Lake Hollingsworth:
For any wildlife enthusiast or nature photographer, I would certainly recommend Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, Florida. Located within the urban sprawl of downtown, east of South Florida Avenue and west of Bartow Road, it's a 358-acre urban lake that has a remarkable diversity of birds—over 125 species. The Lake-to-Lake trail, a path for biking and walking, covers the entire circumference of the lake and gives access to many popular bird viewing spots. I lived there for seven years and walked the lake weekly.
Purple Gallinules are well-known on the south-southeast corner and are accustomed to people—thus providing excellent photo opportunities. Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons are common too. Watch for Cattails, Black-Crowned Night Herons, and Least Bitterns. In winter, Royal and Caspian Terns plunge for fish, while American White Pelicans gather. During periods of low water, American Avocets and other shorebird species are seen scavenging the banks for food. Black-necked Stilts are common in winter and early spring. Wood Storks frequent the west side, and Great Blue Herons often nest in the oaks on the lake's edge. A mixture of hardwoods and evergreens, palm and ferns provide foliage for migrants; 15 species of Wood-Warbler have been spotted, including Blackpoll and Black-Throated Blue. The lake also offers a peaceful and tranquil location to sit, relax, and watch the sunset.
Purple Gallinules are well-known on the south-southeast corner and are accustomed to people—thus providing excellent photo opportunities. Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, and Tricolored Herons are common too. Watch for Cattails, Black-Crowned Night Herons, and Least Bitterns. In winter, Royal and Caspian Terns plunge for fish, while American White Pelicans gather. During periods of low water, American Avocets and other shorebird species are seen scavenging the banks for food. Black-necked Stilts are common in winter and early spring. Wood Storks frequent the west side, and Great Blue Herons often nest in the oaks on the lake's edge. A mixture of hardwoods and evergreens, palm and ferns provide foliage for migrants; 15 species of Wood-Warbler have been spotted, including Blackpoll and Black-Throated Blue. The lake also offers a peaceful and tranquil location to sit, relax, and watch the sunset.
