SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK: MARCH & APRIL 2024

Music
(Track 1)

Planetarium by Ambyion & GalaxyTones
Stream/Download: https://galaxytones.fanlink.tv/planet...
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...


(Track 2)
Dawn's Greeting by TaizoAudio (Shin Suzuma)

"We are part of this Universe; we are in this Universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the universe is in us."
- Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson.


March and April kicked off with gator growls seemingly a few weeks earlier than expected. Gradually, spring migration birds began to filter in and some, like the Northern Parula, decided to stay. Even on uneventful days the weather was perfect for walking. Similar to last year, we've had two crane families breeding in different areas of the park. Sadly, the chick in cell 1 featured in this video died only after a few weeks, its parents seen walking alone along the trail edge. The cell 3 chicks however did very well but the entire family has wandered off to places beyond the park. Missing from this episode is the story of our new Osprey family and its aerial battles with the Bald Eagles of Paynes Prairie. That footage and an update on the Great Horned Owls I'll probably use next for the next upload, referenced to April.
It has been a year since I've been using the 800mm f6.3 PF lens. All of the shots in this episode were filmed using it on the Nikon Z6 II. You may have noticed some dirt on the sensor in some shots. I eventually got that cleaned. Due to moisture intrusion, the lens has a minor malfunction/ short circuit on occasion, but it's not serious enough to send off for repair. It should come as a warning though, that if you film in the rain, use a rain cover of some sort. Weather sealing only goes so far.
I want to thank the park rangers for keeping visitors and animals safe and for the upkeep of the park. Also thanks to the photographers and visitors who share their stories, experiences and love of wildlife.
For those new to the park, it is advisable never go to the water’s edge. Leave the pets at home. Do not feed or harass the animals.
Let's keep this park great for both people and animals alike.