This week for the blog started out a little more enthusiastically than normal with Chris and Rachael Baker still "in town" from the United Kingdom on a vacation for them that would hopefully lead to a successful end to their Southwest Florida visit.
The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
A trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary started the week with sightings at the swamp about average for this time of year I would guess.
We failed to see some of the species noted on the recent sightings board as we exited the sanctuary.
The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
Earlier, it was a treat for me to walk back along the boardwalk to where I had last seen Chris go and observe him and his camera honed in on a pair of raccoons directly in front of him.
He was certainly in a much better position to photograph them successfully with his zoom lens which he attached to his camera after the raccoons went back onto the floor of the sanctuary.
The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
I noted that he took off the Better Beamer (flash extender) from his camera as quietly as he could at one point for the better shots.
My attempt to get a good image of Rachael with the beamer resulted in significantly overexposed unrecoverable images as were virtually all my shots of the raccoons.
Chris Baker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
I believe the raccoons were the highlight for the Bakers on this trip while Chris mentioned to me he has not had much success in photographing mammals.
It was a rewarding trip for me in the visit to Corkscrew Swamp where I was to observe and photograph the American Goldfinch for the first time at the feeder.
The raccoon above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
Upon my sighting of the bird, I had not clue what I was looking at, but was certainly captivated by its beauty.
A fellow visitor to the sanctuary advised me that the bird could be seen in its best plumage up north at another time of year.
The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
I anticipated diligently that the goldfinch and Painted Bunting would offer photo opportunities in the vegetation, but that didn't happen on this trip.
With me in the lead for the drive, I won't go into detail of my missing the exit off the Interstate aside from noting that we nearly arrived at Marco Island.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
I guess I might be classified as one of those that would refuse to stop and ask for directions.
You certainly wouldn't believe now that I've been to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at least a dozen times.
The American Goldfinch above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.
With what I thought was assurance for Chris an Rachael to see "a lifer" in Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area, we had no luck with a small game hunt going on.
I felt the trip at my recommendation and failure to observe the Red-cockaded redeemed with Chris's ability to photograph Tree Swallows successfully at Webb Lake.
The scene above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.
I struggled to take 11 photographs of the swallows compared to the 58 Chris did which he astonishingly noted.
Chris and Rachael seemed to enjoy the venue nonetheless and led me to believe that they will return to the expansive refuge that offers remarkable wildlife observation opportunities.
The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.
After a coffee break, a late day trip to Bunche Beach Preserve caught us in the rain close to the west channel with Chris offering the idea to hold out for better weather.
The clouds looked very ominous and I thus drove down to Lovers Key State Park to renew what I thought was my expired Florida State Park's annual membership to find that I won't need to do that until after the turn of the new year.
The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.
As an afterthought, this is definitely the way to go as I would lose out significantly if I'm not able to visit a Florida State Park until later next year.
By renewing the annual fee at that time will extend the opportunity to visit that much later after that.
The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.
A wise decision as Florida State Park admission prices are relatively high compared to what they were a few years ago.
I support the pay as you go theory with regard to state and national parks in particular to keep them viable.
The Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.
With Fort Myers area bridge construction costs paid off, I however disagree with the tolls for them.
I made a last light of the day trip to Bunche with hopes of capturing an image of potential interest while I noted the parking fee kiosk has been installed.
The Dunlin with Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.
I devoted particular attention to a Forster's Tern bathing at each opportunity while the species unfortunately would be hidden behind gulls or Royal and Sandwich Terns due to their greater numbers.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was the next point of interest with favorable tides this week.
The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.
I missed dragging Chris and Rachael to the notable venue from Bowditch Point Regional Park.
At Ding Darling, I would meet the photo editor of a North American wildlife publication as we observed predominantly White Pelicans flying onto the scene.
The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.
My anticipated Belted Kingfisher arrived, though didn't offer the best opportunity for photography of it.
The photo editor eruditely commented on how he judges an image for publication while scrutinizing an image's metadata and also uses an extensive record of photographic documentation of bird species to adjust the color of plumage, if necessary, in an image in front of him.
The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.
The editor commented on the infamous 2009 "Storybook Wolf" photograph that is unquestionably exposed here while noting through his expertise that he is assured that the eye of the wolf was manipulated in the image of it.
As flash photography was discussed (with Tim Rucci in the back of my mind having commented to me some time ago that its use must be applied with great discretion in wildlife photography), the photo editor commented to me the importance of using a "blind" in photographic documentation observations.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.
A blind may simply be a pop up tent, but useful in attracting wildlife to you nonetheless.
The photo editor and his companion enthusiastically told of using such a technique for observation and successful photography of the feeding behavior of a Belted Kingfisher east of Naples.
The immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.
The editor also commented on a renowned bird photographer that "cooks" his bird subjects with powerful flash devices for the best images he can create.
A specific incident was mentioned where the adult birds left their nest which resulted in the fledglings being consumed by a predatory bird.
The Pied-billed Grebe above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.
There is unquestionably a need to understand the difference between artistic photographic renderings of wildlife and mere documentation of a particular subject or event.
The editor was extremely generous in offering opinion on how I may improve my photography and particularly set the bar by calling for a photograph of a Black Rail (perhaps most likely encountered in the Everglades) that he has yet to see a really good image of.
The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The first trip to Harns Marsh Preserve was by far the highlight of the week with a 1st sighting of Ring-necked Duck as "a lifer" and Crested Caracara observed adding it as the 140th aves species seen on the official checklist for the preserve as of this writing.
I believe the free roaming Crested Caracara was possibly observed at the most southwestern edge of its known range.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The bird was remarkably carrying something in its beak upon its first sighting at Harns Marsh.
Nesting material would seem unlikely though is hopeful.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The Crested Caracara's wingspan at 49 inches compares to the Red-shouldered Hawk's 40 inches, the Osprey's 63 inches, the Bald Eagle's 80 inches, and the Black and Turkey Vulture wingspans at 59 inches and 67 inches respectively.
It would indeed be a very competitive and stressful environment for the caracara at Harns Marsh Preserve if it stays and perseveres.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The Bald Eagle and Osprey would offer cat and mouse aerial displays with each species following the other extremely closely.
My initial three hour stay at Harns Marsh would offer the pre-dawn 31 degrees resulting in extremely shaky hands which ultimately led to a surprise for me.
The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The slow shutter speed and out of focus low light shot of a Killdeer along the marsh's shore would include in the image created a Wilson's Snipe that I had not observed in nearly 22 months since a trip to Green Cay Wetlands near Delray Beach.
The snipe was so well camouflaged that I didn't even notice it in the wild as I continued my attention on the Killdeer.
The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
Rachael would certainly not have overlooked it.
I learned this week that I have misidentified the snipe as "common" although most likely a subspecies known as "Wilson's."
The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
A significant difference between the two species is an additional tail feather on Wilson's Snipe.
Later in the morning, a fellow visitor to Harns Marsh amusingly inquired if I had observed any penguins.
The wildlife enthusiasts above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The 4 December 2010 tour and bird count offered at Florida's STA5 with its 93 bird species observed with American Pipit added to the list reminds me of my disappointment in my inability to participate in such a monumental event.
A follow up visit to Harns Marsh Preserve to end the week failed to offer another sighting of the Crested Caracara or Wilson's Snipe.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
All the other species observed at mid week were seen or heard again, however.
The Snail Kite was a welcome site while it offered several close flybys.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.
The clear sky, warmer weather, and early morning light were favorable for enjoyable wildlife photography.
The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.A trip to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary started the week with sightings at the swamp about average for this time of year I would guess.
We failed to see some of the species noted on the recent sightings board as we exited the sanctuary.
The Red-shouldered Hawk above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.Earlier, it was a treat for me to walk back along the boardwalk to where I had last seen Chris go and observe him and his camera honed in on a pair of raccoons directly in front of him.
He was certainly in a much better position to photograph them successfully with his zoom lens which he attached to his camera after the raccoons went back onto the floor of the sanctuary.
The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.I noted that he took off the Better Beamer (flash extender) from his camera as quietly as he could at one point for the better shots.
My attempt to get a good image of Rachael with the beamer resulted in significantly overexposed unrecoverable images as were virtually all my shots of the raccoons.
Chris Baker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.I believe the raccoons were the highlight for the Bakers on this trip while Chris mentioned to me he has not had much success in photographing mammals.
It was a rewarding trip for me in the visit to Corkscrew Swamp where I was to observe and photograph the American Goldfinch for the first time at the feeder.
The raccoon above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.Upon my sighting of the bird, I had not clue what I was looking at, but was certainly captivated by its beauty.
A fellow visitor to the sanctuary advised me that the bird could be seen in its best plumage up north at another time of year.
The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.I anticipated diligently that the goldfinch and Painted Bunting would offer photo opportunities in the vegetation, but that didn't happen on this trip.
With me in the lead for the drive, I won't go into detail of my missing the exit off the Interstate aside from noting that we nearly arrived at Marco Island.
The Northern Cardinal above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.I guess I might be classified as one of those that would refuse to stop and ask for directions.
You certainly wouldn't believe now that I've been to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary at least a dozen times.
The American Goldfinch above was photographed at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in December 2010.With what I thought was assurance for Chris an Rachael to see "a lifer" in Red-cockaded Woodpecker at Babcock Webb Wildlife Management Area, we had no luck with a small game hunt going on.
I felt the trip at my recommendation and failure to observe the Red-cockaded redeemed with Chris's ability to photograph Tree Swallows successfully at Webb Lake.
The scene above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.I struggled to take 11 photographs of the swallows compared to the 58 Chris did which he astonishingly noted.
Chris and Rachael seemed to enjoy the venue nonetheless and led me to believe that they will return to the expansive refuge that offers remarkable wildlife observation opportunities.
The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.After a coffee break, a late day trip to Bunche Beach Preserve caught us in the rain close to the west channel with Chris offering the idea to hold out for better weather.
The clouds looked very ominous and I thus drove down to Lovers Key State Park to renew what I thought was my expired Florida State Park's annual membership to find that I won't need to do that until after the turn of the new year.
The Northern Flicker above was photographed at Babcock Webb WMA in December 2010.As an afterthought, this is definitely the way to go as I would lose out significantly if I'm not able to visit a Florida State Park until later next year.
By renewing the annual fee at that time will extend the opportunity to visit that much later after that.
The Sandwich Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.A wise decision as Florida State Park admission prices are relatively high compared to what they were a few years ago.
I support the pay as you go theory with regard to state and national parks in particular to keep them viable.
The Royal Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.With Fort Myers area bridge construction costs paid off, I however disagree with the tolls for them.
I made a last light of the day trip to Bunche with hopes of capturing an image of potential interest while I noted the parking fee kiosk has been installed.
The Dunlin with Semipalmated Plover above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.I devoted particular attention to a Forster's Tern bathing at each opportunity while the species unfortunately would be hidden behind gulls or Royal and Sandwich Terns due to their greater numbers.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge was the next point of interest with favorable tides this week.
The Forster's Tern above was photographed at Bunche Beach Preserve in December 2010.I missed dragging Chris and Rachael to the notable venue from Bowditch Point Regional Park.
At Ding Darling, I would meet the photo editor of a North American wildlife publication as we observed predominantly White Pelicans flying onto the scene.
The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.My anticipated Belted Kingfisher arrived, though didn't offer the best opportunity for photography of it.
The photo editor eruditely commented on how he judges an image for publication while scrutinizing an image's metadata and also uses an extensive record of photographic documentation of bird species to adjust the color of plumage, if necessary, in an image in front of him.
The White Pelican above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.The editor commented on the infamous 2009 "Storybook Wolf" photograph that is unquestionably exposed here while noting through his expertise that he is assured that the eye of the wolf was manipulated in the image of it.
As flash photography was discussed (with Tim Rucci in the back of my mind having commented to me some time ago that its use must be applied with great discretion in wildlife photography), the photo editor commented to me the importance of using a "blind" in photographic documentation observations.
The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.A blind may simply be a pop up tent, but useful in attracting wildlife to you nonetheless.
The photo editor and his companion enthusiastically told of using such a technique for observation and successful photography of the feeding behavior of a Belted Kingfisher east of Naples.
The immature Yellow-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.The editor also commented on a renowned bird photographer that "cooks" his bird subjects with powerful flash devices for the best images he can create.
A specific incident was mentioned where the adult birds left their nest which resulted in the fledglings being consumed by a predatory bird.
The Pied-billed Grebe above was photographed at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in December 2010.There is unquestionably a need to understand the difference between artistic photographic renderings of wildlife and mere documentation of a particular subject or event.
The editor was extremely generous in offering opinion on how I may improve my photography and particularly set the bar by calling for a photograph of a Black Rail (perhaps most likely encountered in the Everglades) that he has yet to see a really good image of.
The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The first trip to Harns Marsh Preserve was by far the highlight of the week with a 1st sighting of Ring-necked Duck as "a lifer" and Crested Caracara observed adding it as the 140th aves species seen on the official checklist for the preserve as of this writing.
I believe the free roaming Crested Caracara was possibly observed at the most southwestern edge of its known range.
The Bald Eagle above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The bird was remarkably carrying something in its beak upon its first sighting at Harns Marsh.
Nesting material would seem unlikely though is hopeful.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The Crested Caracara's wingspan at 49 inches compares to the Red-shouldered Hawk's 40 inches, the Osprey's 63 inches, the Bald Eagle's 80 inches, and the Black and Turkey Vulture wingspans at 59 inches and 67 inches respectively.
It would indeed be a very competitive and stressful environment for the caracara at Harns Marsh Preserve if it stays and perseveres.
The Crested Caracara above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The Bald Eagle and Osprey would offer cat and mouse aerial displays with each species following the other extremely closely.
My initial three hour stay at Harns Marsh would offer the pre-dawn 31 degrees resulting in extremely shaky hands which ultimately led to a surprise for me.
The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The slow shutter speed and out of focus low light shot of a Killdeer along the marsh's shore would include in the image created a Wilson's Snipe that I had not observed in nearly 22 months since a trip to Green Cay Wetlands near Delray Beach.
The snipe was so well camouflaged that I didn't even notice it in the wild as I continued my attention on the Killdeer.
The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.Rachael would certainly not have overlooked it.
I learned this week that I have misidentified the snipe as "common" although most likely a subspecies known as "Wilson's."
The White Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.A significant difference between the two species is an additional tail feather on Wilson's Snipe.
Later in the morning, a fellow visitor to Harns Marsh amusingly inquired if I had observed any penguins.
The wildlife enthusiasts above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The 4 December 2010 tour and bird count offered at Florida's STA5 with its 93 bird species observed with American Pipit added to the list reminds me of my disappointment in my inability to participate in such a monumental event.
A follow up visit to Harns Marsh Preserve to end the week failed to offer another sighting of the Crested Caracara or Wilson's Snipe.
The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.All the other species observed at mid week were seen or heard again, however.
The Snail Kite was a welcome site while it offered several close flybys.
The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in December 2010.The clear sky, warmer weather, and early morning light were favorable for enjoyable wildlife photography.