Early Spring at Myakka River State Park

Last week marked the second week of March and an excellent time for another visit to Alligator Point (pdf map) in Myakka River State Park.  The route starts on the park boundary road where we encountered a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers making a  home in a power pole.

Nest, look closely for the bird's head

After .8 miles you find Alligator Point, a peaceful and relaxing bend in the river.  From there we continued down the road to the first power line and followed an old trail

Powerline 'trail'

to the river where we could walk along the shore line.  

Myakka River, marsh view

Marsh flowers

Orange Blossoms from an old orchard

Following an occasional animal trail we traversed the marsh and back through the woods to the main road.  

Following the animal trails

But what I most wanted to share were the wonderful spring flowers.

But watch for the 

poison ivy in bloom