Florida Seasons: "Dry" Season

Central Florida has seasons like the rest of the country. Winter gives us lower humidity and temperatures, sometimes temperatures far too low for the many people who come here to escape the snow and freezing north of here. Winter gives way to Spring, with temperatures and humidity rising. Both seasons are generally dry, sometimes drought conditions dry but definitely drier than summer. This year winter tended toward a much wetter pattern, as last winter, but recently we definitely see the ponds and wetlands drying up.

A pond where we usually see many wading birds didn't have many, until we walked around and found where most of the water, and guessing by the population, most of the fish, still existed.

I took many shots of this scene. Some included all the birds, at least five species and numerous individuals of each one, and some concentrating on only a few. Reviewing them all, this one best captures the event. Three different species, all looking for food.

Capture the Moment: Juvenile Bluebird getting the attention of adult

The juvenile harassed the adult, who flew off. The juvenile soon followed.

Naturalist Notes: Common Gallinule used to be Moorhen

Common Gallinules - Mother and five babies

In a nearby pond, two juveniles hunting, one followed the other for quite some time

Bird names change, more frequently than those of us who bird prefer. A year or so ago, a bird often seen in our casual birding and project birding changed from a Common Moorhen to Common Gallinule. I still often call "Moorhen", and then correct myself. Locally this year the Common Gallinule appears to be doing quite well. We've seen a lot of them, including babies and juveniles.

Byways: RVing at Rainbow River State Park

We visited the main park area of Rainbow River State Park many times over the years, but in the five years we have been RVing, we never managed to camp at the campground. We decided to go, made reservations, and due to people coming into town and a forecast of thunderstorms all day both days we scheduled to be there, we ended up canceling. Recently we finally made the journey, and I can't believe we overlooked such a wonderful state park campground so close to us.

The sites are large, one loop is very open, the other two have plenty of vegetation and privacy between sites. A hiking trail, which we did not get to hike this trip, meanders off the entrance road. In the other direction, Rainbow River with a small swimming area and canoe/kayak launch for campers.

I spent a lot of time photographing the clear, spring fed river, and sitting on the benches just relaxing and enjoying the view. We will be returning, I hope frequently.

Looking into the River

Fish and his shadow

Looking toward the Spring

Capture the Moment: Standoff

I noticed the hawk first. Perched on the long, pointed branch, the sun hitting its feathers highlighting the beautiful pattern. I took several shots, and then stood and surveyed the scene.

I followed the gaze of the hawk, and discovered the situation. Two female Red-winged Blackbirds clearly did not like the hawk sitting there, and started loudly voicing their disapproval. I caught this one just as the bird closest opened its beak to make its point.

The standoff ended less than a minute later, with the hawk leisurely lifting off, ignoring the birds and heading toward quieter, easier prey.

Byways: Eco Walk in Crystal River, FL

I mentioned in the Florida seasons post that this time of year in Florida wildlife photography tends toward the smaller residents. Recently Karl and I hiked the Eco Walk in Crystal River. We started the 2.2 mile walk about 8:15 a.m., just after the gate opened. Eco Walk is rarely crowded. People head toward the state parks just a few miles from here, so we often have this hidden gem to ourselves. The dragonflies were out in force, gathering energy from the morning sun, and I spent a lot of time photographing them.

I used a telephoto lens to zoom in on the dragonfly without disturbing it, and to ensure that my background blurred. The moment and the subject were both about dragonflies, and I wanted nothing in the frame to detract from that.

By the time we finished the walk, the sun blazed strongly and the dragonflies flew more than landed. For portrait shots of this insect, start early.

Sign of Life: Which Sign?

Which sign was the butterfly reading. He certainly appeared to be trying to "Pull"

Florida Seasons: Spring Wildlife Photography

As bird migration slowly fades away for another spring, what else does central Florida have to offer a wildlife photographer?

The summer residents start to arrive about now. Birders and photographers both eagerly await the Swallow-tailed Kite. 

For the hotter weather, think smaller. Butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies all proliferate this time of year, and right through the summer months. All three tend to be less active early in the morning, though they can be seen all day long. Less active means more opportunity for a good photograph, so set the alarm and get to your destination as the sun rises.

So far unidentified but beautiful dragonfly

Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly (Male)

Red Admiral Butterfly

Reptiles love the hotter weather too, but that is a topic for another time.

Capture the Moment: Barn Swallows

The Barn Swallows swooped around us and by us, seemingly never landing. For the entire 3+ hour hike, we saw them everywhere, but never still. As we ended the hike and started to leave, one must have grown tired of all the flying and landed, looking over his shoulder at me, but never flinching or moving as I came closer and closer for a shot. The morning sun was pretty strong at that time, but it really showed the beautiful color of the feathers.

I used a telephoto lens to isolate him, avoid spooking him, and the give the green pasture background that perfect blur to keep the attention on the subject.

Friday Photo Story: Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea L) grows in boggy conditions, and here in central Florida sends up its signature frond in the spring. Karl recently started a personal photography project on ferns, trying to capture the featherly green leaves more artistically. Recent work on the Cinnamon Fern included these three shots.