Belted Kingfisher, Purple Gallinules and more !

Working in the medical field has challenges, like “SEASON”. This is when population increases due to visiting snowbirds; not birds. My rural area becomes supercharged with human activity. It takes me an extra 3 minutes to pull out onto US 1 and another 3 min. to pull into work! Hospital census climbs and this induction process leaves me hungry for nature. Time to Hit the Trails!!  On my first day off spied a Purple Gallinule.  Oh she probably felt like me; gosh another human in my territory… Always love spying their vibrant blue amongst the reeds. Interestingly enough there is another species quite similar called the Purple Swamphen, saw them today too along with the Common Gallinule. Incredible Mother Nature!

Common Gallinule (Moorhen)

The Purple Swamphen has a red crown and pinkish legs, unlike the lavender crown of the Purple Gallinule who also sports bright yellow legs. Swamp hens are considered an invasive species, “The purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is not native to any State, and competes with native species” So the word has it the Purple Swamphen has been added to the ABA Checklist. (Area Breeding Checklist) This action by the ABA Checklist Committee in 2013. Thankfully one can not kill this species and will not be part of the “exotic hunting opportunity” as in the past. Below you can see both in the reeds, the Purple Gallinule has the bright yellow legs.

Could watch the Great Blue Heron all day long. Here are a few pics captured as they were foraging nesting material. Soon we should hear the clacking of little chicks! Nesting birds could be seen everywhere! Here the lovely female Anhinga graciously incubates her eggs.

Spring is in the air and focus back on capturing the illusive Kingfisher. So up before dawn after copious amounts of caffeine, trek through the woods to where we know Mr Kingfisher dwells, set up the blind and patiently wait. This was my view of his favorite perch from the blind. It’s a bit crisp today, as one exhales breath is like smoke, tips of my nose and fingers cold and the leaves crunch beneath my shoes. Yup a great day to capture the illusive Kingfisher tempting you as he flies away singing that well known chatter. Saw him catch a big minnow and bang it victoriously against a branch. Oh he was knocking it dead, tenderizing for the “big swallow”. Sadly would watch it from afar as my fave bird; Great Blue Heron strutted in and scared him “on high”. Was determined to catch him with the help of my mentor and teacher; Ron Bielefeld. Patience is key ! It’s hard to see captured on film Belted Kingfisher pounding his fish against the pine limb! Was ecstatic knowing snapped a few shots before his ascent. Accompanied by three professional photographers on this day and the blind appeared to work for us however he had no tolerance for walking pedestrians, nor the Little Blue Heron or the Cattle Egrets! Below is an example of the momentary visitations :)

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Sitting here smiling taking in this amazing moment. Yes, true wildlife photographers are patient diligent and massively in love. My new acquaintance filmed one of these frustrating encounters, five minutes before a human and his dog came on the scene, such keen eyesight they have. See the wind blow through his crest and hear nature all around us?  This is the reason we visit nature. Was it worth the wait?  No doubts about it. Now I can share with my family and my mom who would love to join me and now can. Thanking Our Creator for His Amazing Creations, and the gift of dominion. My heartfelt prayer is to always hold life sacred, thankful for this moment in time. Certainly hope you enjoyed a little bit of what we saw, a gift indeed.   “It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want—oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ― Mark Twain

Incredible Nature

You ever set out to be the best at something?!  You have a passion and it excites you to share and express your love, your vision and the Joy is in the sharing? Yup this sums it up for me.

Grew up in a small town and knew one had to be schooled to be the best. Learning was essential, being around the best, “the best rubbed off” and of course this is where you meet competition and judgement. Yup the race was on . . . however one must never compete with “the others” or else their voice will rule in your heart. The still small voice of who you are  (and why you are here) will become muffled. This happened to be once in my youth, when my first love announced; “You must earn respect”. 

“Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.”
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Not sure exactly what his point was at the time, all I knew is I was lying to myself.  A wife, mother, sister, caregiver, daughter and for the life of me,  had no idea who “I” really was. Slated to bring home a paycheck, I now was functioning to maintain “their happiness” while losing my vision.

Did you know Armadillo’s are the only living mammals that wear shells? Happened upon this one foraging on the side of the road. He was actually right in front of me so jumped out of my car and filmed him with my phone. He was PRECIOUS beyond words, long hair on him and claws.

So many people I met said they never saw one in the wild before, it’s a joy to share and then come across my ancestors writings about the Armadillo which I found comforting.

Armadillo teaches you how to protect yourself
and when to let your defenses down.

It is time to define your space

You may have trouble saying “no” and are being taken for granted.
Learn to guard your personal space 

My ancestors trusted Nature to reveal the lessons,  “Nature was sacred and her revelations allow one to see into the hidden wisdom of heaven on earth”  and today would be no different.  An Eagle swooped down and drank from a pond, following her I find a nest and two babies staring down right at me. It was an honor to witness.

We know nature is all around us and like my grandchildren would say “But where are they Granny” my reply, “Just sit and listen and watch how she will come right before you, just what you need to see. Keep your camera ready and more importantly your heart open to see” All of a sudden a tear forms, familiar nose burn, my inner voice was speaking. Sacred seeds were planted.

And they saw, even a blue eyed hermit crab appeared to say hello! Did you know these even existed? I didn’t until now! Didn’t know he was on the rock until I came home to upload and saw those eyes looking right at me!

Was thinking about how much I have missed in life and then chuckled knowing everything revealed was perfect timing as my purpose was being solidified. Encouraging others to see and documenting adventures was just this; letting the light shine  Let the adventure and sacred intimacy, continue!

the rare Yellow Crowned Night Heron

White Ibis and frog lunch captured by my daughter

Nature Reveals the Hidden Things

“Man’s heart away from nature becomes hard” ~Standing Bear

Read the quote above and immediately uttered “WOW”,  one can not deny the truth, if so then you become  entrapped by misery. Slowly your body responds to mind thought and arteries become clogged. Choices are directed by unseen strongholds.

Thankful to say, been decolonized and it came with a price; the slaying of my ego.  Life’s “readjustments“;  heartbreak, ending of a career, loss of a loved one, disrespected, whomever or whatever on the throne in your heart can be radically dismantled in an instant.

Like my favorite author Mary O’Malley states in her book ; “What’s in the Way IS the Way”   If we stay;  “curiously and lovingly kind”   then we have mastered living. Oh and the dismantling will come and the atmosphere will change, yup it may even get a little loud!

Change has a way of shaking things up. It was exhilarating, an honor watching these two battle their position on the pond.

Everything comes with a price, especially for the emerging wildlife photographer.  Had to get up at 0400 hrs to prepare for a trek in the dark and it was a brisk 42 degrees!  We are talking FLORIDA here, my blood is thin and the cold creeps right into my bones. However the passion of capturing a natural moment in the wild fuels me. So into the blind I went.

Knew this was going to be a challenge as a woman, have no problem peeing in the woods and will admit have a bit of penis envy in this respect, squatting is humbling.  Oh boy and this morn the temperature was intimate!

As my fingertips numbed while gripping my mono-pod, finger on the trigger ready for the perfect moment, I heard crinkly plastic ripping noises.  Later found out it to be this, yes a great tool to have, however timing is everything!

The above gentleman who was making all the noise for survival sake, warmed up and nature left, it was perfect timing for a pee break.  We all got right back to business and gosh were we blessed. Nature has a way of showing up and all you have to do is “be ready”.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” – Mary Oliver

Fact is you never know until you get out there who you can “shoot” with.  True die hard Wildlife photographers have their heart and mind set on one thing only. For me it’s about “connection“,  this portal opens, you capture the moment, hear the message and of course the joy is in the sharing!

The greatest compliment I have experienced is having nature rest in my presence. This is because you aren’t a threat and they can be who they are living in the moment. 

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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And when they see you and they don’t go away, nope they stay awhile and sometimes you even see them smile. My heart melts.

“One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.” ~William Shakespeare

Trail through the Mangroves

Spending time in Nature is exhilarating, especially when you can share your adventures. One such Trek delivered a lasting memory and can still hear his voice through high winds.

“Honey how did you find this place?”   

Memories from my youth or maybe it was the strange exhilaration, undefinable as the turbulent wind on my cheeks,  the feeling ignited me. Earlobes numb, tip of my nose rosy and now heat escaped from my chest as laughter. Twigs were snapping and it wasn’t from my body! Yup, one had to humble themselves to enter into the joy of it all.                          The path was getting brighter and now one could see as well as hear the surf.

Grabbed my phone and filmed

At first there appeared to be no visitors, sat down and in flew some Willet’s, Sandpiper’s, Brown Pelican’s, itty bitty crabs and a lone Osprey. They have amazing eyesight and eye contact was profound Each creature appears to have intelligence and their very own personality Osprey definitely was checking us out and came in close, wish I had my 400 with me, missed the full wing span, however captured that gleam in his eye! and the sun contrasts of a brown pelicans pouch! Didn’t know Brown Pelicans were on Florida’s endangered species list. A magical day indeed and the best part?  Sharing all with hubby! “Sit down before fact as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever and to whatever abysses nature leads, or you shall learn nothing. I have only begun to learn content and peace of mind since I have resolved at all risks to do this.” ― Thomas Henry Huxley, Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley – Volume 1

Let’s take a walk . . .

It’s a rare moment when children can escape the rigors of a fast-paced work environment to be with their parents, when this happens it’s nothing less then a Victory!!  Especially when this means a Trek through the wilderness with zones of precision captured via a view finder.  And this is totally what we did!!  “Let’s take a walk” I said.

He knew he was in trouble when I stated:  “Humm last week there was a trail through these woods, the foliage must have grown over” He looks at me with the raised eyebrow like “Spock” from Star Trek and shares a thought; “In the days of old they would use machetes” I started chuckling as I fastened my lens hood on and off we went on a Trek towards the ocean.

Looking back at him he gives me that look like; “What the hell have I gotten into”,  which TOTALLY had me giggling as I had given him a camera to take his own pictures.  His response; “Mom, you know I don’t like taking pictures”. “Why?!” I retorted.

“Most photographers I have met are arrogant, pompous and rude” 

Now I was laughing like when my ex fell down the stairs in a cast (don’t ask)  and stat responded; “Well now is your opportunity to change all that Mr. Photographer” and ran up the trail. He captured the moment.

It wasn’t a long hike explaining to him this is what I do on my days off, explore areas just like this so to; “capture nature in action”.  My son knew this was my passion and respected my exuberance.  WOW what a concept!! However I almost peed myself taking the picture realizing he may have been wondering just what the heck he got into.

It was sheer joy sharing my romping ground with my son. After all his recent jaunt with nature was something to share! He definitely was initiated into the realm of communication.  He was recently charged by an alligator on a golf course!!

With permission I share his story; (in his very own words)

“so no one is going to believe this and I am ok with that. Between my apartment and nearest convenience store is a golf course. Seeing I was walking I decided to go through the course. On the way there, no problem peaceful lovely. On the way back however I encountered a rather large alligator. It screams its alligator scream at me and charges. An alligator screaming sounds like a car failing to start mixed with demons. As any brave man would do in this situation I jumped six feet in the air, and landed on its jaw, narrowly missing landing in its jaw. I then proceeded to punch it on the head about 5 times in 1 second. I guess that was fight over flight winning. Then I proceeded to run home looked back and the gator had the same idea it ran back into the water with a splash.”  “I will never cut through a golf course at night again.”

Well we cut through the woods and made it to the shore, it was breathtaking!

And he held a camera . . .

And well……what he captured took my breath away . . .
(achem…i helped him focus..that’s all)

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Yup we took a walk….

Choose your priorities and eliminate all distractions. -Hawk

 

Viera Wetlands in the Treasure Coast

For those of you looking to see Florida Wildlife while driving in a car, this is the place for you! Just never know what you may see.

It’s great for the wheel chair bound or photographers with large lens, you can pull to the side and cautiously step out to get awesome shots of spectacular nature and of course being aware of your surroundings as this is alligator mating season.

You can drive these well kept dirt roads around the four shallow-water cells where it will be easy to spot the American Alligator, waterfowl and even an occasional Osprey, American Bald Eagle, Kingfiser’s, warblers, Great Blue Herons and the Crested Caraca’s! These are a few off the top of my head and spied today a frisky Otter and the American Bittern! It actually waded out in the open, a rare treat indeed! Oh and let’s not forget the dragonfly’s and butterfly’s!  One day while visiting a Great Bald Eagle visited and swooped down right in front of me and consumed a coot.

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A second group of ponds; locally known as the “Dan Click Ponds” can be accessed from a dirt road on the north side of Wickham Rd., across from the main entrance. Shorebirds may be seen here most of the year and the wintering ducks!

The only time we haven’t been able to gain access was after heavy rains so be sure to call ahead of time.  321 255 4488   It’s about a 2 hr drive from Palm Beach International Airport. Off I95 North bound to Viera Exit, head West staying on Wickham road and you’ll end right at these wetlands.

Recently met up with Wildlife Photographer Ron Bielefeld and what did he have me do? Instead of driving we walked around the reserve. He with his 600 mm and without a strap!!  He had me sit down on water low taking pics of the ducks and Great Blue Herons. On his vest he had a built in ready made seat!! Yes my butt got wet, however learning the ropes from this 35 y/o National Geographic veteran. He was so patient and as he was sharing his knowledge didn’t an otter pop up out of the water with a snake in his mouth!!

“When the pupil is ready the Master is at hand”  Mabel Collins 

Learned great tips this day. When Ron asked me what my goal was he kind of snickered looked down and made two swipes with his boot in the sand.  He probably has heard my answer from many of his students. He looked at me the sun bright in his face and his right eye half closed.  “I like your enthusiasm”  his response, he paused and then patiently laid the groundwork for excellence.  Below is one of my photographs he thought was a “workable RAW”   It brought a private sting to my nose and tear to my eye, seeing he chose my favorite of all favorites; the Great Blue Heron.

So now it’s your time to get out and visit nature, just never know who you will meet and greet!! If you venture to Viera, you won’t be disappointed.

Wabasso Beach and Her Visitors

It was a brisk Friday morning, had off work and was determined to make the best of it which of course meant VISIT NATURE! Where else can one go to clear their head and heart?

Working in the health field is challenging. Every day you come face to face with patients fighting for understanding, struggling for homeostasis. Sometimes your co workers are fighting the same battle. Life is tough enough without having the burden of someone else’s judgement. Understanding is key and we need to set our mind and heart on the beauty deep within. Yes it was time to take a Trek to the Sea, you just never know what you will see or how the wind will move across that vast body of water. And this day it would just be me, the lifeguard and of course “her”. 

My nose and earlobes were cold which made me smile. Haven’t felt my cheeks taught like this since brisk fall days spent in New England, minus the salty air smell. Wasn’t near an ocean in Connecticut, had to rely on the white noise devices.  Recently heard of a form of light therapy for depression as patients shed their prescriptions and become healed with ambient LIGHT!

“Let your light shine before others”.  Matthew 5  

Wouldn’t it be great to have you hit by the effervescent love, overwhelming joy, compassion, hope and care from your boss, co workers, family and partner?!!   No wonder people go home and pour themselves a “stiff one” or desire a “stiff one”; fact is they fear of becoming a “stiff one” and sadly the dead do walk among us.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”  Gandhi

Every day caution flags are hung, today there would be multiple warnings.

Belong to this amazing group on Facebook called NATURAL FLORIDA.  A bunch of like minded photographer’s came together and formed what I think is one of the best groups on Facebook today. Sharing and educating each other through art forms, prose, writing and photography, we gather insight. Even have weekend assignments and actually one of the main reasons visiting the ocean this day, we were to capture “GULLS” in nature. However as I scanned the beach not one bird in sight but then I saw this “brown spec” it was an OSPREY! Oh he was so brave plunging into those wild waves and what keen eyesight! He soared high in the sky and almost levitated , he hovered over a spot despite the strong winds.

Then plunging with his talons he grasped deep into those waters and emerged with something.

Oh definitely was stoked, remember holding my camera up to the sky yelling SCORE!!!  Knew I got the shot but was my exposure right, did I read the light meter correctly? Yes the joy was felt despite my fears. Soon after many birds visited this once barren shore and it continued when we visited the Inlet too! The diving Pelicans were so entertaining! As I uploaded the frames my joy was complete. There were some pretty amazing moments.

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Yes was revitalized this day and my heart felt thought!?!  To be as brave as these amazing creatures, diving head first into a roaring sea full of rip currents and sharks to emerge unscathed with sustenance for another day.