Linda Caden Photography

These are the smallest terns—8 inches long and 1.5 ounces in weight. They look like sand when they are chicks, and blend into the color of the beach, where the nest is a hollowed out hole. It’s just big enough for 1 or 2 eggs. Maybe 4, if we’re lucky.

How many chicks do you see? I think there are 4.

It’s all about the chicks, remember. And they are hungry. Crab legs anyone? It takes a team of terns, but they are up to the challenge. That crab is no match for these least terns. They are small but fierce in their attack!

His mom has a watchful eye on the little Wilson’s Plover chick, as he scampers across the sand. He’s so curious for what’s ahead. What I like: his little developing wings.

It’s massive in height for a Southern Live Oak, 65 ft, and its branches spread out 1/3 as big as a football field. Some of its branches have reached the ground and have grown on out again. It’s 300-400 years old. Think of the things it has seen and heard in that time. If trees could talk.

I was able to see and photograph this magnificent tree a few weeks ago with Denise Ippolito. Part of a workshop on creativity. She’s a wonderful teacher and friend, always encouraging us to look deeper, look differently, from all angles, to find the best—for your subject and for yourself.

With this image, although the tree is beautiful in color, I chose black & white. I also removed several signs, and posts in editing. Hope you like it!

#tree #angeloak #charleston #thetree #bigtree #liveoaktree #southcarolina

#historicalcharleston #nikon

It’s another world walking through this beautiful garden of old live oaks and Spanish moss and small bridges to get you from one area to another. There are azaleas, but many are hidden in the foliage. I’m on a mission to find them. I transplanted a beautiful bush of azaleas right here near these live oaks, knowing they would be happy about it.

#charleston #liveoaktree #azaleas #southcarolina

#historicalcharleston #nikon

One that we loved for its sweet simplicity. More to follow, from Magnolia Gardens.

At dark thirty before sunrise, we visited this lonely area. We were temporary visitors. Those resting under the gravestones were permanent residents. The live oaks and Spanish Moss added to the quiet moment.

The church was built in the mid 1700’s, a proud and stately Greek Revival style. It was burned down by the British 25 years later. Then rebuilt in the 1800’s, and burned down again during the Civil War. But its structural columns remain today and services are still held there.

We waited for sunrise, whispering as we saw small details when the sun began to appear. We said our prayers and thanked the people of South Carolina for preserving this special relic of a time gone by.

There’s one room in this house, a fireplace (for cooking and warmth) and a Franklin stove for warmth as well. We must remember this history, lest we relive it.

The people who lived here glued newsprint on the walls, for insulation? For decoration? For inspiration? I hope it was all three, and that their descendants’ lives are much improved.

Formerly a rice plantation in the 1800’s. There’s a ½ mile drive through live oaks and Spanish moss to get to a large house and hunting lodge. They still produce rice too.

Tucked in among the shadowy branches, but spotlighted by sun for a moment, was a single white rose.

They have a special place in the gardens where they strut and display their gorgeous feathers.

We set up our tripods on the mudflats and applied bug spray. And waited. And it was worth it!

The sky lit up with colors of red, orange, yellow and blue. The bridge, not to be outdone, popped on its lights, washing the beams of the bridge a greenish cast. No, wait. Not exactly green, those beams became  golden with the right exposure! Very exciting to see. Thank you, Denise Ippolito for this lesson in exposure and the opportunity to see this bridge in all it’s glory.

Says this Dune sunflower in Kanapaha Gardens.

Peace.

Except what about these bougainvillea?? It seems the grayer the day, the more vivid they become.

When they're triplets!

Bend and stretch and reach for the sky! But stay balanced. That’s the hard part.

Angel Oak in Charleston, NC

It begins like this. But much is happening below the surface as well. Prop roots trap leaves and the nutrients are great for bird, aquatic animals, as well as the mangrove and marsh. Once established, it’s hard to travel through these areas, so it provides a natural protection for all the things going on elsewhere on Merritt Island. Top Secret.

Part of a 5 piece collage titled “Detour on the Way to the Beach.”

Part of a 5-piece collage, “Detour on the Way to the Beach.”

Why grow to the left? then the right? or around? with a spiral now and again?

Why not?

Part of a 5-piece collage, “Detour on the Way to the Beach.”

Part of a 5-piece collage, “Detour on the Way to the Beach.”

They lined the path in Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile, Alabama.

A rainy day can intensify the colors of a subject. This hibiscus had closed up for the day as raindrops hung on her petals and pistil. But the color! The color!

Such a silly name for such delicate little bell flowers on the Sempervivum, Pacific Blue Ice. It's a sage green succulent plant, hearty in our North Florida winters. In the spring, this happens!

The background is a stand of bamboo.

This succulent plant actually has tall spikes with small bell shaped flowers.

Happy Hibiscus. Brief blooms, but so beautiful.

The name is derived from Greek: love + flower.

Just before these buds explode into a cluster of tubular flowers.

Thousands of blooms become an explosion of color on this tree.

A common street tree in south Florida that’s not common at all.

A Myrmecophila (I think.) From Mexico or the West Indies or Venezuela, and related to Cattleyas. John Daly’s mom gave this plant to us about 25 years ago, so she’s a hearty soul. She’s lived in Houston, Miami, the Keys, and even north Florida.

Stunning!

She floats alone, knowing all eyes are on her, and only her.

Bellingrath Gardens, Mobile, Alabama

A Red Maple was cut down in my neighborhood in North Florida. But look what sprouted from the base of that stump.

Halloween in Charleston

Any guesses as to the name?

In and among all the Royal Terns are a smallish number of Sandwich Terns. They’re smaller, with their black bill, ending in a yellow tip. Very fun to watch them dive bomb for fish. And they will only feed their own chick. In this case that incoming adult must be saying, no, big boy, YOU are not my chick.

Look at those wings!?! These little ones are covered in fluff. No feathers to speak of. So they just hop about and call for mom.

Mom swoops in with a fish for her hungry little one.

You might think this is an adult, but although he has the crown of an adult Royal Tern, he still is considered a teenager. He’s not very good at catching fish on his own, and waits for parents to deliver, just the little chick he’s hanging around with. He’s more likely to get a scrap that way.

Looks like Royal Terns at attention as our little general inspects the troops.

Their feathers are just beginning to turn from downy fluff to real feathers. Of course they can’t fly yet. But they search for mom and excitedly hop about when they think they spot her.

Their eyes meet.

A tender kiss.

They bow several times, and he hops on her shoulders. She cautiously turns this way and that as he balances. Precariously.

All is going pretty well in the dance of romance, until..his foot slips. One little mis-step is all it takes.

She flies off in a huff. He scans the horizon, considering other options. Nothing.

One flies by, surveying the group. If you look really really closely at the legs, in the center are two little orange ones. That’s a chick they are still protecting. Z9 with 100-400mm + TC2.0.

…there are mean and aggressive gulls nearby that love to steal food away from little chicks.

Royal Terns, young adults. Having a ball flying, but they aren’t always successful catching fish.

Two chicks scan the beach for mom and food.

This very little Royal Tern chick had been calling and scanning the ocean and sky for his parents. Maybe they’re down there? SOMEBODY’S down there.

I felt like saying, “Everybody just shush so this little fella can hear his mom (who is right behind him and calling! With a fish I might add.)

OK. Eyes Left.

This guy marches to a different drummer. It’s a lesson to us all. We don’t always have to follow the flock.

At Huguenot Park this year there were many more gulls than Royal Terns. Typically the Royal Terns catch a little fish, and deliver it to their chicks. Unless a big ole gull steals the fish. Yes, it happens. What we saw was so interesting. The little chicks were hardly ever alone—they were surrounded by many adult Royal Terns, or guarded by two, hovering nearby with their wings out to be more protective. The little ones were careful too, looking both ways for threats and possible incoming food. Occasionally distracted. They all called for mom, especially the youngest one.

These parents carefully guard their chick from nearby gulls. See how their wings are out, making them look bigger, and surrounding the chick? He’s very young and needs all the help he can get.

Fish hand off from adult to chick.

They say that adult Royal Terns can recognize their own chick’s call, and will circle and circle to find him and to feed him/her.

The Royal Terns are back in Huguenot Park Beach and it’s kind of crazy and noisy. The chicks can’t fly yet, but are they ever hungry!

A cluster of little ones is called a creche. A whole group of Royals is called a highness of terns. I like that.

If you’re not going to swallow that, can I have it?

At first I thought this was a chick and an adult. The chicks are always so hungry. But this female was communicating something else. The larger guy spread his wings and danced about. Then suddenly he hopped on top of her back like a gymnast and they balanced there. She even walked around, with him standing and balancing. Quite remarkable. He snuggled in closer, tail feathers this way and that, in a delicate dance. Afterward, he strutted around her, wings akimbo. This was pretty cute, because no-one seemed to notice. One last look, and he off he flew.

Is she impressed?

He jumped up on her back, balancing as she slowly walked around.

Afterward, he strutted around her, wings akimbo. This was pretty cute, because no one seemed to notice.

She gazes at him as he struts around some more.

A flock of them is called a “Highness” which is perfect for their royal name.

Or just stretching her wings?

These Royal Tern chicks and young adults were at Huguenot Park in North Florida. It has a wide beach and grassy dunes where the adults lay their eggs in the spring. By July most of the chicks have hatched. There were thousands of Royal Terns and other gulls and sea birds on the beach. It was a cacophony of sounds!

The ranger explained that since the little "downy" chicks can't fly yet, the adults parade them down to the ocean's edge where it's cooler. Then the adults fly off in search of food. One of the photos shows the adult swooping in to drop off a fish for his little chick. The fish seems as big as he is! But down the hatch it goes. He was the only one who got fed that time, so it looks like he's definitely the guy to follow.

Supposedly, the adults seek out their own chick, and can recognize their call.

Royal Tern chick in Huguenot Park, north Jacksonville, Florida.

Too young to fly. Too little to hunt for fish. Too tired to chirp for his mom. But so hungry!

Royal Tern chick thinks he spots his mom with a fish for him.

Mom swoops in with a fish, and guards her chick with her wing. There’s a greedy gull nearby.

Fish for breakfast. Yum!

Royal Tern juvenile. He can fly, but not really clear yet on how to catch a fish.

Royal Tern mom hands off her catch. Somehow, these chicks swallow the whole thing and immediately chirp for more. Who does that sound like?

The guy who started it all.

This is in Marineland in north Florida. Have you heard of it? Maybe not. It’s a destination for many photographers because of the huge coquina rocks scattered up and down the coast. Just before the sun peeked above the horizon, there were rich colors in the sky. Then the sun appeared, all orange and bright, with light bouncing off the choppy waves. I rock hopped around, and found a cut-out I liked. So as the sun came up I slowed the shutter down, smoothing the water and gathering enough light so you could see some detail in the foreground. Love those coquina rocks! Love the moment!

There was an explosion of golden yellow and peach on the backdrop of blue. What a morning!

Saw you at the beach today. Shoulda been here yesterday.

Here for a moment, then washed away.

August 2024

Created from carbon dioxide below the surface, churning up bubbles that reach the surface. Better on windy days.

In September it’s not exactly fall, but there’s a coolness in the morning now, and colors in the sky.

Only visiting for a couple of weeks, then off to sea again.

This sunrise just took my breath away. The sun was coming up, but there were clouds. They were cirrus—thin, diffuse, and wispy. Enough to block the brilliance of the sun, but you could tell that it’s intensity was behind them. It was so bright! And the water looked more like glass than water. Meanwhile it was 80 degrees, so it was quite a phenomenon. Then when 4 pelicans flew by, low over the water, I just shook my head in amazement. What a wonderful moment.

Sunrise happens so fast. Suddenly the light sparkled through the cast net. Gone in an instant. Like a wave. Like a splash.

Usually it’s birds or sunrises that catch my attention. But today it was a fisherman of another kind—not with wings but with a net of sparkles.

It happens this fast.

Spinning, wispy clouds of pink and yellow and orange. And the waves were so choppy they threw off foam with each surge. It looked like little cloud formations on the beach.

Sunrise. Clouds of course, but the sun was beginning to burst through everywhere. Fun with slow shutter speeds let me make the water look smooth like glass. Wouldn’t it be great to be that pupster, running with joyous abandon on the beach in the morning? If only…

This day started out as a challenging “birds in flight shoot.” That was OK. But the sun quickly got higher and hotter. Too much light for those white birds. So we packed it up and turned around for one last look at the ocean. Way off shore was a shrimp boat, riggers out, birds flying all around. It was so bright, with atmosphere so thick. Yet the light sparkled off the water like little bubbles. I shot it as I saw it—hi key and diffuse.

Huguenot Park, Jacksonville, FL

Occasionally the sunrise in the California desert takes on this fiery glow. It has to do with the cool dry air meeting the massive Santa Rosa mountains. 

Sailor, take warning? Not to worry. Generally it's another sunny day.

For all you sailors out there.

While Hurricane Dorian raged on the east coast of Florida, Alabama skies were fiery red. September 2019.

Sunrise at the Juno Beach Pier, in South Florida.

with Martha

It’s hot.

August in Florida, 2019.

Last week I went to the beach early to photograph the sunrise. I got a few shots. The sun came up. It was time to go. At the top of the stairs I turned around for one last look. And that’s when I got the shot of the day.

Juno Pier, Florida

Jupiter, Florida

Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Shot from the beach in Ponte Vedra.

We were excited. A Blue Moon! The second full moon in the month? Or the fourth full moon in a quarter? Anyway, it was big and orange and beautiful. Preceded by a lightning show and stormy clouds. I liked it at 8:30pm last night. I liked it at 5:30am this morning. I liked it in the blue hour when it developed a warm golden glow. Hope you like all three together!

Around the first week of March we saw these 4 little chicks with their mom. They were about 2 weeks old at the time. When they’re young like this they’re called teaspoons! Already you can see the beginning of their spoon shaped bills. In recent weeks I have seen this nest in photos, and the chicks look bigger and healthy. That’s the good news. But. But I only see 3 chicks. It’s not unusual for the smallest to not get enough to eat. Fighting is fierce at feeding time. #spoonbills #roseatespoonbills

There’re back! Roseate Spoonbills are gathering sticks, building nests, tending to eggs or chicks. And I’m back too. Yay!

Mom, Dad, and 2 chicks, who are quickly learning how to forage for food. Very attentive! Just like your children, I’m sure. We think these Sandhill Cranes are the non-migratory ones. You might see them from Georgia to the Everglades, but essentially they are Florida residents. Protected, but also a growing population, maybe because they’ve moved to the suburbs. (From UF/ifas website.)

We love it when the adult sandhill crane digs in the ground, exposing the crown of her head, which looks like a heart. It’s a little thing, but pleasing to a …bird nerd. There’s nonverbal instruction going on here. Where, how, what to dig for. These chicks are maybe 2 weeks old. They need to become independent very quickly.

Their colors are amazingly rich—pink, golden, peach on the tail feathers, and that startling red eye. Can you see the spoon-shaped bill? They swish it back and forth in the water and filter in small aquatic animals for their lunch.

He stays close to mom. Since those little wings won’t develop for about 70 days, he remains flightless and vulnerable now. So this is the best place to be.

With their slow wing beat, these graceful white birds seem to want to be photographed, with the shutter speed slowed down to show the motion of their wings.

She’s tending to her chick, and he’s tending to her.

Who’s to know for sure, but we think it’s a notice of egg hatching soon to happen. These eggs have been incubating for a month now, so it’s about time.

The two cranes had quite the conversation. He began it as he held his head high. She chimed in. Google tells me for his one call, she has 2 short ones. That went on for awhile. The she suddenly flew off. It is rare to see an adult leave the nest. Maybe she had said, I need a break. Can you cover for me? Well, that would have been fine, but then he took off in her direction. The eggs had been left unattended! Big no-no in the crane world. Soon she returned. He dragged his feet a bit, but then he returned too. They had a big argument, she abruptly sat back down on the nest, and he stood nearby.

I’m sorry to leave you hanging. If anyone out there knows about the eggs, please tell us! Malabar Park, Palm Bay, FL 03-25

They are so beautiful when in flight. Up close is another thing. With their bald wrinkled head and those startling red eyes, long legs and big feet (for wading) they present another picture.

I had clipped the bottom of the foot when I was shooting, and cloned it in later in Photoshop.

#roseatespoonbill

It’s a bit of an awkward touch down, as he lands/scrambles on the irregular rock shapes. But he hops on over to grass and sticks to pick up nesting material. And he’s off again.

There’s a bright sunrise glow on this morning in Merritt Island. All is quiet; just occasional sounds of frogs and insects. And this fella, working the shallows. Back and forth, back and forth.

Infused with color. But notice the white, the yellow around that RED eye, and a greenish tint to the top of his head!

In mid-air this Snowy Egret flies low over the water, spots a fish, quickly tips his bill down to snap it up. This is all in one movement, no touchdown of landing gear. Look closely to see his catch.

The reddish egret has an elaborate dance to attract fish. He moves quickly (very quickly), which distracts the fish. He shades the water with his wings, holding them this way and that, creating confusing shadows. All that commotion certainly confused me!

Note: he got is fish.

Snowy Egrets fly low across the marsh. It’s early. Little knats are in the air, easy pickings for the Snowies. They’ve just sprung from the shallows, water droplets coming off their toes. Something disturbed them. A bobcat nearby?

As a fisherman cast his line out in Sebastian Inlet, a clever tern caught the bait in midair. He had a fish…but not. Luckily the fisherman released the tangle of hook and line and bird and all ended well. Except for the fish.

They are large! Here in Ponte Vedra Beach we see them glide low to the water, or do a high dive straight into the waves. Usually they come up with a fish. Their throat pouch expands to hold a big one, they drain out the water, and gulp—down it goes. This guy had his eye on a fisherman nearby, cleaning his catch. I had a long lens, but I think he could feel me focusing in on him. Suddenly he turned and gave me this look. What a stare-down! He won, but I got the shot.

As a juvenile this bird has a beautiful blue coloration, with a gray/brown body and whitish head. His eyes will change colors several times as he matures. Now he’s posing, but in flight he soars and glides, high to catch the thermals, and low over the water where he finds a little less wind resistance.

White pelicans are bobbers, like ducks, dipping down into the water to retrieve a fish. What’s their secret weapon? The cormorants, who spot fish first, and lead the pelicans to the best spots.

Oh, what tales he could tell. During breeding season, both males and females develop a rounded plate on their upper bill. These plates fall away after the season is over, but for a while when battles with swords of yellow take place, sometimes that alluring plate gets chipped. I think he’s still pretty handsome.

His mom asked me to post this one.

Safety in numbers. They land almost simultaneously and take off as one big unit.

Ospreys will use the same nest year after year, building on it for stability. Some nests have been found that are 6 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep!

Ospreys are the best fishermen in the animal kingdom. A fish is in this raptor’s talons, but here I wanted to show you his eye. Ospreys have excellent vision, sharp and clear. Better vision than humans. Both eyes point forward, like ours, but they have better peripheral vision than we do. The dark feathers under their eyes help reduce glare when hunting for fish. When searching in the water, their eyes have the ability to calculate how deep the fish is! This info is from Dyfi Osprey Project, “Facts about Osprey Eyes.”

We’ve seen the diving ospreys, the cattle egrets, cormorants, anhingas and herons. What could be in this small dark channel?

It’s dark and silent in this small channel. Just the cypress trees, the Spanish Moss, the little knees poking through the murky waters. There’s a sudden whoosh of air as something flies by us. So very close!

Barred Owls are curious. Whoo has invaded her territory?

She’s flying toward me! Right toward me! Eeeek!

Later in the day we glided down another small cut, through the cypress trees and Spanish moss. We waited. But not long. Guess whoo flew in to investigate. And pose.

He does a little jump, wings out, legs straight, toes pointed. In ballet the name of the vertical jump is saute. His is perfect.

Early on the mud flats of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

The afternoon sun was getting low in the sky. We had a brief window where it lit up the yellow-green trees in the background yet the green in the foreground provided a nice contrast.

Port Royal, South Carolina

On Hilton Head Island in the early morning, with a low to mid-tide, we lay in the sandy mud flats, hoping for waders and avian fishermen.

We were trying to get a simple clean background. And a rule in the bird photography world is—no bird butts. Except sometimes it’s OK to break the rules. Those two sanderlings look so cute!

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

It’s early morning with a little pink still in the sky. The tide was coming in, and the light was beautiful on the moving water. Then we saw this Tri-Color fishing. (I’ve only seen these birds wading in the shallows of marshes, so this was astonishing to me!) He was getting deeper and deeper as he stalked his prey.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Too deep. You have to know when to cut bait.

I loved the light on his wings and the water droplets coming off his feet!

Hilton Head Island

In Port Royal, South Carolina, there's a rookery full of herons, egrets, storks, and other birds. The foliage is lush in shades of yellows and greens. The boardwalk is wide, room for walkers and tripods.

Here's what we found. He displays his fine feathers and ruby red lores. I liked “ shooting through” the foreground greenery. Manual focus override helped.

Port Royal, South Carolina

Matanzas Inlet, Intercoastal side. I love when their legs get crossed as they navigate through the mud piles.

This is his favorite crustacean, a sand hopper. Nope, not an insect at all. Doesn't bite or fly. Just digs deep into the sand, only surfacing at night to feed. Nevertheless, the clever willet has a bill that goes just deep enough to nab one. Nowhere is safe in the bird world.

One last spreading of feathers in the evening glow. He knows he's pretty. Does anyone notice? I don't count.

It's elaborate. They strut around and bow a bit. Often the male will bring a fish to his intended. Her's a sample encounter--

It's love at first sight.

He charms her with a gift. She enthusiastically accepts.

A balancing act ensues.

He makes a deep bow to his lady.

The end.

It’s gathering time—sticks of all sizes, some with greenery or without. The bill of a spoonbill is like 2 paddles. Great for filtering little fish and such as he slushes through the marsh. But it’s got to be difficult to pick up a twig, let alone a long branch like this. What an accomplishment! She’s gonna love it!

Roseate Spoonbill Mom and Juvie.

She asked if I’d take her picture and I could not refuse.

If you take this trail it goes through lava fields and down to the ocean. The surf kicks up sprays, as continual as time. Some are small, some large, and some with sparkles of purple when the light is just right.

If you’re looking for lava rocks, moderate surf, gentle incoming waves, clouds in blue sky as the sun sets into the Pacific, go here. It’s on the Big Island.

If you slow down the shutter speed enough, you can make the waves look ethereal like smoke. Deb Sandidge gave me some tips on how to do it. A tripod, ND filters and slow down that shutter.

1/13th, f/22 ISO 64.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Biosphere and Gardens. Such a name has a lot to live up to, and this garden does. Orchids galore. Palms, ferns, water features. Enjoy what follows. I certainly did!

Have you ever…?

Delicate. Effusive. Which to focus on?

Up 6000 feet, in a misty rain, with slippery rocks and mud. No visibility to the views of Hawaii’s Kona coast. But a good 4 hours of exercise! I do like the shallow depth of field on this young solitary Koa tree.

This is grooming of feathers, and it is not a vanity thing. Making sure every feather is in place is essential to good flight. So you’ll see birds continually adjusting and lubricating their feathers. And if you’d like a close-up of feathers, go to the next photo…

In Merritt Island there are many spoonbills now. They like the temperatures and the shallow marshes. They also favor the areas farther away from us—the bird lovers of pink. But. If I use my very longest lens and peer between the grasses I can catch a glimpse of my pretty before she dashes off.

White pelicans in Green Lake, Sawgrass.

Reddish Egret Envy

Not quite sure why he’s all alone. Spoonbills love to be in colonies, sifting through the water, wading through the marshes. But I loved seeing his pale version of pinkness, and his sweet smooth spoon-shaped bill. As he gets older it will become bumpy with shades of gray. Maturity has its pros and cons, she says with chagrin.

These huge white birds (9 ft wingspan) fly from Canada to Mexico and Costa Rica in the winter. Lucky for us they stop in Florida, Texas, and several other spots on the Gulf Coast. Pelican factoid: They scoop up fish with their giant pouches, but they do not carry anything in them. Scoop it up. Swallow it down.

Me: OK. Show me what you got.

Sp: Something like this?

Me: Yes! Over the shoulder shot. Nice light on your pink there.

Next photo please…

Sp: But did you see this?

Me: Wow.

Sp: UmHmmm. Scarlet and coral. I don’t show just anybody.

White pelicans aren’t uncommon. They are just uncommon where I live in Northeast Florida. But they visited in 2022 and ever since we look for them in January. This year I’ve seen 3, gliding on Green Lake, bobbing and decimating the fish population for a few days there. Welcome welcome!

How can this be any kind of blue heron?? Well, when they hatch and are juveniles, they are all white! Gradually they get splotched with blue and eventually become all blue. Purplish blue. Gorgeous color.

A visit to a marsh can be overwhelming. So much to see, so little time. Spoonbills in their pinkness are the major draw. Egrets, large and graceful, glide over the grasses. But what are those tiny ones, in the distance, diligently prodding the shallows for goodies? Sandpipers?

The shadow he casts confuses the fish, which is his goal. You whisper, how does she know when a fish gets confused?

I

read it on the internet.

He’ll deal with that later. Now for the confused fish…

After you’ve noticed the pinks, the reds, the intensity of color, you may see the melon on his tail.

Danger lurks about.

You have to be fast to outrun a wave.

This image would look good printed big, at least 36” wide, to show the scale of the waves behind the little sandpiper, and how small he is in comparison.

See photos that follow for details.

Step 1. The blind search. Here? No. Here?

Step 2. Retrieval. This step was short lived. He dropped it. Big mistake.

Step 3. Get it again. Before somebody else does.

Angry sea, sandpiper and me.

I merged this sandpiper into a shot of the surf to show just what he fights each time he searches for a morsel.

Whistling Duck family. They were on the bank, dozing, after a looong walk across the fairway. They were so tuckered out. Suddenly Mom gave a signal and they slid down the bank into the water. They may not be able to fly yet, but they can paddle.

They seem to walk a lot, so seeing them fly is a real treat.

It was raining. There was nobody on the course. Except wait. What’s that? A Great Blue Heron, strolling down the fairway with a skip in his step.

Big wave incoming. Ginormous. The trick is to pick up that sand flea and escape before the wave hits.

Bad news.

Is nothing more impressive than a pose with wings outstretched, neck and legs and even toes as long and tall as possible? She thinks not. He’s the guy.

Every time I see these pink birds in the air, it’s so striking!

Every single time.

Momentarily.

A young Roseate Spoonbill lands on a tall and solitary dead tree branch. It’s scary but thrilling!

He flies in, just as the sun is almost gone. There’s just a touch of golden light left as he glides to the trees. My last shot of the day.

They’re tall and slim with long pinkish red legs. They forage in wetlands for little aquatic invertebrates. So they are predators. Unless they venture on the bank back there, where danger lurks.

Little Blue Heron. He’s petite, compared to other herons and egrets nearby, but oh! The colors! When the light is just right his head feathers are rich plum and purple! But he had an itch that was driving him crazy. So I decided to slow down my shutter and catch just the blur of his foot. Ahhhhhhh…

Anhinga spears a fish. Then the really clever part begins. He tosses it up in the air, catches it head first, and gulps. Digestive juices in his throat help break up the fish into food.

His feet and lore of his face change color from yellow to orange-reddish. Who could resist?

Shopping for the best tree for next building. She likes it. He’s not impressed.

Three chicks in the nest!

Except where they are conspiring. (These are young ones, able to fly.)

and they are able to play-fight. Often.

For the most part, whistling ducks are pretty low key. You’ll see them sauntering along, usually with their mate, and a few chicks behind. So what’s up with this male? There’s another male that has invaded his territory, and it’s precious territory, as you’ll see in the next photo.

Whistling Ducks stay with their mate for life, which is admirable. However, the females sometimes lay their eggs in another nest. This is called egg dumping, and is puzzling. To me.

It’s time to head for safety. Threats are everywhere. Other male ducks. Alligators. Thunder! Let’s GO!

He: Can they make it?

She: Yes.

He: I don’t know. It’s pretty far.

She: I’m telling you—They. Can. Make. It.

It’s raining. Forecast is for all day. Not a soul around. Except one long lone gator, savoring those raindrops, humming that song, “Raindrops keep falling on my head…”

He especially likes the last part—“…It won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me…nothin’s worrying me. Nothin’s worrying me.” Song by Burt Bacharach.

This osprey adult flies in with a fish for his 4 hungry chicks, who haven’t learned to fly yet. They are big though, and ravenous. I think this is a male osprey. I’ve heard that the females bring the whole fish to their young, but the males eat the head off first. Comments?

We begin our story with 2 juvenile ospreys, becoming agitated in their nest. These 2 are almost as big as an adult, but still cannot fly. Yet.

That’s her, that’s her. Here she comes. Come on!

Mom swoops in, but with no fish dinner, like she usually brings. She has other plans.

She says something to them. They just look at her. So she actually flies into the young bird on the right, almost pushing him out of the nest. Can you see what a body blow it is? Remember, they haven’t flown yet.

This chick is shocked! He’s off balance! He’s livid! What is going on?and Mom flies off, mumbling something about How do I get rid of these guys? They're eating me out of house and home. I’m exhausted—fishing fishing fishing.

The one that WAS on the right is still furious, and he’s screaming and flapping, flapping and screaming, and what do you know? He launches himself into the air! He’s flying! (Mom is swooping out, low in front of the nest. The sibling is considering…I know what she said, but look how faaaaar down that is.

Maybe a minute later, the chick that was on the right, the indignant chick, the irate chick flapping flapping flapping, is now soaring with his mom as coach. He circles this way and that, like he’s been doing it forever. I’m so lucky to have seen this flight lesson in July 2023.

Their feathers haven't developed yet.

Wood storks soar on the thermals, their legs and neck stretched out. They may not the most glamorous, with their bald heads and wrinkly necks. At 3 feet tall, they tower over other birds, and to be honest, they’re bullies. Very common in Florida, the Caribbean, and South America. Scroll to the end of this gallery to see a Wood Stork Romantic Interlude.

From his little yellow feet to his matching lore around his eye, he is so put together. As he walks it’s a delicate step, just so. When he fluffs his feathers it’s wild! You’ll see him in our wetlands, lakes and rivers.

The name alone is fancy. Roseate! His pink makes people gasp as they see one in the sky. To see more is such a thrill. You’ll see them on Florida coasts in the spring and summer. Even Texas. They migrate to Mexico, Central and South America as the weather turns cooler.

White Pelicans with back light for the sparkles and high winds for the feather fluff.

Floating on Glass

Even White Pelicans can Laugh Out Loud.

In February White Pelicans are migrating through North Florida, heading for Canada. They winter in the south, and head north when the temperatures are too hot for them. They nest and have chicks there as well. They are huge! Six feet bill to tail and a nine foot wingspan. They scoop up fish in their bill pouches or dabble for fish like a duck. They don’t dive like our Brown Pelis here. Black cormorants are often seen with them, hanging around.

With the breeding mark of the bill bump. This one looks like it’s been through some battles.

White Pelican putt-putts along with a little wake following.

Lakeland, Florida

Spoonbills! They’ve made their nests and chicks are hatching. We think of them as beautiful and social, often in large groups (a Bowl of Spoonbills). However, they are territorial and fight to protect the chick and nest. A couple of photos show a ferocious battle. Didn’t last long.

Spoonbills are heading south—to the Keys, the islands, and Mexico. Not a bad idea.

Both parents nurture their chicks, feeding, tending to the nest, and being protective of their little ones. There are actually 2 chicks in this nest.

It was an overcast day in Merritt Island in December. I like that light better when shooting white birds.

Yellow when they hatch, and turning brown as they grow, these two are exploring their new surroundings under the lily pads. Lakeland, Florida.

Sometimes the best bugs are waaaaay down there. Way down.

This little guy can’t be more than 3 weeks old, but already he knows to be alert and stay under cover. They start out with 12 brothers and sisters, but you know what happens.

He watches intently as she places the branch just so. Should he help? Probably not. He flies off for more branches. Much to be done.

Probably about 3 weeks old here.

Love the dusty blue.

as others work on nest building.

This cormorant made several dive attempts under water, and finally came up with this Alligator Gar. Looks pretty impressive, but the cormorant was soon attacked from behind, by his friend no less, and the shock of it made him gasp and drop the Gar.

A striking bird of blue, with purple head and neck. On Black Point Drive, Merritt Island.

Reddish Egrets perform an elaborate dance when fishing. They move fast, in erratic patterns, then with wings out, possibly to made shade or reduce glare, or distract their prey. Whatever the reason, it must have worked. He got a fish!

After much dancing and dodging, a quick spear into the water resulted in this catch.

At Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida. It’s a great place for bird-watching.

Although the Pelicans are twice as big, look who leads the way into the water. It’s a joyful splash.

This is the perfect time to find little tidbits. The bubbles mark the spot.

He’s back with a complicated branch. There’s a bit of tug-of-war in the hand off. Does she have it? I’ve got it! You sure? Yes!! Let Go!!

A White Egret waits for exactly the right time to strike.

You won’t find a willet in the snow! I made that up to see if you were paying attention.

The fog was so dense. I was headed home, since there was nothing to photograph…Nothing except this solitary White Egret on the water. Hello.

They all gather here in Spoonbill Pond.

Colors of blue, white, yellow, and red make this bird stand out. His legs are yellow and his eyes are red!

These White Egrets are very common, but so elegant as they fly and fish.

Everything must be perfect for my princess.

Big Talbot Island, Jacksonville, FL.

What a thrill to get such a tight shot of this gorgeous but skittish green heron. I had watched him under a bush, way too near some alligators. But this day he was boldly bashing as the current rolled by.

This little fella recently flew in over the Guana slough. His flight was sort of unsteady, b ut he managed to land on this old post. Can you see the pointy stainless steel screws in the wood? His foot is wrapped around them! Ouch. Careful. Still, it was a great morning to fly.

With their feet they feel for little tidbits in the sand as the tide rolls out.

Tertiary colors on the color wheel. In other words—gorgeous!

They love sun and the heat of the day, the purple Salvia blowing in the breeze.

If you see a Monarch butterfly it’s your guardian angel watching over you.

Golden Winged Skimmer Dragonfly—highly migratory on the coasts from Texas to Maine.

Not a very glamorous name. He hangs around livestock, eating insects in the soil. He walks with a head bob and a slight sway. You might say, well that’s a silly bird! But look at his breeding plumage, a crest of soft peach spikes. His rainbow bill and lore of vivid purple! Fanning out the plume is part of his elaborate courtship routine. Any luck with that? See below.

True love. For a season. Then he flies off. But I’m not judging.

Roseate Spoonbill gathers branches for the nest.

Sanderling at the shoreline.

A pair of Great Blue Herons try to protect their nest and 2 eggs. A threat looms above.

They are looking at…

His presence is worrisome. He can steal eggs and small chicks from the nest. Suddenly, 3 crows appear, dive bombing him and cawing and creating a diversion. Then several sea gulls swoop in toward the eagle. Then an osprey flies in, attack mode. The eagle makes a lame attempt to scare them, but they are relentless. The eagle flies away, 3 adult herons on his heels. I like it when the story ends well.

He scouts the water as the flock takes off. Snake Bite, Florida Keys.

Ibis

Roseate Spoonbill

This Least Tern is amazingly fast. But just before he plunges for a fish, he hovers on the wing. Click.

Well…it was windy.

Two Roseate Spoonbills skim the water in Snake Bight, near Flamingo in Florida Bay.

There were thousands of Royal Terns and gulls covering this beach, Huguenot Park. Suddenly this single Great Egret flew in, probed in the shallow water for awhile, posed, then took flight. Best part of the day!

A Cormorant gazes wistfully at the graceful glide of a Great Egret fly by.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, Florida

In Merritt Island Wildlife Preserve

A medium sized sandpiper. Zigzag flight on take-off makes him appealing to hunters. Oh dear.

The male osprey had just dropped off a stick and she was arranging it, very carefully. Ospreys are large raptors, 60-70” wingspan. The name Pandion haliaetus means sea eagle, and fish is his choice for food. He grabs it with his long talons and carries it head first to a safe place to eat. That hooked bill helps rip into the fish.

An Immature Black Crowned Night Heron made it safely to this stick in the lake, but it’s a loooong way to shore.

Great Blue Heron.

Give it up, buddy. That was MINE.

A Little Blue Heron, Juvenile, makes a soft landing in the marsh. They’re white when they are chicks, then gradually become mottled, and finally deep dark blue as adults.

Gator territory, and this Little Blue Heron is wary in these ripples.

Fish up ahead. Enough for all of us!

Two Whistling Ducks consider which direction to go.

Having carefully hidden in the murky waters of the Guana Slough, a small snail’s life suddenly changes forever. Two Immature Ibis have hit the jackpot. Snail for lunch! Think they’ll share?

“Tell me the truth. Is my bill too long?”

What about my legs though. Knobby knees, right?

Mr. Great Blue Heron to his barber.

Royal Terns actually can hear their own chick’s call. They’ll circle around the group of chicks until they find their own. This little guy was out of luck.

You don’t see him, right?

Great Blue Heron in the weeds.

I know it’s down here somewhere.

You can tell because of the green eye shadow.

It’s spring. And it’s mating season for Roseate Spoonbills. Will this guy catch her eye? (to be continued…)

Adult Royal Terns are excellent fishermen, catching fish and shrimp, then bringing it back to their chicks. If they can find them.

That spoon-shaped bill is like 2 paddles, not a pointy bill at all. They swoosh it back and forth in the water and suck up little aquatic tidbits. Yum!

There's an unsuspecting fish, just below this guy in the lake. No recent sightings of the fish.

No, silly! Scarlet Macaw!

It’s a sad ending for the dragonfly…

Often a fiesty guy who does not play well with others. Now he’s alone, with his vivid blue breeding plumage and smooth unruffled feathers.

Alligators are breeding too, and loudly. They roar like lions to let everyone know who’s king of their jungle. They stick their snouts up in the air, take a deep breath and let go with a great guttural sound. It’s pretty terrifying!

BTW, this image won an award in the annual Alligator Farm Photo Contest. 2018.

Or Sanderlings. Just the cutest little guys, and always on the move. When a wave comes in, they scurry to the moist sand, searching for little snails, worms, and crabs. Suddenly they'll dart upwards, just in time to miss the surf. Then down they come, and busily poke in the sand for food again. It's a life lesson in determination and persistence.

I’m running as fast as I can!

It was a beautiful afternoon for a stroll down the beach. Sun on my back. Light sea breezes. Critters in the sand. Nobody around except this paparazzi woman. 

It's spring! Time to get out the green eye shadow and vie for the attention of the ladies. "You take the blond. I'll take the one in the turban." Groucho Marx

A male Snowy Egret does his dance hoping to catch his lady's eye. 

This Red Tailed Hawk completely terrorized the small birds, cardinals, and squirrels in a tree, Must have been going for a nest. The birds tried to peck his back and shoo him away. He finally flew off, straight toward me on his way out. Eeeeek!

Hey! Wait up!

Help me out here. He slid into the water just as I approached, so I couldn’t check his belly color. They are usually near ponds, wetlands, marshes. A fresh-water turtle. Very common. But he caught my eye. So I caught his.

On a gray day this bird looks almost black. But when the sun is out, his feathers turn iridescent colors of green and purple and chestnut!

He displays his feathers, bobbing up and down, for hours. She has to notice eventually.

Vivid color, strange red eyes, and a bill that's more like 2 paddles. Now they’re building a nest. He presents the branch. She approves.

Easy to see the prehistoric connection.

Hey, Mom. What's for breakfast?

Great White Egret searches for food.

They are common shorebirds, but it’s pretty hot for them in Florida in July. So it’s interesting to see one occasionally.

A solitary Sanderling digs in the wrack for a tasty morsel.

I think he knows he’s handsome.

This could be printed tall and narrow for a wall between two bedroom doors.

Aggressively wards off possible attackers.

And here’s the reason. These proud parents have 13 ducklings.

I know, I know.

Now there are 13 ducklings.

A female Anhinga even guarded these ducklings for quite a while.

Sometimes the very best bugs are waaaaay down there. Way down.

Very young. Very hungry.

Immature Tri-colored Herons. They can fly, sort of, short distances, but haven’t mastered the skill of actually catching some sort of food. So they wait in anticipation of mom to deliver.

The darker bluish head is mom. She’s trying to deliver food, but the chicks are so hungry they’re attacking her. She does manage the hand-off and quickly gets out of there.

Take a walk on the beach and you’ll probably see these little sandpipers, scurrying to bubbles in the sand (food!) and dodging waves. More fun with a buddy. Especially if you are faster.

This little guy was busy searching for nibbles, when he sensed me watching him. Nooooo! So annoying! He gave a little kickstart to his step, and took off (next photo) away from nosey photographers.

Perhaps looking for a suitable tree for a nest?

Look, my dear. The setting sun.

Oh, Wilbur! You’re so sensitive…

Shall we?…Don’t be coy…

(pause)

Wait! Your foot is on my neck!

Let us sing a song of love!

I think.

As a photographer, you got your choices—bamboo shot normally, beautiful in its geometric verticality. You can shoot close up or far away. Both can be nice.

Or there’s motion blur—you set your camera to a slow setting, then pan up from the bottom snapping pictures the whole way.

Or there’s multiple exposure, above. If you try this be careful. It’s addicting, and you’ll come home with 1000 images to go through.

Really it's my camera in motion as I slow down my shutter speed and pan up just a bit. You know it's bamboo, right? But different.

Of all the cats, these are my favorites. Don’t tell.

This male lion rests on a termite mound, surveying his territory. He gets a better view of the flat Serengeti plain all around. The breeze has fluffed up his mane. I swear he knows how magnificent he looks as he gazes to the left and right. He has no rivals, none so majestic or as ferocious. He’s the largest predator in Africa.

No, he doesn’t help much in raising the cubs. No, he doesn’t even do much killing for food. He leaves that to the lioness. She hunts, captures her prey, then he takes over, thank you very much. When he’s finished eating, mama and cubs can take their turn. His group, a pride of lions, is only one adult male, about 10 females, and cubs of various ages. Maybe as many as 30 in a pride.

Some complain he just lies around snoozing. Well, I’m telling you, he is a mighty defender of his territory. He’ll chase away any intruders or scavengers. He’s up in a flash, on the attack. He patrols the area, keeping his pride safe. Nobody messes with him. Except man.

Acacia Tree at Sunrise.

This is probably litters from 2 females. Cubs are left together while mothers go out to hunt.

She’ll take her catch back to the cubs.

He will not.

One last look.

It’s rough-housing at it’s best. The guides explained this is probably the last time they will be together. Tomorrow they’ll go their separate ways, as young adults.

Baby elephants stay very close to their mothers for the first few months. They may weigh 300 pounds and be 3 feet tall!

Babies may nurse for 2 years, drinking up to 3 gallons of milk a day.

Kills 3000 humans each year. Hippos are very territorial, moving that 3300 pounds at a speed of 18 MPH. Those teeth are sharp, 20 inches long!

What’s the deadliest, you ask? The Mosquito.

The intensity grows as more and more wildebeest gather, urging those in front to move on down to the river.

Those still on the banks of the river force others to take the plunge.

and avoid the crocs.

They are safe on the other side, but adrenaline is still high.

The grass IS greener over here!

Tomorrow they may cross back to the side they left. Doesn’t that grass look greener now? Silly wildebeests.

Oribi, a small antelope. It has a black spot on its face, a gland they use to mark territory. They run in a zig-zag pattern to elude predators. Sometimes it works.

The Eland. I like their spiral horns.

Wingspan almost 10 feet. Everything is bigger in Africa.

They stand 48” tall, with a wing-span of 6 feet. They dance, stamp their feet, and have elaborate courtship rituals.

John Caden, photographer

Gorgeous bird.

Margaret loves Ngorongoro Crater.

A unique place on this planet, and unforgettable.

This calf must be just a few hours old, but he is walking near his mom, trying to imitate her already. You can see the umbilical cord from the mom, and also on the calf. As they are walking along the river she decides to cross. Crazy! That’s a new-born. But cross she does, in order to get back to the protection of the herd. Her little guy isn’t so sure about this crossing but he makes it. When they are both safe on the other side she gives him a nuzzle and they pose for me. Then it’s off to the herd. This was just before Mother’s Day. A great beginning for our visit to Yellowstone.

Everywhere we went were bison—bulls with their enormous heads, and females with their calves. Fun fact: Bison is the largest land animal in North America, and weighs up to 2000 pounds.

Think of it! Prismatic Springs! The third largest hot spring in the world. Turquoise water, rimmed with yellows and orange, green, blue. Here it is. I had been dreaming of shooting this springs even before we planned this trip! I shouted to my friend, “We’re here! Grand Prismatic Spring! I can’t believe it!” A mom and her little boy were passing on the boardwalk. She said, “This isn’t it. It’s down there.” So here’s a shot of Excelsior Geyser Crater, which is also beautiful.

Cold air combined with the hot thermals rising equals steam and clouds. It can be toxic to lungs and damage camera equipment. Even those ever popular selfie sticks. Come to find out that the best time of year to photograph the springs is in the summer at mid-day from overhead. Nevertheless, it was quite a phenomenon.

Like icing on a cake, in tiers. The top teeth layer may collapse, as others have in the past. Each year it looks a little different.

We had it all to ourselves, if you can believe that. It helps to get there early in the season.

A favorite with fishermen, shell seekers, and photographers.

Overcast skies until a glimmer of sunset beamed onto the lighthouse.

And scary looking at one!

Alaska Sealife Center, Seward

Scariest hike ever! Crevasses and ice pools. Cramp-ons and ice axes.

The bears pace up and down the river, because the sockeye salmon are running now in July. The bears have been hibernating, so they’re hungry and fish is their favorite.

Over 1000 pounds of bear there.

Please no remarks from the gull gallery back there…

is on a steep cliff, trying to catch a salmon.

She makes a dive, but comes up short. Meanwhile, the little guy is precariously on that cliff.

but something in the woods is making them all nervous. What could it be??

This must be his territory. The mama and cubs scurry on down stream to safety (I hope).

Learning new techniques from Denise Ippolito in New Mexico. I slowed down the shutter to get those Snow Geese wings in motion.

Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes and ducks overnight in the shallow ponds. Then they take off at sunrise, heading for the corn fields.

We drove the loop looking for bird activity. In a big field we spotted a large ball of black—swirling to the left, then the right. It was a swarm of little black birds! Maybe a thousand, all swooping and circling in a coordinated dance. It’s called a murmuration. It’s mesmerizing.

As they fly off to the cornfields at daybreak, their little bullet bodies with their little black legs dangling just makes me smile.

Make way! Make way!

There are hundreds of Sandhill Cranes this evening. Flying in from every which way, crowding in for a spot to rest for the night. But I’m looking off to the right and the atmosphere is different. Quiet, muted, dusty, serene.

These trees are almost 200 feet tall, reaching for the sun. In Beach Forest, Victoria.

This little fella was also heading for some leaves. They were so close. He just needed a little koala nap to rest up for the big trek.

Koalas are adorable. Not very speedy, but so very cute. This guy took a loooong time to get to this part of a Eucalyptus tree, heading for some leaves to munch on.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo. There are about 2 million in Australia.

Kangaroos have very powerful hind legs, and their long tails are considered a 5th leg. They hopped in perfect harmony.

A close up of the back of an Echidna! He can’t eject these spines, but he can raise or lower them, like a dog might raise the hair on his back when angry.

They have spines like a porcupine, a pouch like a kangaroo, and lay eggs like a reptile.Their long slender snouts are both nose and mouth for them. They forage for little insects. (How would you like an ant up your nose?) Here they are lapping up a kind of baby formula with their long tongues. It feels tickly!

She’s very curious, and dainty as she nibbles flower petals, her favorite.

A kind of parrot, Lorikeets enjoy traveling in pairs. They love fruit and nectar. Very common in Australia.

Starting off 2020 with a bang!

From the Sydney Opera House.

There are 2 saltwater pools that are fed by the Southern Ocean. That would be the water around Antartica. Brrrrrrr!

Lots of spaces between places out here.

The Kangaluna Camp, in the Gawler Ranges, is a great place for dark skies, and viewing stars.

Sheer cliffs, sand dunes, and a surfer’s paradise.

In the Beach Forest along the Great Ocean Road.

These were 12 limestone pillars formed by the elements in the surf. Now there are only 7, and the wind and surf are constant. On the Great Ocean Road, southwest Victoria.

It was a gray day, with a storm threatening off shore. The constant wind and waves make me realize that even these 80 foot monoliths cannot withstand Mother Nature.

Just before the storm hits.

A sinkhole and an arch. Beautiful but deadly. On the Great Ocean Road.

Wouldn’t it be thrilling to fly like a bird?!

This is a fiord between high cliffs, formed by glaciers. They told us it might rain. It did.

Clouds hang low in the mountains but the sun breaks through for a beautiful day.

Australia is a land mass that broke away from a supercontinent long ago. New Zealand came along much later. It emerged from the tectonic movement of plates. Mountains were thrust upward, then glaciers, fiords, rivers, and valleys formed over the years. It’s magnificent.

One last look at these majestic mountains, with their tops above the clouds.

What place is surrounded by ocean, 2000 miles from the nearest land mass, with a 10,000 foot elevation? You’re above the clouds as you watch sunset and starbursts.

At 10,000 feet it’s parka weather with howling wind. It’s so high the air is so thin and dry that any clouds that form just dissipate.

It’s 10,000 feet above sea level. Seven miles across, 2 miles wide, and 2600 feet deep.

This is alpine desert. Cold and dry.

It’s 11 miles down to the crater floor. (Black Diamond for sure!) You can hike down, and hitch a ride back up. Which is important. Getting back up. Take a good look. Nobody on it.

Of course wide angle shots capture the whole of the crater. But it’s so interesting to see the details of the volcanic rock, the variety of color. Harshly beautiful.

These plants are rare and endangered. They are silvery, spikey leaf plants that only grow on the volcanic craters of Hawaii. How do they do it?? This climate is harsh—freezing, sizzling hot, extreme winds, soil of volcanic rock! They actually may live up to 50 years though. But this is the sad part—They bloom once, a majestic 6 ft stalk with a cone of purple flowers, and then they die. Only on The Big Island and Maui.

It began forming about 2 million years ago. And here we are in 2023.

They love to spin, flip, wave, and breach. Their elongated flukes are the most distinctive characteristic to individual whales, almost 18 feet long. Each has unique patterns, shapes, sizes, and scars. What a thrill to see!

These flippers can be up to 18 feet long! Humpbacks love to spin and flip and launch.

In January Humpback Whales are teaching their new babies how to turn, spin and even launch. In just a few months these babies must be strong enough to swim back to Alaska waters, so the teaching is vigorous!

Adult Humpback Whales are about 50 feet long and weigh 40 tons. Think how hard it must be to breach into the air like this. The Humpback twists in the air to land on its back with huge splash.

Here’s his power source. A humpback can breach, or launch itself into the air because of his powerful tail. Tails are 18 feet wide, enough to get to lift off. They also use their tails to slap the water, a kind of communication.

The underside of each tail is unique. Some have more white, some less. They might also have other marks and scars. Scientists use this to help identify them.

An amazing beach and waves for surfers. Officials closed this beach for a few days because the surf was too aggressive! Humongous waves! But on this day maybe you can see those little dots in the water. Those are surfers.

It’s irresistible to shoot waves at slow shutter speed. Since volcanic rock is everywhere, including this little beach walk, I tried slowing down the shutter to get the soft smooth feel of the water.

This photo was taken with the help of Douglas Hoffman, a local resident in Maui and a very talented photographer. He introduced me to graduated filters to use for slowing down the shutter to get soft smooth water rather than crashing waves.

In Maui there are many bays with gentle waves that break on the volcanic rocks. I tried some slow shutter speed and filters to smooth out the water and waves. With Douglas Hoffman for tips.

Black sand beach and crashing waves! On the Road to Hana.

A beautiful park with beach goers, camping, hiking. On the Road to Hana.

On the Road to Hana, this waterfall is in the Garden of Eden Arboretum, a lovely and quiet place.

At Twin Falls. The falls aren’t much to look at but the bamboo is great!

With intentional camera movement to create motion blur.

Hidden in the rainforest of trees, we spotted these.

This sacred valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I, and played an important role in political and religious life in Hawaii. The view is breathtaking.

In Wailuku River State Park on the Big Island. Not too far from Hilo. If you get there very early you may see a rainbow. We saw one in the sky as we were driving there.

On the Big Island. It’s over 400 feet high and surrounded by lush greenery.

Slowing down the shutter to get the soft flow of water.

You get the feeling that nothing has walked in there for a long time. In Akaka Falls Gardens on the Big Island, north shore.

Some of these hapu’u tree ferns can be thousands of years old. They grow. They get so heavy they just collapse under their own weight. Then they start new little ferns. Appropriately, it started to rain when we were here. Just a soft drizzle that added to the feeling of serenity. On the Big Island, north shore.

Within the huge rainforest are small ferns beginning to grow.

As the curl unfurls it becomes this shape.

Near Hilo on the north shore. You can take a walk on this trail and see old forests, plants that are thousands of years old, tree ferns, bamboo, bromeliads, orchids, waterfalls and bays.

See those palm trees, way down by the water’s edge? We hiked down there, 3 miles, to see the turtles in the bay. Bad news. No turtles. Then we had to hike back up.

Aloha.

Shot from The Rock Pile. We saw a rainbow later!

This lake was right by the road, and unremarkable, as we drove by each day. But one morning we went early when the sun was catching  just the trees and steam was still rising off the lake. 

Flower boxes everywhere. 

Sand packed hard over millions of years. Takes your breath away.

Intricate patterns of sandstone and red rock.

In Coyote Buttes North, part of the Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness on the Arizona Utah border. It's known for unique and colorful layered sandstone formations. This is a state park and only 20 permits a day are given out in a lottery. We won! In more ways than one. This hike was the favorite of all we have seen in Utah. Amazing.

To get to The Wave, you must hike 5.5 miles round trip over pretty rugged terrain, sand and red rock. The hike was 3 hours one way. David Swindler, Action Photo Tours lead us in.

10,000 foot elevation. Utah.

Still as desolate as in those John Wayne movies. Southeast Utah.

An old brick oven built by ancestors of Navajo is here. Southeast Utah.

Monument Valley, Utah.

Canyonlands, Utah. Waiting for sunrise over the mountains.

Canyonlands, Utah.

Islands in the Sky, Canyonlands, Utah.

Massive. In Arches National Park, Utah.

In Arches National Park. It defies gravity and erosion now, but not forever, and may topple over in our lifetimes.

She looks out over Park Avenue and the Courthouse Towers in Arches National Park.

Just outside Arches Park on the scenic highway.

It was an overcast evening as we shot the Goblins, their shapes looking like scary guys or animals or fantasy figures. Then we watched the sky turn from gray to pink and purple and yellow and orange, a rich and changing light show. 

The Canyonlands are a good place to catch the Milky Way, since there's very little ambient light. It was a great way to end the day.

Bayside Islamorada. For sunsets, dining, relaxing.

Early in the morning and already the sun is hot and the clouds are forming over the bay. Best place to be is on the water.

Balmy breezes. Sun at your back. No place like the Keys.

Near Flamingo in Florida Bay. Almost 6 feet long with a wingspan of 10 feet. The vivid yellow-orange on the beak and feet indicate it's breeding season.

Near Flamingo in Florida Bay.

Florida Bay.

Florida Bay.

In Florida Bay.

In Flamingo.

Islamorada.

Islamorada

This easy hike offers small waterfalls along the way, each one prettier than the last. But the sweet little cedar that had found his place in the world was my favorite part of the trail.

Fleeting, and even more special because of this.

There were several Mountain Goats in this area. They rested on the small amounts of snow left on the mountainside. As they panted we could see their black tongues! Very hot summer.

The Grinnell Glacier hike is wonderful. At the end is Grinnell Glacier and Upper Lake. In the opposite direction are Grinnell, Josephine and Swiftcurrent Lake in the distance.

Salamander Glacier is in the upper right. The hike has wonderful views like this most of the way. 

In July and early August these unique flowers cover the mountainside. Then guess what happens. 

This beautiful tall waterfall flows into a stream and then cascades into more of a stream. The tall part is hard to get to, but this vantage point was easier. No one on the trail.

My personal favorite! Didn't take the plunge, but several others did. Brrrrrr.

Heading toward Iceburg Lake.

Mesmorizing.

Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.

As the sun begins to play on the dunes, there is light and shadow, S-curves and diagonals. Meanwhile, it’s still dark in the valley beyond. Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes.

We hiked out a long way in the dark with our headlamps on. It was worth it. Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Hat Tip to Ken Fox for the composition idea.

It had to take 2 hours to hike out that far. But the rewards are great. No footprints in your shot!

PS If you can even see those 2, you can skip the eye doctor check up this year.

We were zooming along, on to the next latest and greatest place. But wait! The light is happening right here, by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

It had rained in the morning. By sunset this playa of mud and vivid cracks was perfect to photograph. Not to mention the sky. Bad Water Basin Salt Flats.

—David Swindler, Action Photo Tours, our guide and instructor, as we looked out from Dante’s View, Death Valley.

The sandstone has been carved by years of wind and water. At Zabriskie Point.

Purple, terra cotta, pink, tan, aqua—minerals of many colors.

Manganese is the purple mineral. The aqua is Chlorite.

Why do these salts form such geometric shapes? The ridges are hard crusty salts. In contrast the clouds that evening, although heavy with moisture, were soft and diffuse. Too tired to rain any more.

Badwater Basin is a pretty remarkable place. It’s the lowest point (282 feet below sea level) in North America. About an hour away is the highest point in California, Mt. Whitney, at 14,494 feet. Go from one to the other. Think how your ears would be popping.)

This is a dark sky area, except for the lights of a town off to the right. Nevertheless, I liked including the warm glow and the way it played into the Milky Way as it moved across the sky. Badwater Basin Salt Flats.

A sudden wintry wind blew in that night, and left a carpet of white in the morning. It's Grand.

The next morning--clear skies and cold temps.

Formed by water, ice and wind erosion, it's 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. Huge.

Grains of sand spill off the ledge. It's momentary movement. Then all is still again.

This must be very tricky, since they don’t have a clear view of the other planes. But they look perfect!

The smoke from the left engine is created when the pilot flips a switch to spray oil into the jet engine’s hot exhaust and it creates smoke.

All the other frothy white is from Mother Nature. It’s actually the moist air condensing into a cloud due to the aerodynamics of the wings along the F-18. Like contrails from airliners.

Man and Mother Nature creating beautiful art.

——from a friend and Naval Aviator who wants to remain anonymous.

What a thrill to hear them, feel them, and see them directly overhead.

With their landing gear down these planes must go much slower. It’s very difficult to fly upside down anyway, plus there are more vibrations if the landing gear is extended. So. This one is hard.

Until next year…

This hospital in Northeast Florida has just added a new wing of 4 floors. The designer asked me to provide several images that worked with their theme of shorelines, marshes, skies, and wildlife. They were printed big, which works well in these large corridors.

The photos below show the evening of the ribbon cutting ceremony. Tours of the floors gave us a look. I was thrilled to have my work selected by Hillary Whittaker Gallery to hang in this impressive new wing!

The opening reception was a big hit. There were 39 artists who shared their works with many visitors for the weekend. For the Silent Auction my donation had a bidding war going! Always a pleasure to know others enjoy this photography.

For the month of October and into November this exhibit of 24 pieces hung in the original Vicars gallery. There was great lighting, and many people visited. An opening reception included wine and cheese and conversation about the pieces and places shown—Africa, Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, and my favorite, Ponte Vedra Beach!

In this beautiful home is an open plan of great room, dining, and kitchen. They wanted some black and white images of Africa to be part of their slide show. Love it!

These clients wanted something wide for over their sectional sofa. The piece also had to reflect a special memory they had of pelicans on the lake. This piece is subtle yet with a pop of vibrancy, the white pelicans. See the next photo for the “before” wall.

Mike--Brother, printer, friend.

This is a wonderfully bright room and part of an open plan of dining, kitchen, and den. The couple wanted something more reflective of this northeast Florida area, something beachy. They also wanted it big, since the sectional is a 4-seater. Image size is 74” x 36”

Our client carefully searched my website several times for exactly the right piece for over the window in this dining nook. It had to fit with the environment she sees outside this window. It’s golf course, trees, ospreys in trees…

Who wouldn’t be attracted to this male egret, spreading his feathers and curving his neck in such a beautiful way. It’s perfect in this traditional and relaxed home.

Don’t you love how this print works with the fabric on the side chairs?

In this home filled with beautiful, classic art of all kinds, we wanted a punch of pink right at the entry. Mr. Spoonbill, hereafter named Humphrey, seemed perfect. He is honored to be in such impressive company. 30” x 30” canvas-wrap.

This beautiful living room, with it’s tall vaulted ceiling, needed a big yet simple print. The accent colors in the room were soft aquas, blues and greens. Sparkling Day, 48” wide x 60” tall, worked perfectly.

Paper prints, canvas prints, metal and acrylic prints as well as cards and table top displays. A great success in November!

Print on canvas wrap, 48x32, in the entry of a private residence.

Sandpiper prints on canvas.

This print, “On the Move”—Mustangs in Montana was auctioned off this summer in Las Vegas. It brought in several hundred dollars for this most worthy non-profit. Donation from Sara Schweppe, Deana and Murray Ruffel.

This casual contemporary living room has high ceilings and walls of windows for great light. All this couple needed was a large 60” wide print, which would work well in the space.

A Male Roseate Spoonbill presents a stick to his potential mate for the nest building.

This print technique on photographic paper, 30” square, is frameless, with mounting brackets attached to the corners of the back of the paper. Aluminum stretcher bars add support and the method to hang. The client was thrilled! Me.

Print on canvas wrap for a client’s Living Room 50”x33”. They wanted a punch of color for the neutral tones on walls and furniture, but also wanted something local that had meaning for them.

The people living in this lovely beach condo wanted to bring the outside in and have a sunrise print over their living room sofa.

This 30” x 20” print on photographic paper with walnut frame hangs in the girls’ bedroom. Pink Nose is a young leopard in South Africa, a brave and crafty hunter. The girls have the crafty part down pat.

Large format print on photographic paper, 48” x 27”, and mounted on foam board for a client’s family room. The pupper approves.

This print on photographic paper, 18” x 24” hangs on the opposite wall in the family room.

The herons built a nest in my neighbor’s pine tree. So they are close friends by now. The herons and my neighbor. Actually we all watch them, building their nest and expectantly waiting the arrival of chicks. Imagine our horror when an American Bald Eagle began hanging around. In these prints the Eagle is magnificent. The herons are petrified.

Triptych on metal hangs in Windemere Condominium Lobby.

This companion piece to the Sandpiper Triptych hangs on the opposite wall in the lobby of Windemere.

This metal print is a 48” x 16” panorama taken at sunrise, photo bombed by Ella. It was a perfect fit over the fireplace in the living room. Auctioned off for $1000. Thank you, Joyce and Byron Miller, parents of Ella.

This colorful print was perfect for the niche in the dining room of this lovely home. Matching Art Deco lamps.

This 36” square fills the wall of a Pilates Studio in Sawgrass Country Club. It adds the favorite color of the instructor to a low light room.

Exhibit in December 2021.

For the month of May 2023, it’s Blue Angels and other flying objects. Florida’s birds!

Ponte Vedra Library Entry.

Ponte Vedra Library.

Ponte Vedra Library. Model: Roger Crow

Ponte Vedra Library Circulation Area.

One of many fireworks images from last year. Quite an honor!

One of many fireworks photos I’ve taken was used for the cover of their neweletter. Quite an honor!

They used my white pelican image to call all photographers to submit images. It’s pretty cute. I was honored they used it!

Printed on metal, this hangs in a protected exterior location.

Printed on metal for a client’s Guest Bedroom.

Printed on Metal for a client’s Dining Room.

Printed on metal for a client’s bedroom.

My client wanted this printed big for a close friend and patriot, like she is. I’m looking forward to seeing where in his home he hung it.

Printed and framed as a grouping for a client’s Guest Bedroom.