The European Starling above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Weather conditions that I often hear on the radio often contradict what is actually seen at the time.
A forecast for the day in the climate of southwest Florida is given little credence though a link to a weather related website you may wish to investigate may be seen by clicking here.
The Brown Pelican above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.A day this past week which was cold and dreary and an initial opportunity to get into the field for some wildlife observation was foregone for warmth inside.
Day two was initially overcast, but the clouds dissipated to offer an opportunity for wildlife photography that I prefer to shoot in.
The White Ibis above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Though conditions would have been ideal at the time to explore Bunche Beach Preserve, I chose to see what might be happening at the less frequently visited Estero Lagoon.
I've found visits to Estero Lagoon to be extremely rewarding at any time of day or tide conditions.
The explorer above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.The late afternoon visit to the lagoon this week was at an unusually low tide.
There happened to be a remarkable lunar eclipse that would occur early the next morning which I took a gander at for a few seconds at 0330 local (an impressive sight).
The full moon (required for a lunar eclipse) above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Upon arrival at Estero Lagoon, a large number of European Starling were perched on the power lines along the adjacent highway.
There was a disappointing absence of the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron that is occasionally seen near the Holiday Inn at the lagoon.
The scene above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.With the water level as low as it was, I'm thinking that there simply weren't enough fish to attract abundant wading birds.
The fish that I've seen captured by wading birds regrettably appear to have been getting smaller.
The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.The abnormally cold conditions in winter months the last couple of years may be the cause.
Several photographers were about and I learned that one was from Vancouver and another was from Eastern Europe while I regrettably don't remember their names.
The Great Egret above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Although a good representation of many of the species of bird of the area was seen, by far the highlight of my visit to Estero Lagoon was my observation of Chelsea Hall.
I first saw Chelsea approaching the lagoon with her camera in hand.
Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Chelsea was an unmistakable presence on the scene with her sense of purpose.
From the moment I captured an image of her to the distraction of wildlife walking right in front of me, Chelsea was gone.
Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.I looked around to see that she was on the beach headed south.
There were many people in the immediate area shelling, relaxing on the beach, jogging or cycling by.
Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Chelsea told me that she was from North Carolina and that she was using the Nikon D5000.
She also noted that she has always had an interest in photography and that her boyfriend was a world traveler.
Chelsea above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.A particular subject of interest to her was a sea creature washed up on the beach.
I waded the Gulf water in an attempt to get a better photograph of her.
The enthusiast above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.As we chatted briefly, a sheller wandered by to place the creature in a bag while I advised she release the living thing which she did.
I believe that Chelsea will have a remarkable record of wildlife imagery that I would be glad to link to if she ever creates such an opportunity.
The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.Chelsea was extremely comfortable handling her gear under rugged conditions.
As the sun approached the horizon, I had a few more minutes of optimal light to observe a Tricolored Heron that unfortunately remained at a poor angle but for a brief second for an acceptable shot.
The sunset above was photographed at Estero Lagoon in December 2010.My learned use of flash remains in its infancy.
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