Next place that we visited was Moss Park on the south-east side of Orlando along the western edge of Lake Mary Jane. With a mixture of trees it proved a good site for woodland species, with one area proving very productive producing Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers, Northern Parula, Blue Jays, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Northern Cardinals, Gray Catbird, Chipping Sparrows and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
Walking further into the park, my attention was drawn to some tapping coming from the trees in front and after a little searching a Brown-headed Nuthatch was located and then a couple more were seen as they chased each other through the trees defending their territory and a nest hole which was under excavation.
Further along a group of 4 Downy Woodpeckers were also found sparring together and showing well as they did so.
Throughout the park were a number of Sandhill Cranes, and it was amazing just how tame this species was throughout Florida as just driving around they could even be seen feeding unconcerned on peoples front lawns! The ones in the park were no different allowing very close approach, including a pair with a couple of chicks.
Final highlight in the park was a Fox Squirrel feeding in the car park.
Calling in at East Lake Toho produced an array of raptors including a Swallow-tailed Kite overhead, Snail Kites and a Northern Harrier quartering the lake edge, and an American Kestrel perched up in a tree.
