Osprey with Fish

This Osprey had a succesful hunt in Lake Dora in central Florida.  The Palm Island Boardwalk is a great place to watch these guys.  I've also found many snakes, gators, shore birds and Barred Owls at this location.  The boardwalk is in real need of repair but there are hiking trails that don't require it's use if you are leery of the decrepit condition.

Morning Glory

In the height of summer some areas of Florida turn into a veritable jungle.  This morning glory vine has all but taken over the palmetto and other plants along the boardwalk at Palm Island in Mt. Dora.  It makes for a colorful habitat for lizards, snakes, spiders, birds and numerous other small creatures.  There are racoons in the mix as well.  I'm always on the lookout for color contrasts to the predominant green that you find in areas such as this.  A little bit of color goes a long way.

Portrait of a Snowy Egret

This Snowy Egret was an extremely cooperative subject.  He sat very still showing his best side and in great light.  It's very difficult to get the proper exposure with these birds, especially when the background is so much darker so the extra time was greatly appreciated.  The image was made in Mt Dora on the Palm Island Boardwalk.  This is a great place to go for a variety of birds although parts of the boardwalk have fallen into disrepair.  Lake County generally does a great job maintaining facilities such as Palm Island but for whatever reason this one continues to deteriorate.  It's still a great place to go.