I was going home after two days with friends
And wondering why all good things must end.
I was taking my time, not rushing at all,
Just watching the swamp and listening for Bird calls.
Then low and behold, what did I see!
A Woodstork and a Spoonbill up in a tree!
Of course, I pulled over and jumped from my truck.
My heart was just racing because of this luck!
Please stay, please stay-I was praying inside.
There were no bushes from which behind I could hide.
To my delight, they granted my wish
And posed for these photos
This 'Brute' and this 'Dish'!

I came upon a large clutch of baby Gators today and saw the most amusing thing. There was a yearling Gator, probably the only survivor from the last clutch, who was acting as 'Baby Sitter'. The little ones were all trying to get on top of big brother at the same time! The only thing is, he didn't have as much room as Mom does. The clutch had about 30 babies. Mom stayed close by but they wanted to be with 'Bro'. So many of them would climb on top that he would fall off of the log. He would get back up only to be covered again. The babies were struggling to all get on top of him and pushing each other out of the way. I really enjoyed watching them!

First of all, let me say that I know these are not some of my best photos. I was kind of having an off day. But, because of the subject and because I was actually laughing when I saw this, I decided to share with you guys anyway.

I heard a commotion by the water and thought that I was going to get some Gator action. Through the weeds I saw this Great White Egret. At first I thought she was in trouble and then I saw her with a Catfish. Once she got a good look at it, her expression was priceless! It was like she was saying to herself, "Yikes, what in the hell is this and what am I to do with it!!" Her hair stood on end and a look of shock and disbelief crossed her face! She struggled with it for a minute but was finally able to get it turned so she could swallow it.

Yesterday when I visited one of my favorite areas, 10,000 Island National Wildlife Refuge, I saw a couple of guys returning to their vehicles. I asked them if there was anything to see and they replied, "Not really, just a bunch of Birds." :roll: I decided to go down the trail anyway. :lol: The last time I was there with gregory, the birding was not too good, so when I heard this, of course I got excited! It's not a long walk to the observation tower, only about 1/4 of a mile, but I would be carrying 3 cameras and lenses, a fairly heavy tripod along with other equipment. When I got there, the first thing I saw in a distance was a flock of Spoonbills just passing through and then a flock of White Pelicans flew directly overhead. The water there is still fairly high so the majority of birds are feeding elsewhere. But a flock of Woodstorks gave me the honor of spending some time with me and allowing me to take their photos!

I encountered many gators as a member of the Brave Gator Photographers, on our recent journey into the dark depths of the Evergaldes. Here are a few. These shots were taken on the Loop Road. During prohabition, this road housed a few speakeasies, at least one owned by Al Capone. Because it was so secluded, lookouts could see headlights from the cops and gmen for miles, and alert the speakeasies so that patrons could take off. Quite a few enemies of the mob were rubbed out here and their bodies were dumped in gator holes, to be devoured. Some of the gators we saw on our trip had ancestors that did the cleaning up.