outdoor photography

Saltmarsh Sparorw This past Saturday I decided to visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I haven't been here in forever. I've spent most of my time in Orange and Seminole Counties, so it was very nice to return to MINWR. I was hoping to add some birds to my year list and collect some better photographs of birds that are around here this time of year. Shiloh Marsh I began at sunrise at Shiloh Marsh, hoping for Clapper Rails and Sharp-tailed Sparrows; they're very common here this time of year, and you're pretty sure to see them if you get out on the marsh as the sun is rising.  I saw all three species, but I was only able to photograph Saltmarsh Sparrows; I only saw one Nelson's Sparrow, and it was being too uncooperative. Saltmarsh Sparrow Saltmarsh Sparorw Saltmarsh Sparrow I couldn't believe how many Saltmarsh Sparrows there were, though.  My conservative estimate is 8 (they move under cover so well, it's possible that I saw th...

Horned Grebe I've been seeing several Horned Grebes almost every time I go out birding lately, and seeing one is always a highlight for me.  Pied-billed Grebes are about the cutest little water birds you can find, but I love the bright red eyes of Horned Grebes.  Unfortunately, I have no photos of these beautiful birds in breeding plumage, where they are even more striking, but even in their winter plumage, Horned Grebes are beautiful birds.  On January 2nd, one was swimming in a channel near me, and I was able to take photos of him while he was inside of 15ft from my camera.  It was one of the highlights of my day. Horned Grebe Horned Grebe Horned Grebe Horned Grebe