SHOLOM PARK, Ocala, Florida

REVISIT to SHOLOM PARK

As I had said in my earlier post, Sholom Park deserves more than one visit.

Our first visit on March 30th had produced the beautiful pastoral scene,

as well as the pair of Great Blue Herons on their nest.

Well, our second visit rewarded us with the exciting

opportunity to see the family the couple had produced.

This is what we found on April 9th.

These two have a sibling for a total of three chicks.

Yesterday, April 24th, there was still one chick in the nest.

It didn't look as though there was room for the other two,

and they had apparently flown the coop.

I would have thought from all the wing exercising this

one was doing, that he was ready to fledge

while we watched.  However, he was still

content to have Dad deliver a meal to him,

and then he preened in the afternoon sun.

He is getting to look a lot like the parents.

Did I mention that this nest is across from the viewing deck at the

Koi fish pond with the two fountains.

On April 24th, these beautiful iris were 

in bloom at the edge of the pond.

Almost exactly above the viewing platform is another nest

with a Mom and four chicks, that we sighted on April 9th.

By the time we returned on April 24th, there was only one remaining

in that nest that we could see.

Sholom Park is in Ocala, Florida at 7110 80th Avenue,

easily reached off SR 200 West. 
Summer hours are:
8AM to 7PM daylight time.
See my earlier posting

for further details.

Take a picnic if you wish, or a chair and a good book.

It is so peaceful there.  There are many benches

along the path around the pond, as well as in the

Labyrinth walk.