SWEETWATER WETLANDS PARK: MARCH & APRIL 2024

Music
(Track 1)
Planetarium by Ambyion & GalaxyTones
Stream/Download: galaxytones.fanlink.tv/planet...
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.

[@nalliniclifford6228]

This video as always is simply beautiful. The beauty of the animals and watching the cute baby Cranes. It was just wonderful

[@bob-cat]

Thanks! It's moments like that which keep me going out and exploring. The park is constantly changing, every week and every year.

[@nikon800]

Amazing!

[@bob-cat]

Thanks! I think I managed to film more stuff last year. But this park is full of surprises

[@henryyoung5662]

Another beautiful video. Love the Sandhill Crane colts.

[@bob-cat]

Henry! Good to hear from you! Yea filming the colts never gets old. Any cranes up in your area?

[@henryyoung5662]

@@bob-cat yes. We do have some sandhill cranes, but can't get nearly as close to them as you can down there.

[@TiniLe-ox4po]

Very nice ❤ it😂

[@bob-cat]

Thank you person I don't know who watches youtube videos at 2am cause she can't sleep!😅

[@PeanutChuAdventures]

Love it, the first gator is pretty scary.

[@bob-cat]

Thanks! The opening scene has a gator I call "Snaggle Tooth". Hard to tell if the deformed teeth is an old battle scar ...or a genetic abnormality. I haven't seen Snaggle basking in a while though.

[@kirashao]

Amazing video! I am wondering why there is bubble around gator in 1:38? Thanks!

[@bob-cat]

What's up Kira! Interesting question! I'm gonna make a hypothesis. It seems that the muscles around the midsection of Goliath vibrates at a high enough frequency (combined with the splashing) , mixing air with water to generate bubbles at the surface. I don't think the bubbles are coming up from below. If this could be observed in an aquarium where a profile view could be seen, that could give confirmation. hope everything is going well with you!