We were originally going to go to Manasota Scrub Preserve, but there were too many people and a man with his dog, so instead we drove a few minutes longer to South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve. After we stepped out of the car, we walked down a trail and immediately were hit with a fork, so I decided to go right. After we turned right, we saw a few snags, and on one of them was an American Kestrel! I could not get a picture because he was in the shade.
As we walked on, we saw a juvenile flying back and forth between two trees, screaming as he was flying. After we rounded a corner, we saw the same Northern Harrier perched on a snag. As we walked on, we noticed some commotion up ahead on the trail. As we approached the commotion, we realized it was a family of five Florida Scrub Jays! They were hopping around, foraging for nuts. One was so curious, he came within three feet of me. Then, we spotted a Pileated Woodpecker, pecking on a tree. I am excited that we saw the Scrub Jays, Pileated Woodpecker, and the Northern Harrier, and I hope to see them next time we go to South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve.
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