I had been to Largo Central Park Nature Preserve once before, last year with my sister. Of the parks we visited, this one was her favorite. Mine was Eagle Lake. She never made it to Kapok, so I still say she didn’t get a fair chance to choose.

Coming back on my own this afternoon, I remembered why she liked this little preserve so much.

I moved to Pinellas County in December of 2023 from Central Florida. Like anyone in a new place, I wanted to explore.

At first, I thought the beaches would become my favorite places. And while I know we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I eventually realized they weren't where I felt most at home.

That first winter, my sister and I spent our weekends exploring parks all over Pinellas County. It didn't take long for us to realize we were looking for different things.

She loved the wooded trails, the rocks, and the quiet paths through the trees.

I was always drawn to the water's edge.

Sometimes the best places aren’t destinations at all. I wasn’t looking for birds. I was on my way to the dealership because my car was in the shop. I almost left my camera at home, but something told me to throw it over my shoulder just in case. That little decision turned an ordinary walk into one of the best afternoons I’ve had in a long time.

If you've looked through my photos, you've probably noticed that a lot of them were taken from boardwalks.

There are plenty of beautiful trails out there, but if I have a choice, I'm usually heading for the boardwalk.

I like being close to the water.

I like looking out over the marsh.

And I like watching wildlife without disturbing it.

When I'm standing on a boardwalk, I don't have to push through bushes or walk out into places the animals are already using.

I can just stand there and wait.

This morning, I arrived at Moccasin Lake just a few minutes before it opened. I parked by the gate and waited, and sure enough, it swung open right at 10:00 a.m.

I spent this past Sunday afternoon on the boardwalk at Eagle Lake Park, a spot I’ve visited many times—and one that consistently remains a favorite for my bird photography.