Alligators at Circle B Bar

Big mama smiling.

Don't they know they could get eaten?

A baby in the water.

Small one basking in the sun.

Those rocks look uncomfortable.

When most people think of gators they think of the football team. After spending the morning at a reserve in Lakeland I think of the four legged kind. I saw 10 alligators there. I hear that number means a lot of them were hiding. You have to really pay attention to where you are walking in parks. You might want to step off the trail to get a closer picture of the ducks in the water but you must look down and around before you do that. I was on the trail and stopped to take some bird pictures and the big guy above was just to my left. I didn't even have to zoom in. Just snapped a few and kept going. I know they don't seem scary because they have a built in smile but I wouldn't want one to move when I'm around.

There are 7 alligators on the property where I work. They usually stay under water and far away from the parking lots. You know you live in Florida when you get periodic emails at work that say "Do not harass or feed the alligators."

Full moon

Driving home from work early last week should have been depressing since now I have to drive home in the dark for the next 5 months. Instead it was an amazing drive across the Courtney Campell Causeway. This big bright full moon was hanging over the water right in front of me. It was hanging very low in the sky early in the night. Too bad it can't look like that for the next 6 months. I took this picture in my driveway as soon as I got home.

1700 Miles

It was an attempt of mine, with the opportunity, to observe migratory action of birds that may be making their way through Florida these past few days in the late 2009 migration period.

The Crested Caracara above was photographed at the Prairie Bird Loops within the Great Florida Birding Trail in November 2009.

While I was able to travel through two new regions (the East and Panhandle) along the Great Florida Birding Trail, I was only able to add a handful of new species of bird to my wildlife lexicon that I had not seen before.

My 1700 mile journey without doubt went by much too quickly.

The Common Moorhen juvenile above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

I managed to travel through 12 clusters of the trail and visit 31 new venues within them.

Some were more rewarding than others for the wildlife seen.

The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

Without question, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offered the most exciting viewing along Black Point Wildlife Drive.

I spent half a day there while attempting to photograph a greater plethora of the larger wading birds than I have seen anywhere else.

The Dunlin with Willet and Black-bellied Plover above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

I had hoped for the best weather and light conditions at this time, but was dealing with overcast conditions all morning. I was also shooting into the brightest light for the most part.

It was an opportunity to photograph under conditions I would normally avoid.

The Tricolored Heron above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

The greatest diversity of wildlife was seen at this venue, including an alligator seen that appeared no less than 12 feet.

In its vicinity, I spent a lot of time observing moorhens including what appeared a solitary juvenile which seem accustomed to living within the close proximity of such a predator as I've also observed in the Everglades area.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

In my opinion, the best wildlife observations can unquestionably be had at virtually any of the venues closer to home within the Southwest portion of Florida.

I can say for sure, based on my experience, that wildlife is prolific within the South Florida Birding Trail virtually at any time of the year to a greater degree than the observations I've made outside of it.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (Black Point Wildlife Drive) in November 2009.

Certain venues seem to accommodate specific species of concern or interest. These creatures will be found around areas of water that provide them sustenance.

The drive home along I-10 was extraordinary in the view I had of the area of Torreya State Park. The light was perfect with the vista of the trees along the Apalachicola River.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Big Lagoon State Park in November 2009.

It was on my third trip through the area along I-10 that I had the opportunity to appreciate the magic this Florida state park has to offer.

I was very tempted to make an immediate u-turn, but decided to make a return trip there in the future.

Long Billed Curlew

Prancing around.

Gotta itch.

What?

It's time to eat.

Now it's nap time.

I found him (or her). The rare long billed curlew that's been hanging out at the north beach lagoon at Fort Desoto park. Pinellasbirds.com has been keeping tabs on this bird all summer. They spend their summers up in the northern part of the country. It's very rare to see one in Florida all through the summer. He must have come last winter and stayed put. This breed is considered "highly imperiled" by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. They are declining in numbers. He seemed to be staying close to a large flock of gulls and terns but kept to himself. He's very graceful when he moves. It's a shame there's only one. Maybe he'll find a mate this winter.

Give Me Jet Lag

While I've never had the opportunity to experience jet lag, I think I have at least a small appreciation for its affects after the recent impact of daylight savings time and then crossing the time zone by car back into "normal time."

The aircraft above was photographed at Trout Point Nature Trail in November 2009.

In this case, it might more appropriately be explained as a form of significant disorientation.

The start of my Florida 2009 Fall journey was under Lake Erie and led to an area South of Lake Michigan only by the proximity to the Florida and Alabama state line.

The Royal Tern above was photographed at Big Lagoon State Park in November 2009.

The trip was equally along the Florida Panhandle as it was within the peninsula of the Sunshine State.

I don't regret a minute of it.

Plight of the plover

Snowy plover walking on a beach.

Snowy plover resting.


Black bellied plover - his belly will turn black in the winter. It is the largest plover in the US.

Piping plover at Fort Desoto.

Sign when you enter the north beach area at Fort Desoto.

I was out at Fort Desoto recently and saw the above sign. It amazes me that you have to put up a sign to tell people not to do these things. I've been seeing a handfull of these little plovers lately. They are so cute and tiny. They constantly dart around like sanderlings do. If they are not moving it's hard to see them on the sand. They are a threatened species in the United States. They build their nests on sand and there's not too many places left where they won't get trampled on. They are so tiny and their babies are very easy prey. Please, if you are on a beach or causeway use the sign above as a guide, even if there's not one posted.

Below is a recent article in a Sarasota newspaper about whether Sarasota county should take part of the beachfront and turn it into a parking lot which will really endanger the snowy plovers trying to nest there. Plovers vs parking lot? Who should win?

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20091026/ARTICLE/910261051

Birds of Sand Key

Royal tern posing on the beach. Nice toupee.

Snowy egret on an uncomfortable fence.

Great Blue Heron walking along the seawall.

Looking for fishermen who might be giving handouts.

Late last Sunday afternoon was so nice I went for a long walk at Sand Key Park. The small fishing piers below the big Sand Key bridge over to Clearwater beach had a diverse group of birds hanging around. All were hoping for a handout from someone fishing. Most of the people fishing were just ignoring the birds. I'm sure they don't want the birds to get their bait. It's a pretty view when standing under that big bridge. You can see all of downtown Clearwater and the causeway. I was hoping to see dolphins going by, maybe next time. There were a few nice sailboats going by though, like the one below.