PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

Obviously there are a lot of watercraft in the Caribbean area.  When the wildlife was not cooperating, I collected a variety of crafts.

Freighter receiving a harbor pilot

This cruise ship was parked next to us, we were half again larger.

BOBCAT

I went to Palm Bluff this morning to photograph wild turkeys.  I didn't see or hear a single turkey.  I did set up and try some predator calling.  Low and behold, a Bobcat came in to the call.  Inside of 20 yards, it didn't seem to mind me snapping away.  Mornings like this is why I love nature photography, you never know what is around the corner.

Looking up at the caller that is about two feet above.

 Death in the Tall Grass

SNAIL KITES

We went to West Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Vero Beach to photograph Snail Kites.  Last year I went twice and only got a few females and immatures.  We arrive around 7:30 AM as the sun was just starting to come up.  There must have been 10-15 kites with a mix of males and females.  These are tropical birds that feed almost exclusively on apple snails.  They spot them hovering above the water and pluck them out with their talons by dipping their legs in.  This wastewater plant has a series of treatment ponds that must be great habitat for the snails.  Below is what we picked up in a couple of hours of shooting.  Males are slate gray and females brown and white.  Adults have orange/red legs and immatures have yellow legs.

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Blue-winged Teal

Snail Kites

Sandhill Crane

River Otter mom with two youngsters