Our Natural Places

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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: 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: Buff-breasted Sandpiper) Today’s title may seem like an oxymoron, but species defined as shorebirds spend a lot of time at places other than the shore, such as mud flats, marshes, agricultural fields and even forests. During migration, shorebirds stop at historically food-rich locations to refuel and rest on their annual trek. Even commercial sod farms. Green. Horizon to horizon. Small tractors scuttled around the fields and large flatbed trucks trundled… Read More