Myakka River State Park

These photos were taken at Myakka River State Park near Sarasota, FL.

American Orchid Society - Delray Beach Florida

If it's orchids you're after then this is the place.

Orchid Mania

Dragon fly

Vizcaya near Miami

Here's a view of the garden at the Vizcaya Estate.  Vizcaya was the winter home of James Deering, a V.P. of International Harvester Company.

Florida Sunshine

Fiddler Crab

Anhinga Reflection

Nope. That's not an Anhinga hanging upside down from a tree....it's the reflection of an Anhinga in a small lake at Corkscrew Sanctuary. (Double click the photo for a better view and appreciate this cool effect.)

Corkscrew Fall Foliage

I took several photos like this one during our January trip to Corkscrew Swamp. I think it's cool the way the sun cast its' rays through the leaves.

Egret in Southwest Florida

Heron

White Ibis

Anhinga

I took this photo at Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee Florida from a boardwalk located just off of Route 41. It was overcast which hurt the photo, but it was very interesting to watch the anhinga deal with the fish. The bird was striking the fish against the branch of wood again and again to stun the fish. The entire effort to prepare this lunch time meal took more than five minutes. I also have a video of this process that I'll post later.

Heron

I photographed this heron on Turner River / Birdon Loop in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Egret

I took this photo at Big Cypress National Preserve on the Turner River / Birdon Loop near Ochopee Florida.

Gator in the Bushes

Thirty years ago a rock band named Molly Hatchet had a hit song titled Gator Country. I don't know if the band had ever been to Big Cypress Swamp, but it wouldn't surprise me. I've never seen so many alligators before. I do have one bit of advice though if you decided to take the scenic drive down Turner River Road - stay in your vehicle.

Anhinga

I learned something new about these master fishermen this weekend. Anhingas are rarely seen outside of Florida. Many people confuse the anhinga with the cormorant. A tip for identifying them - the anhinga has a pointed bill and the cormorant has a more rounded bill.

Wood Stork

This photo was taken on the Turner Loop wildlife drive in Big Cypress Preserve.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

We're headed to Corkscrew Swamp for an early winter photo trip. Here's a picture from our last visit there in October 2008.

Small Wonders

White Pelicans

If you've never seen a white pelican close-up you're missing out. These birds are the opposite of their brown cousins - vibrant and alive. The next several weeks provide an excellent opportunity for viewing at E G Simmons County Park in Ruskin.

Mourning Dove at E G Simmons

This photo was taken on a rare day in Florida - rainy, cloudy, cold with temps in the 40's. Let's hope it warms up soon.