Black-crowned Night Heron #4/50

I captured these beauties at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Indian Shores, FL. It is a pretty remarkable place if you are ever in the area. It is a non-profit, founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph T. Heath, Jr. and is home to over 600 resident and recuperating wild birds.  The sanctuary specializes in the treatment of injured seabirds, but also cares for land birds and birds of prey.

I placed the juvenile as the first post, I couldn't resist.

www.suncoastseabirdsanctuary.com

Great Blue Heron, #3/50

I chose the GBH as my #3 for my 50 birds in 60 days project. (Wings Over Florida). For a larger view, simply click anywhere on the photo~

The top image was taken in early morning light at Merritt Island NWR, Jan 2012, the 2nd image was taken @ Wakodohatchee Wetlands in Delray/Boynton Beach, and the bottom image was taken @ Vierra Wetlands, Brevard County FL.

Interesting facts:

The largest heron of the western hemisphere and unmistakable even at a distance. Blue-gray, with a yellowish bill and black head plumes in breeding plumage.  An uncommon all-white morph occurs in southern Florida, which is considerably larger than the otherwise similar Great Egret, from which it is also separable by its yellow legs. It feeds upon a wide variety of prey, such as mice, crabs, shorebirds and frogs, as well as fish. This resident nests alone or in small colonies.

~snowy egret~ #2/50 Checklist of Florida's Birds

The top two images were taken at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, and I think the concrete backgrounds help the bird stand out and show off the beautiful plumage.  Taken in January 2012. The bottom image was taken at Merritt Island NWR in early morning light.

Interesting facts:
A very dainty beautiful species, its nuptial plumage is brilliant white, making it highly conspicuous.  Legs are black, the feet bright yellow, or even red in the high-breeding season. The bill is black and appears almost pencil thin, before tapering to a point. The species was almost extirpated in North America, but has made a comeback.

Project Nature, #1/50 Checklist of Florida's Birds

I have always loved birds! I have decided to practice and improve my photography skills, and have embarked on a new project: The Wings Over Florida program awards certificates at five achievement levels to bird watchers who report their life lists to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission's Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  The above image, Reddish Egret, Egretta rufescens, is the beginning.  I hope to learn about nature & birds, while enjoying the Florida weather and take my photography skills up a level. This is IMAGE #1.

Interesting facts:
Intermediate in size between the larger Great Egret and medium sized herons.  There are two distinct color phases, a dark phase, which is grayish overall, with the head and neck reddish-brown, and a wholly white morph.  The best field marks are its larger size and the black tipped bill, pinkish at the base.  It generally appears to have a ruffled appearance; its habit of dancing or prancing through shallow water in search of prey is immediately recognizable.  It is an uncommon year-round resident of the coastal mudflats of southern Florida.

Camera's as Props

I cherish my vintage camera collection, but that doesn't stop me from packing up a few from my collection  for my photo shoots.  My ARGUS 75 happens to be one of my favorite props, especially when the young children are my clients. It's a fun little bakelite wonder and is really just a box camera with a reflex viewing window that uses  second lens.  These images were taken as the girls discovered the camera and they instantly starting playing "photographer and dancer" . . . and I was entranced with moment as their delight unfolded.

Autumn Splendor - Photo Challenge Entry

I had my subject ready to pose, and we had our props all packed.  As I was driving down the road on the way for our shoot this day, I saw a field to my right and pulled over.  I posed Abby, with her gloves, flute and tame butterfly right in the field (hopping over the mud) and shot right into the sun.  I love how the breeze is blowing her hair, her pose, the flair, her eye contact.  Click on the iheartfaces Button and check out all the other entries for the Autumn Splendor Photo Challenge this week~  Like my FB PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/rachelle.vance.photography. (the butterfly is made of paper)