We are continuing to enjoy sunshine and warmth and relaxation at Myakka River State Park.  Yesterday we got a slow start to the  morning, took a bike ride to the Birdwalk (a boardwalk out into the lake from which birdwatching is especially good), and returned to the campsite in time to greet Dan's cousin Mike Collins and his wife who came to visit.

The birding here has been less successful than on our last trip, and we wondered whether it was because we are traveling a month later than in past years.  However, a ranger at the Birdwalk said that they have had fewer birds congregating on the lake this year because the water level was high---they have had quite a bit of rain.  That being the case, birds disperse more, rather than gathering here as they do in dry years.

We walked over to the lake with Mike and Mary, though, and had a chance to see quite a few different birds, though in small numbers:  great blue heron, little blue heron, green heron, tri-colored heron, white ibis, glossy ibis, cormorants, and the ever-present vultures.

It was a pleasant afternoon to sit outside and chat. We had a nice dinner together and a campfire, which was a good ending to a very enjoyable day.

Even more enjoyable knowing that at home it was snowy with temperatures in the low teens!