SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK: JULY & AUGUST 2023

[Subscriber Notice: Due to personal issues that will affect my filming, future uploads to this channel may diminish. But there are other Youtube channels that post videos on Sweetwater like RamblingTIm, Onewildlifer and others. There is also the Facebook page for Sweetwater Wetlands Park with photos/videos from the park rangers. Thank you for your understanding.]
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“If you took a ruby and infused it with so much life that it burst open, that’s a hummingbird.”
- Christian Cooper.
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Not too many new birds are around during the summer, but that doesn't mean the park is without drama. Insects and spiders are much bigger now and are a bit easier to film without slapping on the 105mm macro lens. Afraid of spiders? Yes? Well that's just too bad because I filmed a few for this episode. I can sympathize with your arachnophobia however. It is hardly likely anyone would desire to cuddle a creature that looks like a pile of scrambles eggs, eight mechanical looking legs sticking out and traps other creatures in a net-like contraption before sucking their juices. But that is why I find them interesting. Spending the summer in the park was a Great Crested Flycatcher, White Eyed Vireos, a Blue Grosbeak and a hummingbird or two (said hummingbirds live in the neighborhood across the street and will visit the park when enough flowers are in bloom).
Many thanks to the park rangers. Keeping visitors and animals safe can be challenging. Also thanks to the photographers and people who share their stories, experiences and love of wildlife.
Checkout the Facebook page for Sweetwater Wetlands Park if you have the time. The rangers have slideshows that captured some of the parks more elusive residents as well as sunrise /sunset pictures.
  / swpgainesville  
For those new to the park, it is advisable never go to the waters edge. Leave the pets at home. Do not feed or harass the animals.
Got a question? The "on duty" Park Ranger's number is on the dry erase board outside the restroom.

Music
(Track 1)
"FLOW" By Nomyn
CC BY-ND 3.0
Soundcloud - @nomyn
Facebook - www.facebook.com/NomynMusic/
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Deezer - www.deezer.com/en/artist/14851323
Youtube - www.youtube.com/channel/UCf1rozse…dHJ...
Bandcamp - nomyn.bandcamp.com/
Twitter - twitter.com/NomynMusic
Instagram - www.instagram.com/nomynmusic/

(Track 2)
"The Gentle Way" by TaizoAudio (Shin Suzuma)
https://www.shinsuzuma.com/home
Stock Media provided by TaizoAudio / Pond5