Viera Wetlands from Today

ZanottiZanotti Registered Users Posts: 1,411 Major grins
edited January 2, 2008 in Wildlife
I dropped in over at the wetlands:

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I was hoping to see the site, since Harry talks so much about it and I have never been. Lots of these friendly faces to greet the visitors:

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Sorry to all my cold friends up North, but it was sunny and 85 degrees in Florida today. I wanted to get a better shot of this gator, but he seemed to mind when I walked over to move the flower out of the way:

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Anyway, people dont come here to see lizards, they come for the birds, lots of them:

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Notice how I got the grass to exactly match the curve of his neck - that's a real pro move there!

Lots of these:

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And these:

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A few hawks in trees, but I didn't see any eagles:

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I saw this kingfisher many times, and could hear his calling to me all day, but never closer than this:

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or this:

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or this:

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Lots of preening and sleeping:

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A little head shakes:

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I checked all my bird books and couldnt find this duck. He has webbed feet and a long neck, with very smooth shiny feathers:

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I think he's some kind of diving duck, cause he blinked then dove under:

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Obligitory BIF hawk shot:

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And one last duck:

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Cattle egret with butterfly:

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Well, that's probably too many shots, but it was a really nice day in the wetlands. Its amazing how many clueless drivers there are in rental minivans in Florida this time of year. Surprising that more dont drive into the swamp while checking out the gators!

Thanks,

Z
It is the purpose of life that each of us strives to become actually what he is potentially. We should be obsessed with stretching towards that goal through the world we inhabit.

Comments

  • TelephotoTelephoto Registered Users Posts: 15 Big grins
    edited December 30, 2007
    Nice shots, really sharp. Sounds like a good day.
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2007
    Hey, these shots are really nice. Glad to see you were able to make it down there. Sorry I couldn't join you. How long was the drive?
  • dbaker1221dbaker1221 Registered Users Posts: 4,482 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2007
    great seriesclap.gif
    **If I keep shooting, I'm bound to hit something**
    Dave
  • MaestroMaestro Registered Users Posts: 5,395 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2007
    It certainly was a great day at Viera for you. I really liked your white ibis photo.
  • ZanottiZanotti Registered Users Posts: 1,411 Major grins
    edited December 31, 2007
    Mitchell wrote:
    Hey, these shots are really nice. Glad to see you were able to make it down there. Sorry I couldn't join you. How long was the drive?

    Really not that bad. I got stuck in some Disney traffic going over, but it really is close to 2 1/2 hours. I made it back in that easy.

    Amazing how fast you can go when you are alone in a car versus a pack of wild kids in a minivan, stopping for snacks and breaks six times in a 2 hour trip......

    Anyway, I'll probably head back over there for Harry's dinner and part of MIV, as always dependant upon work schedules...

    Its worth a visit, if you've never been. It would be a shame to see it close. It is relatively small, similar to Homosassa, except not as organized.

    Thanks for the nice comments - we should get together and compare notes sometime.

    Z
    It is the purpose of life that each of us strives to become actually what he is potentially. We should be obsessed with stretching towards that goal through the world we inhabit.
  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2008
    Good captures Z. clap.gif Next time visit when I'm in town. deal.gif
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • leaforteleaforte Registered Users Posts: 1,948 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2008
    Your 'mystery duck' has the neck of a Gooey Duck. And his/her body looks like a clam shell. But that's it. The Gooey Duck was the mascot of my alma matter--The Evergreen State College. Also, sort of looks like 'Nessie'.
    Growing with Dgrin



  • BikePiletteBikePilette Registered Users Posts: 12 Big grins
    edited January 1, 2008
    Great pictures.

    Your “mystery duck” looks suspiciously like a Florida Soft Shell Turtle to me…..
    ~Nicole



    Currently using a Canon Digital Rebel XT
    18-55mm kit lens
    50mm f/1.8 lens
  • ABCapturesABCaptures Registered Users Posts: 134 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2008
    you have some nice photos there,... i second the comment on florida soft shell turtle. If you image google florida soft shell turtle there are lots of photos that look very similar (not as photogenic as yours) to what you pictured.
    Hi, I'm Ashley
    *Love every creature*
    Gear: Canon Rebel XTi 18-55mm & 75-300mm





  • jeff lapointjeff lapoint Registered Users Posts: 1,228 Major grins
    edited January 1, 2008
    Great shots! If I see another great series from the Florida shooters I'm really just gonna...


    need to get down there and see it for myself:D

    -Jeff
  • raptorcaptorraptorcaptor Registered Users Posts: 3,968 Major grins
    edited January 2, 2008
    Maestro wrote:
    It certainly was a great day at Viera for you. I really liked your white ibis photo.

    15524779-Ti.gif
    Glenn

    My website | NANPA Member
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