Came across this young family by the pond the other day and said, "hello". They appeared to be rather busy doing what it is that sandhill cranes do although the young one was was a bit impish and was not always paying attention. Must be Spring....
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sandbar Crowd
This shot reminds me of those "Where's Waldo" search images. It's really just a glimpse of the weekend bar crowd at our local sandbar on the ICW. Mix nice weather, low tide, lots of boaters and maybe a margarita or two and watch the show.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Screened Moonlight
Snow birding has created a new calendar rhythm for me. The last full moon of the "season" made me appreciate all the more the stellar view that I've had every night this winter. And once again, the reminder over my shoulder speaks of returning north. Spring on Long Island, grandchildren, the smell of lilacs and boating on the Great South Bay await......but not just yet!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Banyan Tree
I think it's pretty cool when you can be impressed by a tree. Older Banyan Trees can be expansive and very tall as they send 'aerial roots" from branches to the ground. These roots eventually become woody trunks resembling the main tree trunk. The Banyan spreads laterally and can encompass some serious real estate. I would think some long range, serious landscape planning would be order prior to planting one of the babies! Impressive indeed...
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Beach Walk
An early evening stroll on the beach...the cooler breeze, the lapping of waves along the shore, the brilliant colors of the sky and the right companion just might cause you to fall in love all over again!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Hungryland Canal
In our younger days my generation always heard horror stories about some distant relative who purchased land in Florida that turned out to be "swamp land". Not all of that swamp land became developed. The John and Mariana Jones/Hungryland wildlife area is some 16,000+ acres of Florida watershed slough that helps feed the Everglades. Originally slated for development the project went bust in the late 1960's. Some nine miles of canals were constructed in the 1960's to divert water from proposed developments. Today the area is an outdoor sportsman's dream providing a wilderness for hunting, fishing, hiking and primitive camping.
Interestingly, the "Hungryland" label comes from the days of the Seminole Indian Wars. Legend has it that the local tribes escaped to the area only to find it lacking in good soil for farming.
Monday, April 09, 2012
Full Moon
The holiday weekend was full of wonderful treats including a romantic moon. Nature's night time light show drew evening crowds to the area beaches where beach blankets and bottles of wine were plentiful. Life is Good...
Sunday, April 08, 2012
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Moonrise
Despite a low cloud cover, patience was rewarded as the April full moon did show up as advertised. Clouds along the horizon delayed our view and killed the "rising moon" shot but the show was well worth the price of admission!
Friday, April 06, 2012
Toast To Life
Three years on....Missing my best buddy Chico and remembering the laughter, tears and joys of a treasured friendship.
Thursday, April 05, 2012
Suwanee
The Jupiter Inlet dredging project continues all day and well into the night. The project helps keep Jupiter's gateway to the ocean save and navigable, the dredged sand is used for the popular beach re-nourishment program along the oceanfront. All the cool marine construction equipment make for some interesting photo subjects to keep this photographer occupied. :-)
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Pecks Walk
The joys of a peaceful, quiet walk in the woods are many at Martin County's Pecks Lake Park. The trail meanders through trails of boardwalk that lead to the ICW. My partner was especially greatful for the elevated walkway that separates critters from human feet.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Head Shot
As I took this glamour shot I could have sworn that this pelican said, "Enough about ME.....How do you like my hair?"
Monday, April 02, 2012
Turtle Mascot
Move over Philly Phanatic and Mr. Met...The Loggerhead Marine Center has the turtle mascot, "Fletch". Fletch is a huge favorite in the Jupiter/Juno Beach area. He is best known for his educational/fun programs that keep kids and adults informed about the plight of sea turtles. In a recent interview we learned that he was born in "Sandy beach", his favorite restaurant is "The Thirsty Turtle" (US1 in Juno) and he is still a fan club member of the rock group "The Turtles". Ummm....whatever works, Fletch!
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Pelican Headstand
Dinner is ready, dive right in! Those pelicans sure are big fans of the local seafood...
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Dredge At Sunset
More than once I have been told by mentors that "in the right light even a garbage can can make a great photo". Sooo....why not a dredge in the "right " light?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Idle Speed
Found on the upper reaches of the Loxahtchee River where rather shallow twists and turns take one deeper into the wilderness, a "No Wake" posting. I'm sure that there is a portion of the boating population that requires such a reminder.... :)
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Turtle Release
Melba the turtle heads home: Melba hit the sand running and never looked back as the hard working volunteers at Loggerhead Marine Center smiled at yet another successful rescue/rehab/release story. Good job, gang!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
The Photographer
Perhaps it's cosmic...seems like every where I go this beautiful photographer appears in my view finder. Life is Good.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Loggerhead Marine Center
Turtle release: Another healthy patient is sent home after a successful hospital stay! The Loggerhead Marine Center located in Juno Beach is a caring rehab center for injured sea turtles. A return to the sea is always a big celebration, tagged turtles can be tracked via the center's website.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Down The Beach
The perfect recipe of sun, salt air and crashing waves....the best method of "clearing one's mind" Life is Good!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
90 and Counting
Could not help but post this 90th Birthday shot! Happy Birthday, Mom...keep those birthdays coming.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Jupiter Light Hill
Fisheye fun at the base of the hill....Builders of Jupiter Light wisely saved on material costs by building on top of the highest point in the area. Playing with my fisheye lens..
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Fishing Silouette
It would be great to catch a few fish...AND sometimes just being there is it's own reward.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Beach Morning
Listen to the quiet! Silent applause for the peaceful combination of a rising sun and the gentle roll of the waves. Life is Good.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St Patricks Day
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Reef Rat
I was struck by the contrast of old/new, hard work/leisure look of this shot. Hard working fishermen have always impressed me and this boat is a frequent sight along the ICW.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Osprey Pair
Our favorite couple are still busy starting a family. It's very entertaining to watch this guy dive into the water and return with a fish. He certainly gets high marks for being a "good provider".
Monday, March 12, 2012
Morning Light
A very wonderful sunrise on the beach...The magic of the early light changes constantly and is a real treat! The best show in town is still produced by Mother Nature.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Angry Blue Heron
This great blue heron became very aggressive at our fish cleaning station. After several attempts to compete with the pelicans for scraps he became combative. I was surprised to witness him using his beak for something other than fishing. Usually elusive and private this great blue was very assertive in getting the meal he was looking for!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Late Afternoon
Daylight Savings Time...it's that time again. I'm not sure if it's magic or some form of time travel but it gets later earlier tomorrow morning. I'm also not sure if we all get an hour older tomorrow or not but I'm a huge fan of the light. Daylight Savings Time declares that we have survived the early darkness of winter, spring is on the radar and the afternoon light will linger a bit longer. So, spring those clocks forward and enjoy the gift of later sunsets!
Friday, March 09, 2012
Beach Dune
Solitude on a Florida beach...very nice indeed. There sure is plenty of development in south Florida and discovering peaceful, uncrowded beaches is well worth the effort. Time for a quiet stroll...Life is Good.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
At Anchor
Transient sailors awake to a cloudy and still morning along the ICW. Traveling boaters headed in either direction are always in search of protected anchorages to spend the night. Smells of morning coffee and bacon can drift in the air getting the attention of sunrise fishermen. Life is Good.
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Stark Park
Florida's natural areas are beautiful and at times very harsh. Periods of draught and excess heat can be tough even for native flora.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Wild Florida
The view is from atop the Hobe Mountain observation deck. "Hobe Mountain" isn't a mountain at all, in fact it is a rather large sand dune that mark's the highest point on the Florida coastline south of Lake Okeechobee. The expansive state park offers visitors a chance to experience pre-development south Florida.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Gopher Tortoise
The only tortoise native to Florida, the Gopher Tortoise is protected under law. This guy was nice enough to stick his neck out for me. For more Info: Gopherus Polyphemus
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Jonathan Dickinson Park
This walkway leads to the Hobe Hill observation tower in Jonathan Dickinson Park located just north of Tequesta, Fl. With over 10,000 acres and a "National Wild and Scenic River" the park offers an impressive look at the "real native Florida". This landscape can get rather warm by mid-day and I imagine that the original settlers of this area held fresh water in high regard.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Alligator Below
Look down but don't fall....This young alligator was sunning himself under a roadway/footbridge in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. No "alligator farm" alligator, this guy and his bigger companion are the real deal and call the 11,000 acre park home.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Shore Bird
An Eastern Willet looks for breakfast in the marsh. These guys were almost hunted into extinction the past two centuries but the population has recently begun to recover. It was a real treat to watch as he went about his business unfazed by my presence.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Cato Bridge
Quite the ego boost when they open bridges for you....BUT, I looked over my shoulder and realized that it was opened for the mega yacht behind me. Oh well...Life is Good!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Doggie Paddle
As paddle boards become more and more popular advocates seem eager to share the experience. This picture would appear to give "taking the dog out" and doing the "doggie paddle" a whole new meaning.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Osprey Flight
The ICW in this area is a flourishing habitat for osprey. Their hunting aerial talents are a thrill to watch, their diminutive "chirp" seems counter to their fierce raptor abilities. And to think that DDT use of the 1970's almost eliminated this majestic bird....
Monday, February 27, 2012
In the Net
Snapper fishing and finding barracuda...This young barracuda surprised us as we were fishing a shallow sand bar. Gotta love that smile, that is some set of teeth. He was released to smile another day.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
ICW Magic Hour
It's always "all about the light".....Looking east as the setting sun casts a golden hue on the intracoastal can be a visual treat. It certainly makes for a magical cocktail hour!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Mating Osprey Pair
AsI said previously, a slow cruise along the ICW can be full of surprises. This pair of osprey appeared to be mating as we slowly motored past. Using longer lenses to capture them seemed to be the least intrusive method. This guy certainly appeared to be very proud of himself...
Friday, February 24, 2012
Dolphin Pair
If you take your time cruising along the ICW you might just get to enjoy some time with the neighbors. These guys stayed just close enough to us to be appreciated and photographed. We expressed our gratitude for their friendly co-operation as they moved on.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Vintage Florida
Playing with some post processing here...This commercial fishing vessel, well used and rough around the edges, seemed almost timeless. I could imagine the TV set from the 60's program "Flipper" where this relic would have been right at home. Florida from the land of "ago".....
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Manatee Tail
Manatees along the ICW.....When you least expect it these gentle sea cows can put on a whale of a show. Not knowing just where they are going to surface makes gets photos a real challenge. We followed (at a distance) two manatees as the lumbered along the shoreline, calling to one another, "over there".."no!, just here", etc. At any rate, this shot reminded me of those images of whale tails that I have always dreamed of getting.
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