April 2016
Blog 256: Gatorland
Gatorland is a classic tourist destination…zip line over alligator infested waters…walk-in aviary full of Amazon-colored avians…petting farm with cute goats, alligator wrestling lessons, bugs and snakes on display, albino gators, and all the hoopla of a night at the Big Top.
But what sets Gatorland apart is its rookery. For a fee, on Thursdays through Sundays during season, photographers can come in at 7:30 a.m., two-and-a-half hours before the family cars and school buses roll in. With nests of eggs and youngsters so close you can almost touch them, bellowing alligators patrolling the waters and puffing up like pro cage fighters, and constant flights of birds coming and going like planes at O’Hare on a holiday, the sights and sounds almost overwhelm.
In other words, if you like to shoot birds (photograph, that is) this is the place to be. Pics include a cattle egret, cow bird, cormorant, flamingo, great egret (and children), snowy egret, tricolored heron, and a wood stork. Jan shot the two gator photos.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from the Old Truck Reserve.
See ya’ soon!
But what sets Gatorland apart is its rookery. For a fee, on Thursdays through Sundays during season, photographers can come in at 7:30 a.m., two-and-a-half hours before the family cars and school buses roll in. With nests of eggs and youngsters so close you can almost touch them, bellowing alligators patrolling the waters and puffing up like pro cage fighters, and constant flights of birds coming and going like planes at O’Hare on a holiday, the sights and sounds almost overwhelm.
In other words, if you like to shoot birds (photograph, that is) this is the place to be. Pics include a cattle egret, cow bird, cormorant, flamingo, great egret (and children), snowy egret, tricolored heron, and a wood stork. Jan shot the two gator photos.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from the Old Truck Reserve.
See ya’ soon!
Blog 255: Another Quick Trip to New Jersey
This week I flew back to Jersey to work again with my client. This week was much better--flights on time...sunny skies (mostly)…and temperatures in the 50s and 60s.
Apopka Lake Wildlife Trail
We can’t seem to get enough of this loop, and we drive it most mornings when it is open (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) and I am around. The most exciting event this week was watching an alligator chomp down on an unsuspecting anhinga. Pleased to get a picture off in time before the big guy submerged to drown the surprised bird.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from my Old Truck Reserve.
See you soon!
Apopka Lake Wildlife Trail
We can’t seem to get enough of this loop, and we drive it most mornings when it is open (Friday-Saturday-Sunday) and I am around. The most exciting event this week was watching an alligator chomp down on an unsuspecting anhinga. Pleased to get a picture off in time before the big guy submerged to drown the surprised bird.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from my Old Truck Reserve.
See you soon!
Blog 254: Quick Trip to New Jersey
The week did not start out the best--fire at the Newark airport…cancelled flight...dark skies and light snow…26 degrees.
However, my sessions with a new client went extremely well--big need and smart people, and at the end of the week I was safe and sound back in Florida.
Apopka Lake Wildlife Trail
Once again we loaded into the Jeep before dawn with Jan driving, me riding shotgun with my lens on a bean bag on top of the open passenger door, and Mitzy and Jackson alternating between windows, seats, and laps. Saw some beautiful birds in full breeding plumage. (Note that if you click on the photo, you will see a larger version plus the title of the pic.) We were blown away to sight and watch the Purple Gallinule--as boldly colored as anything from the Amazon.
Bird Hunters
Just like Jan and me, our Pups are easily entertained, with heads out the windows, sharp eyes scanning the water and brush, and distinguished ears listening to the cacophony of the wild. Here is a pic of Jackson and one of Mitzy.
See you soon.
However, my sessions with a new client went extremely well--big need and smart people, and at the end of the week I was safe and sound back in Florida.
Apopka Lake Wildlife Trail
Once again we loaded into the Jeep before dawn with Jan driving, me riding shotgun with my lens on a bean bag on top of the open passenger door, and Mitzy and Jackson alternating between windows, seats, and laps. Saw some beautiful birds in full breeding plumage. (Note that if you click on the photo, you will see a larger version plus the title of the pic.) We were blown away to sight and watch the Purple Gallinule--as boldly colored as anything from the Amazon.
Bird Hunters
Just like Jan and me, our Pups are easily entertained, with heads out the windows, sharp eyes scanning the water and brush, and distinguished ears listening to the cacophony of the wild. Here is a pic of Jackson and one of Mitzy.
See you soon.
Travel Blog 253: Marvelous Marble Music Machine
Marvelous Marble Music Machine
You gotta check out this short video—amazing: http://www.wintergatan.net/# m.m.machine
Lake Apopka Loop Wildlife Trail
We are camping five miles away from this amazing preserve. The drive is eight miles of critters everywhere. With birds in full breeding plumage, it is a trek of bright colors and loud calls.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from the Old Truck Reserve.
See you soon.
You gotta check out this short video—amazing: http://www.wintergatan.net/# m.m.machine
Lake Apopka Loop Wildlife Trail
We are camping five miles away from this amazing preserve. The drive is eight miles of critters everywhere. With birds in full breeding plumage, it is a trek of bright colors and loud calls.
Old Trucks
Here are three old trucks from the Old Truck Reserve.
See you soon.
