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Header Image: American Coot Chaos “Take a picture of THAT!” Gini doesn’t often point out potential subjects for the camera since I’m usually already clicking away, but when she issues a command makes a request, I pay attention. (That applies to all things, not just photography.) In this instance, a bit of dark clouds had just moved a bit to reveal the sun rising over the vast east coast salt marsh at… Read More
Header Image: Great Egret To say we had a nice afternoon would be a world-class understatement. It is difficult to believe we were there less than three hours. Not only did the birds cooperate, human visitors were extremely kind as well. The efforts to improve Orlando Wetlands Park have been quite successful. A new visitor and education center is under construction and will add even more to the total experience one may… Read More
Lake Apopka was essentially a dead lake in the 1960’s. Damage from pesticides and large-scale fertilizer runoff from muck farms was thought to be irreparable. To visit this area today is enough to make you believe in miracles. If we did not know the lake’s history, we would assume we were enjoying one of Florida’s premier birding locations and prime water recreation destinations. So much has been done to reclaim Lake Apopka… Read More
Header Image: American Alligator In the early 20th century, Florida became a magnet for anyone who wanted to escape the snow of the far north, the bustle of a big city or even the long arm of the law. Warm weather, beaches, sparkling lakes filled with fish, pine forests, no crowds. Why, you could pick an orange right off a tree for breakfast! The fourth largest lake in the state, Lake Apopka,… Read More
Header Image: Burmarigold or Smooth Beggartick (Bidens laevis) Standing by the side of the road in the dark. Hands cupping our ears. Straining for the sounds of the night. “Whip, whip, whip, whip!” The loud call accompanied the sound of flapping wings passing us as an Eastern Whip-poor-will flew along with mouth open wide to inhale insects hovering above the sandy stretch of road. Ten minutes later, the surprisingly soft trill of… Read More
Our Natural Places 