Gaggle of Photogs

Bieber sighting?  Waiting for the latest scandal induced apology from a politician?   Nope -- all these still photographers (and then some) were camped out yesterday at Ozzie and Harriet's nest in Ft. Myers waiting for the bald eagles' one surviving baby to fly for the first time.  I've visited the nest only a handful of times this year and was surprised to see so many photogs.  What I didn't know when I arrived is that baby E4 is preparing to branch (that is, hop and/or fly from the nest to a branch) -- and everyone wanted to document the momentous occasion.  I was there for only 10-15 minutes and ended up seeing more activity with roaming still photographers than eagles.  Nevertheless, it's nice to see there's still lots of interest with the eagles.  This has been my longest absence from SDP -- nearly three months.  I can't believe it's been that long!  Between work, play and health, though, it's been unavoidable.  I don't expect regular posts just yet…but, I wanted to check in and let everyone know the entire SDP staff is alive and well.  Hope all's well with you in the blogosphere!

Why We Live Here

Lots of meteorologists have been pointing out that Florida, with temps in the 80s, is the warmest place in the country this week.  For my blogosphere friends Up North…this is our version of a snowman!  The SDP Junior Editor stumbled across this adorable sandman at Siesta Key beach yesterday. Believe it or not, this quality shot was taken with a phone!  By the time, I got to the beach to shoot the sandman with my DSLR it was getting dark…

 …and this was the scene: beautiful night…clear and in the mid-70s.  I never found the sandman. But, with this sunset, it really didn't matter.  Happy Hump Day!

Sunset Surprise

Rounding the bend at Lovers Key State Park in Ft. Myers is like stepping into a different world.  It's a desolate beach covered with seashells, and seabirds pecking for dinner.  The last thing you'd expect  is for a park ranger to pull up in a four-wheeler and tell you the park is closed…please go away.  ((sigh))  At least I nabbed this sunset shot before my plans were washed up.

Theme Day: Looking Out

It's theme day in the City Daily Photo world!  When I heard the theme was 'Looking Out', I knew exactly what my photo would be:  Ozzie or Harriet, the bald eagles, looking out from their nest keeping watch.  (I think this is Harriet playing the role of watch eagle.)  Last week, I was excited to hear that Harriet layed two eggs this season.  So, during the long holiday weekend, I made a point to stop by and see how everyone is doing.  (This was the first time I visited the nest in Ft. Myers since last spring just before my computer crashed.) Harriet was busy sitting on the eggs, and Ozzie was helping with 'nest-orations', delivering a couple of large branches.   It was nice to see they're doing well.  The eaglets should hatch around Christmas.  Then, the real fun begins -- watching the little ones grow and leave the nest within a few months.  The live eagle cam is functioning well and an additional camera is now positioned in a nearby tree.   Once again, the live feed is sponsored by Dick Pritchett Real Estate.  You can check out the eagle cam here.  To see other interpretations of 'Looking Out' click here.  

Thanksgiving Leftovers

I believe these shoreline birds are sandpipers.  They were scooting up and down the beach last night diligently pecking at the washed up seashells hunting for food.  The bird in the middle of the pack nabbed what looked like a live crab.  But, the crustacean must have put up too much of a fight because after shaking it a few times, the bird dropped it and all three sandpipers quickly stepped away.  I suppose it's just a lot easier to open your refrigerator and select from an array of leftovers.  Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving!

Golden Rays

Let's take a moment to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a sunset before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season gets underway.  I rarely see wild turkeys wandering around Myakka State Park, but the other day I spotted three in an open field.  As soon as I took out my camera, they  scampered away.  Either they were camera shy or they heard people chattering about drumsticks, gravy and other fixings.  

Spoonful of Love

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  No, I'm not talking about Christmas (yet).  It's bird migration season!  We photographers who flock toward feathery creatures for photo opps are loving it.  Already, I've spotted some migratory birds including lots of beautiful roseate spoonbills.  I love these guys!  How could you not...with the splash of pink on their feathers…their bloodshot eyes…those rounded beaks…and those long, skinny red legs?!   All in all, the spoonbills are a nice colorful addition to the area right now.  I spotted several flocks at Myakka State Park over the weekend.  According to my 'Birds of Florida' field guide, roseate spoonbills live year round throughout coastal Florida.  But, from what I've seen over the years, they definitely migrate to Sarasota when the temperature starts to drop in the northern part of the state.  We're expecting lows in the 40s by mid-week.  Bundle up, birdies!