Three Lakes WMA

I took a trip out to Three Lakes WMA a few weeks back on the MLK holiday weekend. It was my first visit to the area and definitely won't be my last. Three Lakes is located on the Kissimmee Prairie and is named for the three lakes that it borders. I parked in the small lot near the entrance and took a walk on the trail through the Palmettos. As I was returning to the parking area, I saw this male Eastern Bluebird land on a nesting box located just a few feet from the parking lot. 

Eastern Bluebird

The male scoped out the scene and gave the female the all clear signal. As the male kept an eye on things, the female appeared to be delivering a meal to the occupants of the box.

The pair stayed for a brief period then retreated back to a nearby tree.

Since I arrived midmorning, I knew my chances of seeing a Red-cockaded Woodpecker weren't so good, and I was right. I did see a Red-bellied Woodpecker as well as a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker searching for some sap.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

I got a bit of a cold shoulder from a Red-shouldered.

The drive to and from the area was also quite enjoyable. I saw quite a few raptors along the way, including this beautiful Eagle staked out near the road, just across the street from its nesting mate. I also saw two Crested Caracaras chasing one another.

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