On the Wing

This roseate spoonbill just left the rookery and was in clear view as I stood on the shore some 3-400 feet away admiring the beauty and serenity of the scene.

It is moments like this that make the photo outings worthwhile.

Searching

Cormorants are a group of aquatic birds containing about 40 different species.

Like many other aquatic species, these birds have long, curved necks that they use to reach below the surface to snag fish.

To further aid in capturing slippery fish, cormorants have long beaks that have a sharp hook at the end.

To enable them to better move through the water, they have webbed feet which are shown clearly here.

Waning Moon

Just 3 days before the next full moon appears over the Indian River in Florida. This waning, or decrescent moon was visible in the clear night sky, showing roughly 13% of the moon's surface.

The moon is reflected light from the sun so as it orbits the earth we get to enjoy its various phases.  The waxing phase, from the crescent to the half moon, is when we see the right hand side of the moon.  From the 1/2 moon to when it becomes full it is the "gibbous" phase.

Then it reverses with the right side darkening and the left side remaining lit and eventually becomes a waning crescent moon. 

Still Life

Great blue herons are large birds standing between approximately 3 feet and 5 feet tall.  Surprisingly they  typically weigh in at only 5 or 6 pounds mostly because of their hollow bones.

During breeding season, which started here several weeks ago, the iris in its eye will turn reddish and its yellow bill will take on an orange hue like the one in this photo.

What's the Message?

Size wise the length of a rhesus monkey ranges from 18-21 inches.  Males are bit larger than the females.

They communicate in a vast majority of ways including variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and visual signs like body stances.  Rhesus monkeys also use grooming, playing and fighting as other means of communication.

Turning the Catch

Once the prey has been caught and the osprey is off to ha higher perch to eat its meal, it will gradually turn the fish so that the head is facing backward. 

Ever wonder why?  It is purely aerodynamics.  An open mouth fish will catch air and slow down the osprey's forward speed.

Perched & Alert

A few seconds before capturing this osprey locking on to its prey, this osprey

was lower on the tree top and appeared to be somewhat more relaxed.  I felt the tension rise as it raised a bit higher.  I though I would be able to capture it taking off, but it did not happen until later.

Must have decided to save its energy for something else this time as it gradually lowered back down a bit and patiently awaited its next target.

Almost Hidden

Great horned owls have the largest and widest distribution range of any American owl.  They tend not to migrate, but remain as year round residents of their location.

They do not build nest, but take over nests like those of squirrels.  Their feathering is such that they tend to blend in with their surrounding like the one in this photo.

While they are called Great Horned Owls, they do not have horns, but the feathers covering their ears stand up like horns.

Adults have little to fear from predators as they are very fierce.  They have the ability to prey on other large predator birds which amazingly enough includes ospreys and peregrine falcons.

They have very strong talons and their grip does not let any prey to escape.  In fact they often use their grip to crush the spine of their prey.

Breeding Season

Once again out at Stick Marsh photographing the birds from the shoreline.  The rookery is very active primarily with spoonbills, egrets and anhinga during breeding season.

Even though these egrets were hunkered in out of the wind, you still can get a sense by their plumage that it is breeding season.

Diving Ducks

The lesser scaup is a small North American diving duck also known as the little broadbill or bluebill.

These are small ducks approximately 16" in length.  The males weigh about 1.8 lbs on average with the females a couple of ounces lighter.

They normally forage by sifting for mollusks and clams on the bottom mud.  They also will dabble for seeds and other parts of aquatic plants.

Coming Home

This anhinga was returning to the rookery at Stick Marsh to seek refuge in the mangroves where all the birds are nesting during the February breeding season.

Another View

Normally I don't keep or share photos of birds flying away from where I stand to capture the photo.  I much prefer shots that show off the eyes and the plumage.

In this case, however, I thought the semi-sideview was interesting as it displayed all the variations of color in this roseate spoonbill.

Great Catch

I have watched this osprey come and go for several weeks now, always circling the small harbor off the Indian River. Most recently in the late afternoon it has begun to perch in a tall tree across the water from our dock to fish for it's next meal.

While I haven't been successful in capturing the moment to leaves the tree or when it captures its prey, I have been fortunate enough to record its success on a couple of afternoons.

If you look closely at its talons, you'll quickly see why the osprey is such a successful fisherman.  Remember the foremost talon is like our thumb and can be rotated to ensure a better grip.

Windblown

This great white egret had just landed in this tree high above the area to preen itself early in the morning at osprey acres in Vero Beach.

Profiled

Fortunate timing.  I happened to be ready when this roseate spoonbill stepped out from the mangroves into the sunlight.  This capture give a clear view of its unique bill which they use to dig in the mud primarily for shrimp and crustaceans.

Returning to the Rookery

This great white egret was flying low to the water on its way back to the rookery.  I could not tell if it had been out searching for food or nesting material, but it was a few hundred feet from where I was on shore and presented a pretty sight on its way back home.

Nesting

Out at Stick Marsh photographing all the birds busily building and sitting on nests during the breeding season.  At this moment, I was able to capture the male great white egret passing along a piece of nesting material to its mate.

I was fortunate that this couple was not as deeply hidden iamong the mangroves.  You can see glimpses of the others in the background.

Quizzical

While photographing egrets and spoonbills at Stick Marsh, I noticed an anhinga studying a roseate spoonbill one branch away.  It seemed to me the anhinga was studying the spoonbill and asking, "What kind of bird are you with that funny looking bill?"

Blending In

When in the shade of the trees these monkeys were sometimes difficult to see.  Fortunately the day was partly cloudy and the sunlight helped break through their camouflage.

Oh What A Web

• This large spider has three different names, the golden orb spider, the giant wood spider, and the banana spider.
• The golden orb spider does not look like or smell like a banana, nor are they always found on bananas.
• They got the nickname "banana spider" from the fat that their web are yellow (gold) like a banana.
• It is the oldest surviving spider known on earth.
• The biggest one reportedly was in Australia and measured 2.7" in length.
• The female is larger than the male, and like the preying mantis, feeds on the male after mating.

Tension

The Amur Leopard also is known as the Russian Leopard, the Far East Leopard and the Manchurian Leopard.  It is the rarest cat in the world with reportedly less than 100 left in the wild and only about 200 in captivity around the world.

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to be able to join a group of photographers and capture this beautiful big cat,  

Because of my excitement, I became separated a short distance from the group and found myself being targeted as possible prey.

Needless to say, I've paid a lot more attention to my surroundings since then.

Getting Down

All leopards are strong and nimble footed as you can see here.  The Amur Leopard seen here can run at speeds approaching 40 miles and hour.

Reportedly it also can leap almost 20 feet horizontally and up to 10 feet vertically.

Of all the big cats they are supposed to be the most accomplished climbers too.

While only 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 feet long (plus about 2 1/2 feet more of tail length) they have been known to tackle prey 10 times their size and weight.

Going Fishing

Raptors of many kinds abound in Florida near inland lakes and waterways as well as along the coastal areas.  Ospreys are among the most abundant and can be found circling over the ocean as well as perched on trees and poles along the roadways.

Wherever they are found, with their keen eyesight and rapid flight speeds, they are known as being great fishermen.

"Woody"

Pileated woodpeckers can be found throughout mainland Florida,  Anyone who has seen a "Woody Woodpecker" cartoon will recognize this bird right away.

Circling Offshore

This "great fisherman", the osprey was circling just offshore looking for its next meal.  I watched it fly in ever widening circles until it spotted movement between the braking waves.

While it periodically swooped down for a closer look, it did not strike while I watched.

Peaking Out

On one trip to Montana I was told by an older Native American that my spirit animal was "the wolf".  Since my childhood, I always have felt a special connection with and understanding of dogs, so his words struck a chord with me.

I have been fortunate and have been able to photograph wolves in several locations.  Even when coming face to face with them, I have felt a connection rather than fear.  Better yet, I have sensed calmness and a connection in the wolves too.

Dabbler

While the female makes a familiar "quacking sound" this male mallard mostly is quiet except when fighting.

The male is easily distinguished by its green head and neck.

Can be found throughout Florida during the period from November through March.

Colorful

The wood duck is Florida's most colorful duck.  It migrates down from the northern US and Canada.

It is a "dabbling duck that measures approximately 1 1/2 feet in length.

8 Pointer

Fortunate enough to live in southeast Michigan where the deer and other wildlife come to roam and play.  This buck is the largest of all the whitetail deer that come to visit on a regular basis.

A Standout

This is just the beginning of this year's color show put on by "Mother Nature". You really need to take time to enjoy this time of year if you have the opportunity.

About to Pounce

While watching these two youngsters, it seemed to me that playing or fighting was imminent.  As it turned out they leaped off in opposite directions and I missed capturing the moment.

Natural Setting

Early Morning drifting along the edge of Lake Lochloosa waiting for the sun to burn off the fog so the eagles would become more active.  While waiting it provided the opportunity to look for other wildlife and activity among the cypress trees.

Up and Away

After almost 10 minutes perched on top of the flagpole, it was time to find another perch and search for prey.

Although it's not an eagle, the osprey still presents a majestic look and a patriotic image.

Space X Launch -3

After the two booster rockets separated and headed back to the launch site, the rocket gathered speed and soon was out of sight.

The Falcon Heavy rocket is approximately 230 feet long and has a diameter of roughly 40 feet. The total launch mass was about 1400 tons.

Space X Launch -2

After launching the Falcon Heavy rocket (which is a variant of the Falcon 9 full thrust launch vehicle) you can see the two additional boosters separating for their return to the launch site. 

Space X Launch -1

Prior to this launch 213 rockets have launched from the kennedy Space Center in Florida.

This mission was for the United States Space Force and carried two satellites.

Belted Kingfisher

The sun finally broke out after a couple of hours drifting around in the fog.  While waiting we were fortunate enough to photograph a variety of herons among the cypress trees.  This was our bonus for the morning - - a not often seen belted kingfisher.  Especially one seemingly posing for us to capture it.

The Munchies

The environment along the Silver River in Ocala State Forest provides these monkeys with a great supply of food.  They feed on pine needles, a variety of roots, leaves and small insects.

Interestingly, like squirrels, they are able to store food in the pouches of their cheeks.

Family Affair

The Rhesus monkeys typically like open areas that are arid, but can survive in  diverse habitats like the wooded areas along the Silver River in Ocala National Forest.

The original monkeys in this area were brought in by a tour boat operator in 1938.  Now there are reportedly about 400 in this area.

Flagpole Sitting

I was very fortunate that this osprey landed atop the flagpole and rested there for almost 10 minutes before moving on.  I was relaxing with a friend on the dock enjoying an espresso when it suddenly flew in.

The osprey was kind enough to perch long enough for me to run inside and return with camera in hand so I could capture the moment.

Wolf Moon - 2

While more commonly known as the Wolf Moon, this month's moon also is known as a micromoon as it is at its farthest point from the earth.  That puts it somewhat over 26,000 further away than when it is at its closest point.

To put that into perspective, it is about 10% farther away.

Wolf Moon - 1

The full moon on January 6th is thought of/named the Wolf Moon because are frequently heard howling at this time of year.  In reality. wolves don't howl at the moon, they raise their heads when they howl so the sound will travel farther.

Talons Ready

Almost immediately after leaving its perch, once its prey was in focus, the osprey got ready to dive on it and strike.

If you look closely at the talons, you can see why this raptor is considered the best fisherman in town.  The 4th talon is reversible like our thumb which helps keep up its catch rate.

Quick Departure

After sitting on the flagpole for almost 10 minutes, this osprey decided it was time to move on to another perch.  Apparently it did not see any prey from this perch, but it certainly presented a majestic image. Almost as good as if it had been an eagle.

Thinking

This younger monkey seemed to be contemplating its next move rather than running around, jumping and climbing at high speed like most of the others around and behind it in the trees.

Make A Move

Right after i captured this moment the monkey on the right jumped up on the tree just above the other monkey and the chase was on.

Target Sighted

We were drifting along the Silver River in the Ocala National Forest when we spotted this osprey perched atop[ of a dead tree.  Knowing that eventually it would find some prey for a tasty meal, I locked on to it and waited for it to depart.

This time I was fortunate and had time to get ready before it took off.  Most of the time the raptor is faster than the human hand.

Nodding Off

These Rhesus monkeys are active throughout the day and night.  The adult must have been real active as it appeared to be dozing off while contemplating its next move.

Wanna Play?

Rhesus Macaque monkeys also known as Rhesus monkeys, are active during both daytime and at night.  Right after I captured these two youngsters, they began to wrestle with one another.  The albino is a bit smaller and was the instigator, but not the winner of the wrestling match.

Who is This

Once again, early morning in the fog drifting around the edge of Lake Lochloosa.  It was low light and a bit eerie given the dense fog, but we were able to catch a brief glimpse of this lone barred owl.

It looked at us as if to say we were disturbing it and quickly went back among the cypress trees.

Leaving Home

Just as the fog started to lift this great blue heron decided it was time to leave its resting place among the cypress trees.  We were positioned in the right place just outside the trees providing a great perspective to catch its profile in flight.

Incoming

The great blue heron we had been photographing among the cypress trees had just taken flight.  Just as we were about to leave, the white heron came in to provide us with an another opportunity to add to our variety of birds for the morning.

Great timing and some good luck.

Posing

The fog lifted, the sun came out and this eagle struck a pose.  Could't ask for an easier shot.

Returning Home

This image gave me the impression that the male eagle had been away for awhile and returned "empty handed" which appears like it did not go over well.

It's almost like a husband coming home early morning after a night of drinking.

Either way, it looked to me as though a "performance review" was about to take place.

Separation 2

Separation

SpaceX launched a big batch of OneWeb internet satellites into orbit Thursday evening (Dec. 8) on a mission that supports a megaconstellation competitor after OneWeb's own launch plans were derailed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 40 OneWeb satellites launhed from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida Thursday at 5:27 p.m. EST (2227 GMT), soaring into orbit in a dazzling sunset liftoff.  Cameras on the ground captured stunning views of the Falcon 9 as its first stage separated, then returned to Earth to make a pinpoint landing on a SpaceX pad at the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

Up & Away

SpaceX launched a big batch of OneWeb internet satellites into orbit Thursday evening (Dec. 8) on a mission that supports a megaconstellation competitor after OneWeb's own launch plans were derailed by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 40 OneWeb satellites launhed from NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida Thursday at 5:27 p.m. EST (2227 GMT), soaring into orbit in a dazzling sunset liftoff.  Cameras on the ground captured stunning views of the Falcon 9 as its first stage separated, then returned to Earth to make a pinpoint landing on a SpaceX pad at the nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 

Gathering Speed

Once the prey has been sighted (up to a mile away) the eagle picks up speed and goes after its meal. That is when you need to stay focused and follow the bird.  

Admittedly the new autofocus systems make us photographers look a lot better now.

Moving On the Target

Always exciting to be watching a perched bird and be able to catch it when it begins to fly off to capture some prey.  Proof that patience pays off.

Lifting Off

This eagle was a long way off, but the background was clear that its movement showed up immediately.  Glad I had a big enough lens to capture the action.  This was shot at 840mm and I still had to crop about 75% of the photo out.

Beauty in Motion

When the eagles fly, my heart beats a little fatter and the shutter goes even faster.  This is what wildlife photography is all about.

On the Target

Now that the sun is out and has burned off the fog, the action has begun for the eagles and the photographers.

Frustration

It appears as though this eagle was as frustrated with the dense fog as I was.  We were in the "soup" for 3 hours. I think the eagle was frustrated because the fog was so dense, the fish couldn't be seen and it was beyond breakfast time.

I was getting frustrated as the birds weren't flying and I couldn't get any action shots.

Our National Symbol

Once the sun came out and the fog lifted, things got back to normal.  The eagles went on alert and began searching for breakfast.

This is when the camera gets put to use and my hopes come true.

Looking for Breakfast

After several hours of being fogged in, it began to clear up.  The eagles also perked up and I knew sooner or later they would begin to take off and search for prey.

Stay tuned and you'll see what happened over the next hour on this outing. Wishes sometimes come true. 

I Can See Again

After a long time in dense fog, the sun finally started to burn it off so the eagles, and we could see more clearly.

In the Fog

An interesting  morning on Lake Lochloosa in Florida where the fog was so dense even with their great eyesight, the eagles weren't fishing.  As for us looking to photograph them is was 3 hours of learning more about what our cameras could do in very difficult lighting.

Dreamy

Out driving around the area looking for bursts of fall colors when I found this narrow stream of water cascading over some boulders.  It was narrow and the water was moving slowly so I decided to try and slow it down even more to soften the effect.

High Noon

The various stages of nature all in one capture - - from green growth to the end stage.  It's all here to see; you just need to take time.

Home Security

With its large eyes enabling it to see a wide angle and long distances, the osprey likes to perch high above the water to search for its next meal.  

It also uses its vision to focus on possible intruders, like photographers, getting too close to its nesting area.  Its look can be very intimidating when you are the subject of its laser focus and watch its posture change to one of defending its nest.  Then, when it spreads its wings and before you hear the shriek of its cry, you know it is time to depart.

Setting Sun

After exploring the local area for fall colors, I returned home to one of the best scenes of the day on the other side of the lake.

Inner Peace

A closer look at my "go to" spot when I need to decompress and forget about everything going on around me.  

Serenity

My favorite place and my favorite time of year to reconnect with nature and let the world pass me by.

Transformation

One of the key things this  Japanese Red Bridge, named "Guzei" represents is transformation.  Very appropriate in this case as the photo was taken in the early days of October, when the leaves are just beginning are just beginning to change color, or transform.

Touch of Color

Another one of the many small lakes in our neighborhood showing a touch of color in early autumn.  Definitely will return here arms the season progresses to see how the transformation is progressing.

Early Color

A pretty sight from across the lake.  It may be beautiful to look at, but it is not something you want to touch or bring home.  The vines are beautiful, but certainly will cause you to itch -- trees wrapped in poison oak.

Frosty Morn

Late morning with the sun up, the air still is chilly and the mist rises off the lake.  It's early fall, the leaves are beginning to change and the air is getting cooler.

Great time of year in the northern parts, but have to admit I am definitely not looking forward to what's coming next.

Breaking Light

Shortly after sunrise with frost on the rooftops signals the real start of fall, color change and windy days.

Mid-day Reflections

When the sun shines, the air is crisp but not cold, the leaves are rapidly showing off their colors before the trees take a rest, it's time to explore with the camera and take in the beauty of the surroundings.

now is the time to see what nature has to offer.

Returning Home

Ospreys, also know as fish hawks, will nest in any location where there is water which provides it with an adequate supply of food.

Their nests are made of sticks and lined with bark as well as sod, grasses vines, etc. The nest starts out being bowl shaped to corral the youngsters, but as they grow, the nest flattens out.

The nests can reach diameter of about 5 feet and can be anywhere from 2-6 feet deep.  Overall, the nests weigh over several hundred pounds.

Returning from the Hunt

While the osprey is a very effective fisherman, sometimes referred to as the "perfect" fishing machine, there are occasions when it returns to its perch without a catch.  

As a former avid fisherman, I know the feeling only too well.

The Greatest Fisherman

The osprey has a lot of genetic adaptations which make it what could be referred to as the "perfect fishing machine".

They have large eyes and a wide field of focus which enable them to spot fish 100 feet above the water.

They can dive at 50 mph.

They have closable nostrils which enable them to dive under water.

They have an extra transparent eyelid which enables them to see under water.

Circling the Lake

With a wingspread of about 6 feet, high flight speeds especially when diving and  keen eyesight, ospreys are very effective fishermen.  Their long talons combined with reversible outer toes that act like our thumbs give them tan advantage when hanging on to their catch.

Anastasia Formation

Standing close to the edge - - maybe 10-15 feet back - - when an incoming wave hit a limestone outcropping just to the right gave me a real sense of the power of the ocean.

The Anastasia Formation is special.  It is comprised of quartz sand and limestone that was formed sea shells that have been broken down and mashed together.

Here's a fair unknown fact.  When standing on the sand at Blowing Rocks, you are standing on part of the Appalachian Mountains which came down from Georgia over millions of years ago.

Blowing Rocks

This preserve gets its name from what the waves do when then encounter the rocks especially at high tide during rough seas.

The formations are comprised of craggy limestone with holes in it.  During rough seas, waves can spurt in the air upwards of 50 feet.

Look closely at the right and you can see the relative size of the wave compared to the man at the top of the cliff.

Wave Worn

Blowing rocks overall is a one mile stretch of beach on Jupiter Island Florida that is about as natural a place as you can find.  As such it is a protected area that is owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy.

Some of the rock formations are very sharp while others are very well worn and smooth from the action of the waves.  Some are even worn down to be almost level with the sand.

Blowing Rocks

Blowing Rocks Preserve really is unique.  Whereas almost all Florida east coast beaches are miles of sandy beaches, Blowing Rocks is a mile of craggy limestone shoreline.  It doesn't appear to fit, but rather looks like it belongs in Maine or elsewhere on the east coast.

From A Distance

Late afternoon while sitting on the deck photographing hummingbirds, I saw a small, almost speck, high in the sky beyond the other side of the lake.  As I did not have my longest lens available I did not have any expectations about getting a good shot.

My gear,  the Sony A1 locked on focus immediately which raised my hopes. After cropping almost 95%, taking out some noise and adding on of my own sets of clouds, this is what I came up with.

Certainly not my best raptor shot, but I was pleased with the overall result.

How about you?

Who's Watching

In the kitchen one afternoon when this red tailed hawk landed on the neighbors tree.  I'm guessing it was a scouting perch while looking over the activity around the bird feeders the wetland behind our home.

I was fortunate as it perched there long enough for me to run downstairs,  grab my camera and get a shot before it quickly departed.  This pose is when I returned and thought I was being stealthy near the window.

Awaiting Its Mate

This female red-bellied woodpecker stayed in place waiting for its mate to return with more sunflower seeds from the feeder.  This is their favorite food at the feeders.

This year has brought a greater variety of woodpeckers than usual.  In addition there seem to be greater numbers in the area. The proof can be seen in all the wood trim that needs replacement in my neighbors chimney and my deck.

Up Close

The sunflower symbolizes positivity.  Although I only have seen yellow sunflowers, they come in a wide array of colors.  Red sunflowers exist and reportedly are easy to grow.

If you never have taken the time to study the center of a sunflower, you probably did not know that the disk is comprised of tiny flowers.

When you have the opportunity go to a field on a cloudy day and you will discover that the sunflowers do not face each other when it's cloudy.

Fueling

Another sip of the bee balm nectar which has been the apparent favorite for multiple hummingbirds during the past week.

This particular plant is located within 10 feet of an oriole feeder which also has become more active during the same week.

This hummingbird is the dominant one and will chase away any suspected intruders irrespective of size.  We have watched this one chase finches, orioles and unbelievably even blue jays to protect its food sources.

Its aggressive nature has become even more apparent now that it is preparing to migrate south.

Migration Preparation

This past week we saw 2 ruby throated hummingbirds zipping back and forth among the feeders, the fuchsia plants and the feeder.  They passed each other quickly, and when they happened to approach the same area at the same time, their aggressive nature became ver apparent.

Even though they are small, they are very aggressive.  We have have had a dominant hummingbird here all summer that guards all the food sources and chases away any and all intruders.

Going Fishing

This male Belted Kingfisher has taken to perching in a dead tree outside my office window late afternoon while looking for its dinner.  I have yet to see it catch a fish from that perch, but some day hope it all comes together.

As you can see Belted Kingfishers have a comparatively larger head than other birds - - about 1 foot overall length and weight at about 6 ounces.

Unlike most bird species the female of the species is more colorful than the male.

The male is called a cock the female a hen and the babies are known as chicks.  Hmmm.  Makes you wonder if there is any relationship to chickens.

They can fly at a speed of about 35mph.

Pewee

This Eastern woo-pewee Flycatcher is a newcomer to our yard.  During the autumn they migrate to Central and South America to avoid the cold weather.  My best guess is that it stopped here on its way south which tells me I should follow suit in the near future.

They produce a whistling sound like pee-a-wee which I suppose it how it got its name. 

It is an omnivore as it likes plants as well as flies, butterflies, bees, wasps, grasshoppers and crickets.  They catch their prey in the air.

Itching

This hummingbird stopped to perch on a branch to take time to scratch an itch.

I had seen tiny bug nearby that must have caused the itch.  If you look closely you will see the details of the tiny foot and also the closed eyelid to protect the eye from what appears to be a very sharp toe nail.

Refreshed

Hummingbirds are not very social.  Like most other birds in migration, hummingbirds do not fly in flocks.  They fly individually.  

They also compete aggressively for food sources.  They are very territorial and get extremely feisty during mating season.  Not only do they remember their migration routes, but reportedly remember the yard and flowers they have visited in previous years.

I actually have seen the "resident hummingbird" attack other birds to protect "its feeder". 

Speed & Stamina

Even though they are small, the hummingbird migration is long distance, spanning hundreds and even thousands of miles.  The migration takes place during daylight hours when they stay low looking for feeding opportunities.

In preparation for their long journey to their wintering grounds, they try and refuel with the objective to add 40% to their body weight.

While I cannot attest to how much weight they have gained this week, they certainly are spending a lot more time at the feeder and at the flowers fueling up for their journey which will take them many hundreds or even thousands of mile from here are a rate of up to about 25 miles a day.

Hokey Pokey

Not really a hummingbird dance, but it was interesting to watch the preening process and be able to capture the finite details of this hummingbird's foot. Over time, their feet have evolved to be small so they are lighter weight - - more efficient for flying fast.

Even though they cannot walk or hop on their feet (for example like a robin), they will use their feet to preen or for itching.  They also are able to hop sideways when perched on a branch like this.

W Shape

The hummingbird's tongue is shaped like a "W".  It's flat , but splits at the very end. 

The hummingbird also has a long beak which enables them to get at the nectar at the very bottom of a flower.  It's their tongue, however, that enables them to pick up the nectar.  When eating, they extend their tongue, spread the tip, cover it with nectar and retract it into their mouth.

Preening

Hummingbirds are unique in many aspects.  They are the only birds that can fly in different directions as well as hover in mid-air.

If caught in the rain, they can shake their heads rapidly, over 100 times per second, to remove the droplets.  Oh by the way, they can do this while flying.

Unlike most birds, they do not migrate in flocks; they migrate individually.

They have huge appetites.

They fly at about 30mph.

All of these factors make photographing them a real challenge.

Collecting Nectar

The hummingbird's metabolism is very fast.  Not that elephants can fly, but the hummingbird's metabolism is 100 times faster than the elephant.

Reportedly they will scout over 1000 flowers a day for food.

Small & Speedy

Hummingbirds were scarce for several weeks this summer, but during the past 2 weeks, they have appeared more frequently.  They also are collecting nectar and getting to the feeder more frequently.

My best guess is that they are fueling up for their journey to warmer climates.  I got the message and will do likewise someday.

Quick Landing

As these dragonflies are fast and agile fliers, it is challenging to capture them.

Once again, studying their habits and being patient has its rewards.  

They always are welcome to visit us for the potential photo opportunity, but also because they are deadly predators with a high strike rate.  Better yet, their favorite food is the mosquito.

Papilio Glaucus

Swallowtail butterflies can be found on every continent in the world.  They are unique in that their lower wings are forked; hence the name swallowtail.

This eastern tiger swallowtail is one of the most common and therefore well known butterflies in the U.S.  It actually has been on 2 postage stamps in the U.S.

Yesterday mid-afternoon the clouds rolled in, the thunder gave a quick warning and the storm was quickly upon us with all the force nature has.  First it almost appeared as if the sun went down.  That quickly passed and then the hail, the rain and just about everything else came down from above.

Reminded me of the day I took my final exam live in the control tower at Chanute AFB in Rantoul IL.  Got through it, even with the storms and a tornado, and moved on to try my new skills in various parts of the world.

It was as exciting yesterday as it was back then.

Wind Beneath My Wings

Soaring over the lake, this young eagle fully spread its wings to take advantage of the air currents and conserve energy while searching for food.

Mosquito Hunter

In the blue dasher dragonfly, the dorsal part of the abdomen is a bluish color with a yellow-striped thorax.  The head of the blue dasher is made up of eyes which gives them the ability to have a 360 degree view and detect motion everywhere except directly behind them.

So, inanition to their speed and flying ability, this is another feature making them deadly predators. 

Halloween

This Halloween Pennant Dragonfly is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies. 

They are very skilled fliers with amazing speed that few other insects can achieve.  With their two sets of wings that can work independently of one another, they can change direction quickly and fly in any direction.  They flying abilities combined with their speed make them deadly predators.

On the Bee Balm

While butterflies drink nectar from many species of wildflowers and shrubs, here they prefer the bee balm and the milkweed plants.  Fortunately we have been able to cultivate both as well as some butterfly bushes, all of which keep them coming back.

On the Butterfly Bush

It's the nectar that keeps them coming back.  It's nature at its best and a pleasure to be able to have the opportunity to photograph them in different light.

Papilio Polyxenes

While we have not been seeing the monarch butterflies hovering around the milkweed as in past years, the swallowtails have been stopping by to help pollinate the bee balm plants.

Luck was on my side this particular day as this black swallowtail only has been sighted once so far.

Blue Pirate

The Blue Dasher has a distinctive coloring that sets it apart from other dragonflies.   The eyes clearly distinguish the male and female of the species.

The eyes are jade green on the male like this one, whereas they are reddish brown on the female.

Sharing

I watched this male red-bellied woodpecker execute many round trips o the bird feeder to gather sunflower seeds so it could feed its mate.

Like most woodpeckers, they eat a lot of insects as well as plant material during some seasons.  Access to the sunflower seeds always brings them here.

This breed resides in eastern part of the US and Canada.  They are 100% native in N America.

Male & Female

At first glance, the male red-bellied woodpecker is often mistaken to be a red headed woodpecker because of its red crown.  The male red-bellied woodpecker displays red on both its nape and crown.  In comparison, the female red-bellied woodpecker has red on its nape but not its crown.

Flight Formation

Heading north after a day of fishing the inlets, the power plant and the fishing docks around the Ft Pierce area and Hutchinson Island.

It is a regular routine.  Head south down the coastline early morning and return late afternoon to their estuary.

Lift Off

Don't let their size fool you.  Hummingbirds have stamina and fly very fast.  In fact, they have been clocked at 30mph when flying directly.

Their migration can span hundreds or even thousands of miles with their wings flapping a minimum of 70 times per second.  

Are you starting to get a feel for how difficult it may be to capture a shot that with clarity and detail?  Oh yes, in a dive that wing speed can almost triple.This also may help you understand why they have to feed so frequently and also why they look for sweet nectar and sugar water.

Reenergizing

For those who have fed hummingbirds over the years it becomes apparent pretty quickly that the hummingbirds are pretty predictable in their migration patterns. Specific birds migrate about the same time each year.  They often arrive and leave within a day or two of the same date each year.

Soft Landing

Hummingbirds have a very fast metabolism, far faster than yours and mine and about  100 times faster than that of an elephant.

They eat a variety of insects like ants, gnats, mosquitoes, and wasps throughout the day just to survive.

They can feed about every 15 minutes and scout between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers every day for food.  Of course, with the right formula (4:1) water to sugar, they will keep coming back to your feeder throughout the day and evening.

The Approach

How did it acquire its name? It's not from the call they make; it's from the sound their wings produce when in flight.

Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly in any direction. They can hover or fly forward, backward, sideways, in mid-air, and even upside-down!

Gaping

Baltimore orioles will feast on fruit and berries like oranges, grapes, and raspberries, much to the chagrin of farmers. Sometimes they practice an unusual eating method called gaping: After they insert their beak into what they're eating, they  create a tunnel out of their beak and use their tongues to lap up the juice, or in this case a beak full of grape jelly. 

Up, Up and Away

When in adulthood Baltimore orioles on average achieve a length of about 8 inches - - smaller than a robin by about 2 inches.

Their wingspan achieves almost a foot in width.

Sweet Tooth

The Baltimore oriole's favorite food is insects.  They also have a sweet tooth so if you want to attract them in your backyard, grape jelly is a surefire method.  

While they sometimes also will stop by for a taste of sugar water from the hummingbird feeder, they will not be attracted to bird seed.

Leap of Faith

Adult male Baltimore orioles show brighter colors than their female counterparts.  The juvenile males grow their full plumage in their second fall season.

They typically live in the wild about 11 years.

Look Out Below

Surprisingly, Baltimore Orioles, like this female, really are not members of the oriole family.  They really are in the blackbird family.  In fact, they are essentially the dame size as a red-wing blackbird.

You can distinguish the difference between the male and female by their color.  The female tends to be more yellow whereas the male is a brighter orange.

Prisoners' Art

Even with the horrendous conditions, rampant illness and lack of hope, some found a way to survive by expressing themselves through art.

One can only imagine how deep they had to reach in their souls. The artwork speaks for itself.

Hallway to Nowhere

The colony was opened up by Emperor Napoleon III.  Originally is was intended for political prisoners.  At some point, it was extended to house murderers and the worst criminals in France.

In a word, the prison was horrific in and by itself.  It only could be reached by boat a distance of 8 miles from shore through rough seas and and hidden reefs making survival in the sea almost impossible.  Only one prisoner ever managed to escape and survive - -" Papillon".

Another nearby island , Ile Royale, housed this prisoners in solitary confinement for escape attempts.  They were kept in darkness and in silence, some for up to 5 years..

Stark Reality

The starkness of the cells, and the fact that prisoners always were chained, tells the story of how brutal life was in the Devil's Island Penal Colony.  Of roughly 80,000 prisoners housed here over the years only about 1/4 survived.

It was described as a "living death".

Approaching the Colony

After a 15 day arduous, grueling, uncomfortable trip from Marseilles, the worst criminals from France.  These prisoners did not enjoy the comforts of those that visit the island today aboard cruise ships, but traveled below deck in chains and cages.

It only got worse once they arrived.

New FriendBlanche & Sherryl Our Neptune Lounge Concierge

Wandering around the city of Funchal trying to take in as many sights as we could in our one day stop here, we encountered several mimes.  This one, in particular, caught my attention and was very willing to pose for us.  Just added to the fond memories of our visit.

Drying the CatchBlanche & Sherryl Our Neptune Lounge Concierge

Obviously living on an island surrounded by the Atlantic makes fishing a major enterprise for the residents.  This was late in the day where the fish were being set out to dry in the sun.

The Port of Funchal

The island of Madeira had a population of slightly over 100, 000 at the time we were there some 20+ years ago.  When in the port, it seemed as though there were almost as many boats as there were people.

The city faces the Atlantic with a beautiful backdrop of mountains.  The climate is such that the flowers bloom year round only adding to the beauty of the island.

Welcome Ashore

A week of cruising aboard the  new, luxurious Nieuw Amsterdam, we were very excited to get our feet on terra firms again.  It appeared as though this statue in the port was greeting us as we stepped ashore.  It was a warm welcome and only got better as we encountered the people and the sights.

Home way From Home

After seven days at sea crossing the Atlantic aboard Holland America's  new Nieuw Amsterdam, we arrived at our first port Funchal on the island of Madeira Madeira, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is the capital of Portugal's autonomous region of Madeira.

The Crane Family

These sandhill cranes can be found in freshwater marshes, pastures and open woods throughout Florida.  People who feed them find them returning to the point of pecking on their doors when they want to be fed.  The pecking actually can damage screens etc so it's best to leave nature alone.

Easy Meal

This juvenile eagle decided picking up a floating shrimp was an easy meal - - maybe appetizer -- as it searched for food on Lake Lochloosa.

Several other juveniles showed up shortly after as there were lots of scraps floating on the water from fishermen cleaning fish at the stations on the edge of the lake.

Target in Reach

Having just left its nest, this adult American Eagle headed straight for the lake in search of breakfast.  With its talons outstretched it was about to strike its unsuspecting prey.

In this case, it turned out to be a morsel floating on the surface and not a swimming fish.

Red Bellied Woodpecker

Taking a hike around Jack Island when I encountered a bird I often photograph at home.  All you have to do is listen for the rhythmic tapping it makes on the search for insects.

Taking a Break

Cleaning up on the beach after finishing off their morning catch.  Smart enough to avoid catching a wave like some people walking the beach.

Going Fishing

This adult American Eagle had been resting in the nest with it's mate when it decided it was time for breakfast and quickly left to scout Lake Lochloosa near Hawthorne FL where it resides among the oak trees and spanish moss.

Grab & Go

After coming in quickly from above, this juvenile American eagle grabbed a piece of floating fish from the surface of Lake Lochloosa and went off to enjoy it before another eagle came in to steal it away.

Female Painted Bunting - 2

This female was very active around the feeding area once the red tailed hawk departed in search of a meal elsewhere.

Returning to the Nest

It started out as what appeared to be a quiet morning on Blue Cypress Lake, but when the ospreys started to take flight it seemed as though they were coming and going in all four quadrants.  The toughest challenge was deciding which bird to focus on.  No complaints from me.

Energy Drink

Even though the weather has not been cooperative this spring with frequent below normal temperatures along with lots of wind and rain, the birds know it is time to be here in Michigan.  This ruby throated hummingbird visits us several times a day and has claimed this feeder as its own.

Be Warned

This osprey was perched atop its large nest.  As we drifted closer to get a better perspective of it from below, we got a warning screech that we were encroaching on its territory and shifting into reverse would be an excellent idea.

Ready to Depart

Perched on top of its nest, as we quietly drifted closer, we did not escape its excellent vision, but managed a quick shot before this osprey took off.  Actually our encroachment made for a better shot as we were able to capture the full wingspread.

Scouting

The cold weather is lingering through April and the deer are returning to scout familiar territory for food.  At this point little has grown so there are not even any daffodils or other spring flowers to feed upon.  They already have trimmed the bushes throughout the winter season.

Crested Cormorants

This pair of Crested Cormorants had just finished drying their wings and were getting ready to take flight.  You can tell by the mini tufts on their heads that they are in the breeding season.

Watchful Eyes

Always on alert, these ospreys are either guarding the young or using their excellent vision to search for unsuspecting prey below.

Catching the Light

When I first looked at my capture of this bird, I was confused by the blue collar around its neck was lit up by the angle of the sun.  Turns out to be a boat tailed grackle.

All Aglow

This male mallard took advantage of some brief sunshine to capture the light and show off his beautiful colors.

Laser Focus

Osprey vision is one of their attributes that make them such excellent fishermen.  While their eyes are about the same size as ours there vision is at least twice as good.

Perching Duck

Wood ducks often are referred to as "Carolina Ducks".

They nest in trees typically in hollowed out nests of squirrels, etc.  They often are found perching in trees observing their surroundings.

They are very colorful, like this male.  Both the male and female have red eyes and a red bill.

The Look

When you become the subject of the laser focused stare of a raptor, you have to think about what it is like to be targeted as its prey. 

Breeding Season

In terms of weather, April has been more like March with gray skies, snowy days, lots of wind and freezing temps at night.  Nevertheless, nature knows it's time to start nesting and start a new generation.

Splish Splash

One day recently a flock of Ring-necked ducks suddenly appeared at the far end of our lake.  They all were in breeding plumage and I was hoping to capture them and their newborns.  Unfortunately they disappeared after a couple of days.  

I was lucky enough to be able to capture this one female going through her bathing ritual.

Meleagris gallopavo

This wild turkey is a bird native to the US.  It is considered a proud bird that has strong protective instincts.  In face, Benjamin Franklin preferred this to the eagle as our national bird.  Benjamin Franklin recognized that bald eagle rob other birds of prey and therefore considered it less honorable - - a scavenger.

Wild turkeys can run up to 25mph and can fly at speeds up to 55 mph.  Their vision is about 3 times better than ours and actually can see in color.

a scavenger

Profiled

We had an interesting morning exploring new areas around the ranches west of Vero Beach on an ATV.  Not only did we encounter several species of birds, some of them seemed to want to pose for phots like this great blue heron.

Exploring New Waters

This is a breeding Ring necked duck.  They returned en masse a few days ago, stayed  for a few days and disappeared as quickly as they showed up.  Apparently, our lake was not what they were looking for as a breeding ground.

Nest Building

Muskrats are semi-aquatic mammals.  They look a lot like beavers  as they have furry bodies and partially webs hind feet. The biggest difference between the two is the tail.  The beaver has a wide flattened tail whereas the muskrat's tail is long and thin.   Muskrats are omnivores the help the waterfowl by creating channels in the underwater plants.  They also dine on shrimp, crayfish and other small creatures.

Here are a couple of facts I never knew.  The babies are called kits like the fox babies.  The adults are named just like deer.  The female is a doe and the male is a buck (without horns of course)!

On the Approach

There were several juvenile eagles circling and diving for an easy meal of pieces of fish and discarded bait thrown into the lake by fishermen at the various docks.

It worked out well for everyone as we were able to catch the eagles in action.

"Deerfeeder"

It never ceases to amaze me at how quickly the word gets out that the fool that lives here thinks he will be feeding the birds again this year.  In any event, feeding the deer isn't all bad.

Perfect Touchdown

While I've seen many cormorants perched while drying their wings and also in flight, this is the first time I was able to catch one at the moment it was arriving on the lake to fish.  

Male Painted Bunting

Like many of the human type "snowbirds" the buntings can be found throughout half of Florida during the months of September through March.   Unlike their human counterparts they spend the other months mostly in NE Florida.

Female Painted Bunting

While the female painted bunting is not as colorful as her male counterpart, she still displays beautiful shade of green and yellowish green.

Successful Fishing Excursion

An adult bald eagle after successfully picking up a piece of fish floating on the surface.  At this location, fishermen cleaning fish at various stations around the lake throw the remains into the water which eventually float out away from the shoreline to become easy pickings for the birds.

It is a good example of nature in balance.

Easy Pickings

This particular day on Lake Lochloosa was very calm with no breeze and very little movement on th water.  As a result the ospreys were staying close to their nest and very few adult eagles were out and about searching for food.  The white head and white tail feathers indicate that this eagle is at least 4 -5 years old, and therefore, an adult.

Most of the fishing was on the surface looking for scraps thrown in by fisherman that had floated out from the fish cleaning stations around the shoreline.

Fishing Juvenile

This eagle is still in the process of maturing into adulthood which will occur at about 5 1/2 years of age. Based on the color of its diverse plumage, I would estimate that it may be about 3 years old.

As you can see, it has successfully picked up a small piece of fish which was floating on the surface of the lake.

Immature Eagle

The bald eagle most likely is the most recognizable North American bird.

You probably would easily recognize an adult bald eagle. Most people wouldn't recognize the juvenile and immature coloration of their plumage that precedes the impressive plumage of the adult with the white head and white tail feathers.  The more easily recognizable plumage is acquired at about 5 1/2 years of age for both male and female.

Leaving the Nest

This adult eagle has just left its mate back at the nest.  

The nest is a whole other story in and by itself.  They have the largest nests of any birds and the male and female build the nest together which they may renovate every year by adding up to 2 feet of material.  Reportedly these nests can reach 10 feet in diameter and weigh up to 1 ton.

Adult Eagles

As with most birds of prey the female is the larger bird which is the same for the North American bald eagle.   The female can weigh up to 14 pounds whereas males are in the 7-10 pound weight range.

The female's wingspan can reach up to an impressive 8 feet: the male's wingspan norma;;y is about 6 1/2 feet in comparison.

Eagles mate for life  and grow old together.  They live an average of 25-40 years.

In Your Face

Barred owls can be primarily in the eastern US and southern part of Canada.  More recently they have expanded their territory to southwest Canada, Oregon, Washington state and northern california primarily because of changes to the landscape.

As you can see the barred owl has a large round head with a face that is grayish-brown.  

These birds can be very aggressive if you intrude on their territory especially when they are breeding.  

In our case, their was a breeding pair set back in their nesting area and when they flew out, they came directly at us in the boat at about 30mph.

Although they cannot kill humans (thankfully) when provoked they will attack. Given that their talons can due severe damage and lead to major cuts and bleeding it is best to use caution when you here them hooting loudly.

Here I Come

These barred owls are carnivores feeding on small mammals like, mice, squirrels, rabbits, frogs and snakes.  They also prey on crayfish, crabs and fish.  Either way they stash their prey in nests or in the branches of trees.

 The average barred owl size is 16-25 inches with a wingspan of 3 - 4 feet.

They are territorial and can be aggressive toward intruders.  They will attack if they perceive a threat which we may have provoked by calling to them.

Refueling Stop

I watched this female painted bunting fly from tree to tree coming closer in each time to ensure the area was safe before stopping at the feeder. Once done, she returned frequently, but always on the alert as I could hear hawks nearby.

Hawk Relative

The ospreys' diet is mainly comprised of fish.  They catch their prey by swooping down from the sky.  I think of them as the best fishermen in Florida as they rarely miss.

Having a flight speed of roughly 80 miles per hour helps in this regard.

Shadows

Water lilies belong to the Nymphaeaceae family of plant.  They live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs.  That's probably more info than you need, but they are beautiful and they are photogenic.

Happiness Is

The look of pure joy after finding a piece of bread in the grass.

Nature's Serenity

Another serene spot beside a slow flowing, lazy river.  Perfect for clearing the mind and reducing stress.  Not only that, no one else was around.  It was silent except for the gentle sound of the flowing water.

Big Sky Country

Driving through Glacier National Park was exhilarating.  The scenery was breathtaking and the photo opportunities were at every turn in the road.  It was a virtual mountain of memories.

In Balance

Before heading out to explore an area surrounding some ranches west of Vero Beach, I was fortunate to be able to photograph several painted buntings - - female on the left; male on the right.

Successful Fisherman

About 99% of the osprey's diet is fish.  In addition to having a reversible outer toe enabling them to hang on to slippery fish, they also have true color vision. One of their more unique aspects is they can close their nose when diving into the water.

All of these features helped earn them the reputation of being the best fishermen in Florida.

Foraging for Seeds

This male cardinal was taking the lazy approach to feeding.  It stayed on the ground below the feeder and let the other birds scatter the seeds while selecting their meals from the feeder above.  All it had to do was wait for the falling seeds while conserving its energy.

Leading the Way

Heading south early in the morning looking for fish as they work their way toward the usual daytime feeding area.  They will return before sundown each day.  The only thing that changes during this daily ritual is who becomes the flight leader which changes periodically during their flight path.

Sunbathing

Alligators have a lot more teeth than us.  In fact, they have about 75 teeth.  Again, unlikes, when their teeth wear out or break off, they are replaced. (Sure would have saved me a lot of money over the years).

Over the course of their lifetime they may have as many as 3000 teeth.

Unlike a lot of other reptiles, they care for their young of about 2 years.  In contrast, something less than 10% of baby alligators are eaten by their parents.  Must be the luck of the draw.

Here is something very interesting.  Alligator blood is both antibiotic and antiviral.  You have to ask why it couldn't somehow be used by us against diseases like the Corona virus?

Home Again

The length of an osprey approximates 2 feet.Their wingspan typically is 4 to 5 feet.  Females normally are larger than their male counterparts.

Settling In

Although they were not in great numbers yet, the roseate spoonbills that were in the rookery were active enough to capture the full view and their beautiful coloration from time to time.

Little Blue Heron

Perched high in a tree scouting the mudflats for fish in the shallow water.  This heron can be found year round in Florida.

Patiently Waiting

Frequently found on the Florid beaches between August and May.  These Ruddy Turnstones were carefully watching for the tide to recede before quickly darting down  to pick up any invertebrates washed up on the shore.

It's Mine

This squirrel had just found a piece of bread in the grass just off the beach.  It quickly scampered on top of a wood piling and hugged it tightly.  It certainly was going to guard it against all the other squirrels racing around below.

Full Speed

Ospreys live on very continent except Antartica.  They live in all 50 states. Today I was photographing them at Blue Cypress Lake in Vero Beach Florida.

Snakebird

The anhinga was described as  "snakebird" early on by the Native American Indians as the shape of its head and neck look like a snake in the water when diving for fish. The rest of its body is below the water line so only the head and neck show.

Familiar Territory

Ospreys tend to use their nests not only for years, but for generations.  As they nest in colonies, Blue Cypress Lake in Vero Beach Florida hosts many of these beautiful and skillful raptors.

The ospreys lifespan ranges from 15-30 years.

Lazing in the Sun

The American alligator is a cold blooded reptile living in wetland areas.  It can grow between 6 and 11 feet long and arte usually found in the wild in Louisiana and Florida.

They have existed since the time of dinasours.

They are mostly meat eating reptiles, and display strength, speed and ferocity when attacking their prey.

They can run fast, but tire quickly which is fortunate for many golfers who have encountered them on the golf course.

White Ibis

One of three ibises that flew along a canal, periodically perching in the trees as we maneuvered along a dirt road in an ATV in the area of the Sexton Ranch west of Vero Beach.

Moon Shot

Clear skies, low humidity and light winds made for excellent conditions.  Although I missed out photographing the crescent moon, I was able to get out last night and capture the waxing crescent moon.  

Hopefully, I will be able to have the same conditions when it is full.

Nest Building

In addition to bringing materials to enhance the nest, it looks like there was some food delivery taking place.  Given the density of the trees it was impossible to tell if this was a female in the nest along with the returning male.

Returning from Fishing

It was mid morning and the early morning activity had slowed down.  Many of the ospreys we saw had settled back into their nests which they reuse year after year.  

As you can see here, they have large talons as long as 3 inches.  You also can get a sense of their wingspan which is between 4-5 feet wide.

Searching

If you look closely at this osprey searching for a fish you might be able to see that they have four toes on each foot all of which have sharp barbs.  Some of the reasons they are such excellent fishermen is that they have true color vision and their outer toe can reverse backward enabling it to hang onto a slippery fish.

Returning to the Rookery

Mid February and the roseate spoonbills are just arriving to begin mating and nest building.  Only a few were clearly visible as most were deep inside the trees working on their nests.

Can't Fool Me

Sometimes the best plans to deter wildlife end up being a great place to stop, rest and maybe even take time to air dry wings.  In any case, this cormorant has taken advantage of the goose decoy.

The Morning After

After three days of wind and rain the sun broke out for a couple of hours in the early morning.  I couldn't wait to get out and capture the "afterglow" of the storm, especially the raindrops on the leaves.

Ceryle Alycon

This belted kingfisher was facing into the wind ready to dive down and seize a small fish from the canal below.  Its crest is not ruffled from the wind.  The ragged front and rear crests are one way to identify this bird.

Returning from Fishing

This gull was looking for a safe place to land after another successful fishing trip while the sandpipers below continued probing the sand for their next meal.

Glossy Ibis

Another Florida resident, most commonly found in central and south Florida

in coastal and freshwater marshes and ponds.

Showing Off

Another Florida resident commonly seen circling above the roadways looking for carrion and road kill.  With a 6 foot wingspread they are easily spotted on a daily basis.  

These birds rarely flap their wings but tend to soar with their wings at about a 20 degree angle above horizontal.

Ibis Family Member

A Forida resident that normally breeds from down in the everglades as far north as Tampa Bay on the west coast and Merritt  Island on the east coast.  

Locally the roseate spoonbills begin nesting and breeding seriously in February.  At the rookery in Stick Marsh, they cn be found along with herons, egrets, and anhinga .  They stand out due to their coloration, which is pink from their diet of shrimp and other aquatic invertabrates, and also because of the unique shape of their bill.  

Their bill is used to sweep from side to side in the mud feeling for the food.

Reflections

These water lilies can be found in temperate and tropical climates around the world.  They grow in ponds, canals and slow moving water.

In the Garden

Whenever I find a quiet spot with flowing water, I let the stress go with the flow. It is a magical feeling.

Who Knows Where

Along the side of one of the many trails in Mckee Botanical Gardens while exploring for waterlilies.  It is a bit early for the blooms, but I did find a few.  Stay tuned as they will soon be showing up there and join my web site.

Finished Feeding

These brown pelicans often can be found as part of a colony nesting in trees.

This is where they also rest when not flying in a V formation or skimming th tops of waves looking for an easy meal.

Florida Resident

This Plegadis falcinellus, otherwise known as a glossy ibis, is about 2 feet in length.  In winter the adult wings and body are dark green and the head and neck are a brownish color.

Whistling Skein

These boisterous black bellied whistling ducks were calm floating on a small pond and suddenly burst up overhead.  It wasn't me that spooked them and I never saw any predators nearby, but it made for a good opportunity to capture them in flight.

Apparently this is normal behavior as it happened a few more times in the thirty minutes I was there.

Dressed in Pink

This roseate spoonbill is a member of the Ibis Family.  It is resident in Florida where it lives in the coastal flats, lagoons and marshes.  On rare occasions it can be found inland.

The Raft

This flock, or "raft" of black-bellied whistling ducks was very boisterous.It often is referred to as part duck and part goose because of its strange appearance and behavior.

They graze in fields like geese and nest in trees like wood ducks.

Grus Canadensis

A sandhill crane looking for a meal - - mainly seeds and tubers - - located in a wetland area west of Vero Beach.

Entering the Gardens

Entering the local botanical gardens to see what lies ahead.  There are a variety of trails and ponds.  It also hosts the state's largest collection of waterlilies.  

I See You

While bucks and does normally remain separate from each other except during the mating season the doe was feeding about 50 feet from a 6 point buck.  The buck feeds here regularly, but until now has been a loner whenever it visits to feed.

Like a Rainbow

Although I do not particularly like bird photos with man made devices in them,

i thought this capture really showed off all the colors of this male painted bunting so you could experience it if you never have seen one.

Passing By

These ring billed gulls had just returned from a mornings catch offshore and had returned to the beach to preen themselves.  The ruddy turnstone decided it was time to move on a give the gulls some space.

Great Expectations

Given the action of the water coming out of this pipe, it appears as though this Great Blue Heron expected its dinner to just pop up for an easy catch.

Epiphytes are a fascinating group of plants, which include many species from the  bromeliad family and the orchid family. Epiphytes are “air” plants that survive on moisture and nutrients in the atmosphere. They just use trees as anchors where the right conditions of light and moisture are being met.

I found these on an afternoon walk in Vero beach, FL.
 

Goin' Fishing

For the sake of this fisherman, hopefully the clouds on the horizon are the aftermath of the passing storm last night and not an indication of more rough weather to come today.

Color in Motion

With a hawk perched nearby and several grackles and blackbirds flying around, the painted buntings were very careful around the feeding area this particular morning.

Mimus polyglots

As soon as the red tail hawk departed this courageous mockingbird to up the high perch to see who it might target to chase.  They do chase other birds and eventually this one started to drive others away from the feeding grounds.

Birds of Prey

Circling while seeking its prey.  Once found, the osprey dives quickly, talons extended and rarely misses.

Changing Conditions

It was overcast, and pretty windy with temperatures in the mid-50's, While a bit chilly, Schatzi and I enjoyed our morning exploratory walk.  Schatzi has now taken to cashing shorebirds as opposed to squirrels as they are more plentiful targets here.

If you look closely, there is one brave shorebird in the lower right corner that held its ground as we approached. 

All Lit Up

The light was very bright with a perfectly clear sky, so the male painted bunting's colors really showed off.

Who's Your Daddy

Here's a brave little lizard (brown anole) riding on the nose of a 'gator.  Fortunately it was a lawn ornament and not the real thing or the lizard may not have enjoyed its sunbath for long.

Hunting

This red tailed hawk took the highest perch available in readiness to strike an unsuspecting feeding bird or rodent.

Interesting how it found a look alike statue for a perch.

Water Landing

Softly touching down to join the other white pelicans feeding nearby on the intracoastal waterway.

Northern Cardinal

I see these beautiful birds pretty much wherever I travel in the US, but the setting was a bit different so I couldn't resist another capture.

Anolis Sagrei

This male Brown Anole lizard, which is very common on both coasts of Florida, is seen displaying its reddish-orange throat fan.  They are very active by day and can be found easily in their habitat beneath shrubs and trees.

Lurking

Looking docile when floating around the lake, but 'gators can be very aggressive and vicious when approached.  Sitting in a low-sided boat got me up close and personal, but fortunately not too close.

Florida Resident

Lots of these black skimmers were resting on the beach along with a multitude of other gulls and terns.  One big happy family.

From the name of the restaurant to the signage, you know you are going to relax and have fun while enjoying the outdoor atmosphere and good food.

Morning Breaks

Off to the beach to watch the birds, the waves,  the treasure seekers, the fishermen and ,of course, the sun bathers.

The Way It Was

After continuing to go deeper into the area, I must admit, I gave up after the first two dozen mosquito bites.

That doesn't mean I won't return to continue exploring, but definitely will be better prepared next time.

Back in Time

Heading into a new area to explore an relatively untouched area.  Looks like a totally unspoiled, untouched area.  Wonder what may be lurking here as I go deeper.

Going Deeper

Continuing along the trail while checking for creepy crawly things on the ground.  It sure is silent.  Not even a bird singing.  Wonder what surprises may be waiting farther down the trail.

Deep in Nature

The sound of silence is "deafening".  About the only thing stirring are the dragonflies and there seem to be hundreds flying everywhere.  of course, where there are dragonflies, there are mosquitoes.

The dragonflies feast on the mosquitoes and the mosquitoes feast on me. Great example of the "law of the jungle". 

Sneak Peak

Another day, another boardwalk.  Only this time, I know there I am headed.  It's a beach exploration to check out the surroundings for photography and for taking Schatzi for new adventures.

Unknown Path

Following the Florida nature trails with absolutely no idea of what may be around the next bend.  Mysterious and full of expectations.

Daybreak

Just after sunrise on a rare overcast morning.  Here I don't consider it dark and gloomy, but an opportunity to capture a moment in nature that never twill be repeated.

Looking for Lunch

This American Alligator, formally known as Alligator Mississippinsis, tens to hibernate in the cooler months in Florida.  As this season has been warmer than normal, the 'gators have been more active.

While some think it is docile, when approached  or surprised that are dangerous and vicious.  

Sandpiper Family

Off by itself, this Ruddy Turnstone inhabits the beaches of Florida.

To the Beach

Another early morning adventure on the beach.   Schatzi already understands what lies ahead and is getting ready for her "sniff walk" to pick up scents from every square inch of beach.

Great Egret

This egret was patiently awaiting the ebb and flow of the tide to bring its potential meal to it.  Apparently it was saving its energy and only flew from rock to rock to seek its prey.

Before Sunrise

Sneaked away a little earlier this morning while my ladies were soundly sleeping.  Most days have had no cloud coverage so I didn't want to miss the opportunity to capture a unique sunrise.

Juvenile

This little egret can be identified as a juvenile due to its yellow legs which will become all black (like the front part) in adulthood.

This one, already was an adult in its own mind as it chased away all others trying to encroach on its spot.

Ready to Strike

This great egret was patiently awaiting an unsuspecting fish to come a bit closer before enjoying its next meal.  A perfect example of the expression "patience is a virtue" or perhaps in this case "patience pays off".

6 Point Buck

White-tailed deer  feed starting before dawn until a few hours after the sun has risen, and again in the late afternoon until dusk.

They communicate through sound, odor, body language, and
marking with scratches. When alarmed, a White-tailed deer
will raise its tail to warn other deer. It is the white underside of their tail that gives them their name.  Basically that's all you see when the cut and run.
 

Flight Formation

These black skimmerss were part of a flock of mixed shorebirds that I encountered on a quiet beach protected by a rock barrier.  They appeared to be the largest of the mixed group.

Arenaria interpres

My first encounter with a Ruddy Turnstone.  This bird inhabits beaches and mudflats, so I was surprised I never had encountered one before.  Well, maybe I did, but never knew it.

Thanks to my photo guru, Jeff Wendorff, I got the identification.

Landing

Incoming brown pelican as it landed.  The wingspread is what caught my attention.

Egret in Flight

I was relaxing watching egrets fish along the rocky shoreline along the Fort Pierce inlet.  Theyir wingspread of about 4 feet, always make them an interesting subject.

They recognized as part of the heron by their deep croak.

Touch Down

I always have found Florida's brown pelicans interesting as they circle and dive for their meals.  Their flying formations also make for some good photo opportunities.

This time i was fortunate to have one come in for a landing straight at me.  For me it was exciting to be  able to capture the moment just before it broke the surface of the water.  I never realized that they tipped their feet back at an angle as they landed.

Scattering

As I was settling into position and slowly approaching this group of shorebirds, including laughing gulls, black skimmers, royal terns and a couple of ruddy turnstones, they suddenly took off and scattered.  I couldn't figure out why as i was trying not to disturb them.

When I turned around, someone, with a cell phone of course, had walked rapidly up behind me to take a snapshot.  

I know you will find this hard to believe, but I did not say a word.  I knew the birds would be back when the  @#%$ left.

Birdmania

There were so many shorebirds coming and going, I was beginning to wonder if Alfred Hitchcock's spirit was present.  It felt like I was in the movie "The Birds".

Busy Bee

And the work goes on throughout the year down here.

Rise and Shine

A great example of the golden hour when the sun spotlights a perfect hibiscus bloom.

Raindrops Keep Falling

As the day was breaking, there was a brief break between the rain showers.  Couldn't resit the opportunity to capture the raindrops showing off on the flowers.

Bouganvillea

The "flowers" of the Bougainvillea, are actually modified leaves, called bracts, that are long-lasting and bright. Like the poinsettia plant, the bracts outshine the plant's true, tiny, white flower which appear off and on throughout most of the year.  The flowers are more plentiful in the winter.
 

Preening

The Little Blue Heron is probably a close relative of the Snowy Egret.  Like  the Snowy Egret, it is all white when it is young but molts to a dark slate-blue plumage all over as an adult.

 They have a rich purple-maroon head and neck and dark grey/blue body. They have yellow eyes, yellow/greenish legs and that is pale blue at the base and black at the tip. 

Feet First

When flying, the white pelicans soar on their wide black-tipped white wings.  A flock of these pelicans when migrating is impressive as each bird appears to take the cue from the one in front of it, starting to flap and beginning a glide when the bird in front does. 

Their landings also are impressive and create quite a splash, especially when they are multiples at the same time.

Landing Approach

The American white pelican is one of the largest of North American birds with a wingspan of about 9 feet.  Their overall length ranges from 4 feet to 5 1/2 feet and they weigh in at about 10 - 20 pounds.

They are almost big enough to appear prehistoric.

"Ebony and Ivory"

White pelicans feed differently than brown pelicans. The brown pelicans dive on the fish. The white pelicans float on the surface, submerge their heads and scoop up fish. They tend to fish in small groups, herding the fish in front of them and encircling them.

White Pelican

The brown pelican is found year-round in Florida. Adult white pelicans are winter visitors to the state. During the summertime, white pelicans can be found in their breeding grounds - - on lakes in the interior of western Canada and the northwestern U.S.

The Gathering

There are several names for groups of pelicans. These include squadrons, pods, scoops and briefs.

For me, after watching them fly in formation, I like "squadron".

Balancing Act

The Little Blue Heron is a stand-and-wait predator as opposed to being a   predator that dashes around looking for its prey.  They patiently stand and watch the water for fish and other small morsels. They periodically change locations by walking slowly as this one does on a nearby boat lift on a daily basis.

Soaring

Of the 8 species of Pelicans, only the Brown Pelican lives primarily on coastal shores and is one of only two of the species that dramatically dive for their food. They can spot fish from 60-70 feet over the water and often dive from that height. as well. 

They can live from 10 to 30 years and although endangered about 35 years ago they now number around 650,000 here in the U.S.

They  use their pouches to catch fish(not store them). After draining the water from their pouch they swallow their catch.

Their beaks can hold more water than their stomachs

"Mergie" Female

More formally known as a female Hooded Merganser, this small member of the merganser species is very adept at diving  and catching fish in open water lakes, ponds and wetlands.

The female Hooded Merganser is drabber in color.  She sports
a large crest in a rusty color compared to the males black and white hood. 

Hooded Mergansers can be found throughout most of the United States, and are the only member of the Merganser species with a range restricted
to North America. 

 

"Mergie" Male

More formally known as the Hooded Merganser or officially as the Lophodytes cucullatus.  It is the smallest of the merganser duck species.

The male male has delineated color patches. They have olive-brown sides,  a black back with white stripes and a white breast. Its head is black with bright yellow eyes and a huge crest that is white with a black border.

Dinnertime

Our wetland was trimmed down to the legal limit last week and the deer have become exposed.  This buck returns daily to feed on the cuttings, and I guess, whatever else it desires as it is the largest to come by on a daily basis.

Bucks and does remain separate from each other except during the mating
season. Bucks usually live alone or within small groups alongside other bucks. Here they usually are seen solo.

"Lefty"

This whitetail buck should have been a 6 pointer, but lost half its rack.  I have been walking the trails looking for the other half, but no success.

The whitetails have multiple significantly this year and while the does and the bucks remain apart it has not been unusual to have 8 or 10 visitors a day.

Falling Leaves

And here we are again.  The wind has started, the rains are coming in and the leaves are falling down all around us.  Look closely and you can see them dropping.

Not looking forward to the weather patterns for the next several months.

Country Roads 3

Cresting this hill brought us another beautiful scene.  This time there was no traffic in either direction so I could spend in the middle of the road taking it all n.  Of course, I had to trust my wife to watch for traffic behind me, but I've been doing that for 50 years so I didn't think it was high risk.

Country Roads 2

Another back road and another beautiful encounter with the world around us.

Country Roads 1

The beginning of our Sunday afternoon adventure exploring the local are to take in the beauty of the season surrounding us.  This was our first stop about 45 minutes from home.  We continued on for about another hour, but unfortunately got rerouted due to road repairs (which is continuous in Michigan) and could not get to our next planned stop.  Maybe next year.

Fall Colors

When the sun breaks through the overhead branches the fall colors really glow.  Nature's pallet is amazing.

Autumn in Michigan

Before the wind and the rain rolled in and pretty much stripped the trees, we had the opportunity to cruise around and take in the beauty surrounding us. Hope you enjoy it because we certainly did.

Start of Color

This is where it begins.  I watch the colors begin to change at home, and then begin exploring the back roads and the local nature areas to try and catch peak color.  Always a rewarding experience.

Eastern Bluebird

We had the good fortune to visit Pawleys Island South Carolina for a couple of months before we had to ruch home and sequester in light of the pandemic.  Fortunately our timing was right and we made the trip just before all the restaurants shut down along the route.