outdoor photography

Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve On April 9th I drove my daughter back to school at University of Florida. I got there in the early afternoon, and I decided to try a park there before heading back home. I decided to try Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve. I've been there once before, and I thought it was beautiful. A Hair Woodpecker has also been reported here, and I thought it would be good to add that species to my year list (a goal I failed to accomplish). Longleaf Flatwoods Reserve caption This is a beautiful park. I walked the loop marked by white blazes, and there were a couple other trails I ventured down a little ways just to see how the habitat might change. I didn't see a whole lot of birds, but pine flatwoods are one of my favorite habitats, and so it was good just to be out and about in nature. It was was fun to find a blooming Hooded Pitcherplant along the white blaze loop. Hoosed Pitcherplant I saw several Zebra Swallowtails and Common Buckeyes. One pair was m...

Eastern Towhee On Saturday I visited Hal Scott Preserve to look for Red-cockaded and Hairy Woodpeckers.  I found both, but too early in the morning for photos.  Later in the morning Eastern Towhees and Bachman's Sparrows decided to put on a show.  They are such pretty birds I couldn't help but stop and take a few portraits. Bachman's Sparrow  

Eastern Towhee I wish all birds would announce their presence as well as Eastern Towhees.  They don't always show themselves, but you often know that they're there.  There are some fantastic places to find them here in Central Florida.  My favorite places are Geneva WA and Econ River WA, but you can also find them at Wekiwa Springs SP and the Scrub Ridge Trail at Merritt Island NWR. Eastern Towhee Eastern Towhee Eastern Towhee Eastern Towhee Eastern Towhee