer is never in the lens and I knew also that I could learn from your techniques. I’m so glad I did. Wonderful memories Mia!
I love you!!!
These images do beautifully capture the feeling of a quiet Florida morning.