Hello World

It was my privilege to be present today at Gatorland in Kissimmee when at the breeding marshes two egrets hatched in front of our eyes. Mother was very attentive and cleaned up by throwing out the empty eggs almost immediately and by supplying food in the form of an oversized fish for the kids. We couldn’t get to close and finding a decent angle to take photographs wasn’t that easy as she kept sitting down on them and twigs from the nest build were in the way of getting clean shots without being a contortionist..

Here a few images to savour with more to follow.

It’s my birthday I’m one day old and my new brother/sister is just below

Hello world this is Mum’s beak and some grub.

I need a haircut already!

These two chicks are a little older.

I’m really enjoying my day!

I’ll be flying about soon………….

Spoonbill Antics

It’s intriguing to watch Roseate Spoonbills in the trees and on the ground at the rookery in St.Augustine. The juveniles zoom about the place squabbling and playing at let’s try to avoid being devoured by a big ugly old alligator or gathering oversized sticks for a play nest. I imagine those bills are pretty dangerous weapons if you happen to get bashed at one the many melee’s.

The rookery is alive with egrets, herons, wood storks and roseate spoonbills building nests, courting, squabbling over space and of course mating.

An egret with the brakes on!

Take that! I love the spoonbill seeming to be laughing and looking at the camera.

I’ve got stick for a bit of bashing!

All together! it’s thirsty work this rushing about lark

Calm before the storm.

So it’s a race you want then………..

An Alligator and 5 Spoonbills

Rookery at St.Augustine

Just a few of the images taken today at the Alligator farm and rookery on Anastasia Island St.Augustine. A great opportunity to see old friends and meet new. I’ve been popping in here for quite a few years and it never seems to change. A place where a large number of heavyweight photographers prowl the boardwalks looking for that elusive shot. Armed with massive camera systems and expensive tripod heads that they lug around from one shooting  position to another. The sound of shutters actuating at great speed, sounding like machine guns with mufflers fitted fill the air. They haven’t invested in newer camera’s with the latest technology  including silent shutter settings yet or mirrorless with fixed professional quality lenses to reduce the weight. It’s still the realm of the bigger your kit is the better it is and of course it’s a status symbol to boot.

The tree where most of the action takes place!

Arriving with a branch for the nest

Undercarriage down for landing

What’s going on, I was just having a nap!

I’m hungry again………..

Roseate Spoonbill with an attitude.

So, where on earth have you been ?