The British Are Coming . . . To Harns Marsh Preserve

Belted Kingfisher in flight was the first species of bird seen in my initial follow up visit to Harns Marsh Preserve this past week.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The kingfisher, near the end of my visit to the preserve, would offer its characteristic hunting technique for observation by hovering over the lake for a brief moment and then flew into the cypress stand.

The Snail Kite and Limpkin were viewed as expected with a surprise in seeing about a half dozen juvenile Limpkin well camouflaged in the reeds I often hear the Limpkin calling from.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Killdeer were frequently seen in the grass along the shoreline of the marsh and in flight as well.

It was hoped to see waterfowl that I have yet to have the opportunity to observe in my study of birds.

The Killdeer above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Harns Marsh Preserve seems fitting to be an ideal place to do this although no previously unseen sightings were made this week.

I also failed to see the Redhead again this week, nor did I see or hear any Sandhill Cranes on my first visit although a pair were seen flying west to east directly overhead nearly immediately upon arrival on my second visit to the preserve two days later.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Tree Swallows were in great abundance again and I couldn't resist the challenge of attempting to photograph them effectively with the long lens.

At the spot the swallows have favored most as noted earlier, I entered the water to get closer to the action and get lower to the ground.

The Wood Stork juvenile above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The lens was about 18 inches above the water's surface for about a half hour worth of observation.

The water was of course uncomfortably cold with no obvious presence of the alligator I had seen a few months ago.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The Tree Swallows were at one point congregating on a stand of tall grass which I took advantage of as best I could.

It was interesting to observe what appeared to be a concerted effort on the part of the birds to flatten the grass for a more comfortable perching opportunity over time.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Flight shots remained extremely challenging of the Tree Swallows as the lens wanted to focus on the vegetation more than the birds.

I am aware that I can adjust the lens' focus distance range to minimize this problem, but opted not to experiment at the time.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As I again contemplated a walk around the preserve, I was offered the opportunity for flight shots of the Snail Kite.

Further along my walk I caught sight of several Red-breasted Merganser.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Shortly thereafter I would again have the chance to observe an Eastern Phoebe.

In its company was a Red-bellied Woodpecker working a stately pine in a small stand of trees.

The Red-breasted Merganser above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

A solitary Blue-gray Gnatcatcher remained shyly in the shadows.

Other movement within the tree stand would lead to a sighting of Pine Warbler.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The more fortuitous second visit to Harns Marsh Preserve led to observation of feeding behavior of a Limpkin which was accommodatingly close to the shore line.

The bird had to go relatively deep for its quarry and came up with a meal.

The Palm Warbler above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I'm not sure if the Limpkin senses prey with its feet or forages simply with its bill or a combination of both . . . yet.

The decision to attempt to capture the bird entirely in focus at close range unfortunately led to the slower shutter speed that defeated success at the critical moment with the Limkin's head in motion at the time of consuming its meal.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Minutes later it was a great pleasure to meet BPNer, Chris Baker, and his wife Rachael, visiting the area from the United Kingdom.

In a review of a few of the images of the Limkin's feeding behavior, I noted a particular image seemingly showing movement of the bird, Chris offered subtle criticism without saying a word pointing at my choice of an f/9 aperture setting of the lens noted on the camera's monitor.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris told me that he and Rachael were staying adjacent to Little Estero Lagoon.

He noted that Roseate Spoonbills were flying in about 45 minutes before sunset quite predictably at the lagoon.

Chris and Rachael Baker above were photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris was evidently at Harns Marsh Preserve for some good Snail Kite and Limpkin action.

He was using Canon gear and noted that he typically uses all focus points in his photography successfully.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Chris mentioned observing a Limpkin at Corkscrew Swamp which I've yet to encounter at that venue.

He spoke of his Snail Kite observations at Joe Overstreet Landing and was disappointed with Venice Rookery before its recent manicuring.

The Snail Kite above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The kites at Harns Marsh Preserve were prolific, but tantalizingly out of range for stellar photography of the species.

I believe Chris was content with capturing three of the kites in a single shot.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I'm looking forward to seeing the image at his newly created Pbase site where it can be determined additional details of the birds.

An overflight of Rock Dove was a treat for me last seen at the preserve in the spring while I've otherwise only observed these birds on highway light poles in the local area.

The Rock Dove above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Glossy Ibis were very active and it what interesting to hear Chris note that he has yet to capture an image of the species he is overly pleased with as is the case for me.

As Rachael sported a pair of binoculars, she was keen to point out to us a Bald Eagle that got no closer than a quarter mile from our observation point in my estimation.

The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Another avid birding couple joined us for a while as the action unfortunately began to quite down in the waning hours of the morning.

It was interesting to hear the birder, with nearly 700 species seen, describe a purpose of the untold possibilities that exist with future observation.

The Glossy Ibis above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I was perplexed in attempting to identify his recommended resource referred to as TAM which was described as offering recent sighting alerts which he followed.

I think he meant to refer to TAS- or the Tropical Audubon Society which greatly benefits the east coast of south Florida.

The Blue-winged Teal above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

He was sporting an out of the box 80-400 Nikkor lens that he appeared very excited to make good use of.

At about this time, the unexpected happened with the approach of a shepherd mix at good speed.

The Green Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The dog was very inquisitive with a playful nature that didn't comprehend the command to sit.

Its owner would arrive about twenty minutes later with a plea that someone grab the dog's collar.

The Common Moorhen above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

He apologized for the dog's behavior noting that it knew it was in trouble.

On the drive home, I passed an American Kestrel flying parallel to me on the north side of the highway.

The unexpected above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I pulled over to see that it had landed on a fence post well behind me.

As I got out of the car, a motorized dirt biker blazed by at his top speed which had caused the falcon to take flight into the field.

The American Kestrel above was photographed near Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I drove the car back to attempt to see the extremely colorful predator again and was lucky to see it had landed on another fence post and observed it briefly in flight over the field.

This experience with the falcon was hurried and will think better of the opportunity in the future.

The American Kestrel above was photographed near Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

If you encounter Chris and Rachael in your travels, you're in for some very enjoyable company.

A Gorgeous Redhead At Harns Marsh Preserve

After failing to make my monthly trip to Harns Marsh Preserve in October, the November 2010 visit was particularly rewarding.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I was surprised to see large tents certainly used for overnight camping south of the parking area upon my arrival.

There was no wildlife action evident at all before parking the car at the north gate access point.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Immediately upon getting out of the car, however, the unmistakable calls of Limkin could be heard to the north.

With great fortune, my first photographs taken were of Pileated Woodpecker flying overhead from the stand of trees directly in front of me and across the water.

The Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It didn't take long for my eyes to focus on the surroundings and see the majestic Osprey perched in the early morning light.

A few Mottled Ducks were then seen floating in the water seemingly waiting for my next move.

The Osprey above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

An overflight of Mallard was observed within the next few minutes.

A solitary Limpkin was working the shoreline and would prove to be the only one seen, though countless others of the species were heard in the preserve's tall grass.

The Mallard above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As I made my way to the north on a journey I didn't have a specific goal to accomplish, the thought of walking around Harns Marsh Preserve crossed my mind and I couldn't help but dread its distance.

The weather was initially relatively cool at 59 degrees, but was expected to warm up quickly which it did.

The Limpkin above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Not too far along my walk, I encountered a rarely seen (for me) Black-crowned Night-Heron at the preserve.

A mystery species seen in a flock of 23 I would later identify as Red-winged Blackbird with the assistance of local birding expert Wes Dirks.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And very shortly thereafter a Wood Stork gave me a flyby that was so close, I couldn't fit it in the frame of the shots taken of it.

A Wood Stork was also seen in the company of a Great Egret at close range while another stork was seen to perch with a pair of Black Vultures and a Turkey Vulture across the lake.

The Red-winged Blackbird above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was at about this location that I observed Tree Swallows that were by far the most abundant species seen during my November visit to Harns Marsh Preserve.

It was nearly a year earlier to the day at this same wildlife venue that I was able to capture my first image of the species.

The Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

Although I tried my best to ignore these quite fast and extremely unpredictable birds due to my initial very fuzzy unrecognizable images captured of them, they would instill in me a passion I couldn't resist to attempt to photograph them and their behavior.

Of the hundreds of swallows that swarmed around me for an extended period of time, I would only see them at rest on a tall weed for mere seconds.

The Wood Stork juvenile with Great Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

The Tree Swallows were otherwise constantly on the move and would be seen nearly until the time I left the preserve in the late morning.

The second most prolific species seen at Harns Marsh Preserve was American Coot.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

These relatively diminutive birds considering the somewhat unpleasant guttural vocal calls they made throughout my stay were very good cover for a new bird sighting for me.

The Redhead required intensive study for me to identify it in my Sibley guide, with the bird's yellow eyes the clincher.

The American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I saw no evidence of what may have caused them to take flight leaving the coots behind while the Redhead regrettably did not return to my observation area although likely remained nearby.

Tom Obrock's previously reported Blue-winged Teal was also observed within the group of waterfowl as was a solitary Common Gallinule.

The Redhead with American Coot above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As Black Vultures made flybys, a few Snail Kites were seen actively feeding on Harns Marsh's Apple Snails.

As I had the gumption to continue my walk, I encountered an Eastern Phoebe that I had just photographed for the first time a month earlier at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.

The Black Vulture above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

And while walking even further I was able to observe a pair of Sandhill Cranes that I see infrequently at Harns Marsh Preserve.

As I settled down near a pile of discarded Apple Snail shells, the smaller of the cranes was meticulously preening itself for over a half hour.

The Eastern Phoebe above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

It was interesting to see that it created a small hole in the ground with its beak near the shoreline.

The Sandhill Crane would put its beak in the hole every moment or so to cover it in water which it then used to preened its feathers.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

At one point the cranes would call in almost perfect unison while other Sandhill Cranes across the marsh replied.

The Sandhill Crane has an exceptionally loud call and it was quite exhilarating to be so close to them in experiencing this auditory marvel.

The Sandhill Crane above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

When the cranes decided to move on, it was late in the morning and I decided to return to the car.

About a dozen Cattle Egret were feeding successfully on insects in the grass along the roadway.

The Cattle Egret above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

About a half dozen Pied-billed Grebe were seen occasionally resurfacing for air with one coming up with a small fish in my observations.

A pair of Roseate Spoonbill were seen doing a rarely seen and unusual acrobatic midair dance.

The Roseate Spoonbill above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

As a small number of vultures were climbing the thermals in the area near the car, a bird that didn't quite seem to fit in was initially a mystery to me.

When an adult Bald Eagle flew into view a short while later, I was confident that I had earlier seen a juvenile of the species.

The Bald Eagle juvenile with Wood Stork above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I investigated my images of the Bald Eagle to be assured that it was a juvenile and not a second or third year sub adult.

I was pleased to see the Pileated Woodpecker again at the spot I had begun my journey as this species cannot always be expected to be seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

The Pileated Woodpecker above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

In all, there were 32 species of bird seen at Harns Marsh Preserve.

This post is something of an experiment in the presentation of images going forward.

The Tree Swallow above was photographed at Harns Marsh Preserve in November 2010.

I've learned that with the manipulation of images in CS5, the use of default in the reduction of image size, Bicubic (best for smooth gradients), leads to a less distorted image when presented here, as opposed to Bicubic Sharper (best for reduction).

FCCC 2010 Convention With Wildlife Observation

The Florida Camera Club Council (F3C) 2010 Convention "The Nature of Photography" held in Naples, Florida, this past week was long anticipated.

Arthur Morris above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

As of this writing, F3C is affiliated with 36 camera clubs from across the state of Florida.

I had heard months ago that renowned bird photographer, Artie Morris would be in attendance and was compelled to go if possible.

Arthur Morris above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

I regret that because I didn't register in advance, I relied on the F3C website to provide me information that I found less than helpful in knowing exactly how the convention would unfold.

Upon registering at the door I was given literature that I should have immediately read, but did not.

The Photography Naples representatives above were photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Artie's seminars had begun prior to my finding him and the convention schedule would be a form of contention for him and guests that relied on two different timetables provided.

While there were eight other seminars taking place, I spent the entire morning with Artie, soaking up his four programs which ultimately ran nearly an hour long.

The Midwest Photo Exchange representatives above were photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Artie's programs included choosing the correct lens, composition, understanding histograms and exposure, and how to get close to wild birds.

His slide show was entertaining as he captivated everyone's attention in the standing room only classroom throughout.

The photo enthusiasts above were photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

While I wish I was more knowledgeable about Photoshop processing and the use of histograms which Artie seemed to rush through, I would have gotten much more from the programs if I had read his "Digital Basics" beforehand.

I was particularly entertained by an image Artie showed that was evidently one that might be chosen for a magazine cover which he noted left room for the magazine's name.

The Luau themed lunch above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

It reminded me of my Burrowing Owl images submitted for the 2nd Annual Audubon Magazine "Birds in Focus," that I regret I have not heard anything about from Nature's Best Photography which is judging the 2010 submissions.

It's gotten very late for any hopes of consideration, but have not received the rejection notice yet either.

Clyde Butcher above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Artie made note of the new feature in CS5 that overlays a grid when cropping an image which could help composition.

I've found that this feature is not available when opening an JPEG image in Camera Raw and cropping there.

Panel Discussion moderator Larry Richardson above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

There is a potential problem in CS5's Review Mode for those in a hurry which may result in the manual deletion of images which may simply be slow to focus on your monitor.

I was also intrigued of Artie's mention of his techniques of feeding birds and luring them with birdsong to get a good shot.

Clyde Butcher above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

He noted that if using audio attraction to be sure to turn off the birdsong once the desired subject enters the area and emphasized disclosures in images he captures.

While these seem a questionable approach to wildlife photography or observation, they do appear to be quite affective.

Carmen Schettino above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Artie was impressively confident in his recollection of what camera and lens was used for for images presented considering the arsenal of gear at his disposal.

He also commented that his use of flash is intermittent while using it or not for extended periods of time.

Jane Ziser above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Artie also made numerous other recommendations for the creation of an appealing photograph and ultimately an enhanced image of bird life.

He also strongly encouraged investigation of Jim Neiger and James Shadle's “Best of Florida” photography workshops.

Arthur Morris above was photographed at the F3C 2010 "The Nature of Photography" Convention in November 2010.

Renowned black and white landscape photographer, Clyde Butcher gave the convention's Keynote Address where he highlighted his career in photography.

He noted that he believed early on that a photograph alone had little value and made clocks with his images which he found profitable.

The Blue Jay above was photographed at Eagle Lakes Community Park in November 2010.

Clyde also emphasized that he was inspired by Ansel Adams among others and noted to make sure that if you are going to attempt to emulate someone, be sure you are copying the best.

Clyde also spent a few minutes showing a typical manipulation of his digital photography in Photoshop after noting that his film exposures (using wooden Deardorff cameras from the 1940s and '50s) in excess of 10 minutes can be made similarly with digital cameras in a minute's time.

The White Pelican above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Clyde has a blog that can be viewed here and in case you missed Artie's November 9, 2010 comments about his conference experience at his blog, they can be seen here.

Following Mr. Butcher's address, there was a Panel Discussion moderated by U.S Fish and Wildlife biologist and nature photographer, Larry Richarson.

The White Pelican above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Clyde Butcher, Carmen Schettino, Jane Ziser, and Artie Morris discussed photo manipulation.

Artie made the point of his following all the rules when entering a photography contest.

The Sanderling above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Following the convention, there was about an hour of good sunlight which allowed a quick stop at Eagle Lakes Community Park in Naples where mostly wading birds were seen.

Two birding trips this week were made to Bunche Beach Preserve in Fort Myers as well.

The White Pelican above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The San Carlos Bay venue was particularly exciting as I observed a very large flock of White Pelican that was present for a couple of hours.

I encountered wildlife observer Joy MacIntyre who told me she devotes a lot of her observation time to Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in Ohio.

Joy MacIntyre above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Joy had commented that she thought the White Pelicans had come from Ding Darling NWR which was possible as I first saw them fly from that direction.

The White Pelicans were most impressive when seen in the sky as an entire flock.

The Osprey above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The birds broke into two V-formations at one point and then into two entirely distinct groups that would not be observed to come together again.

I had several attempts to get a good image of Osprey hunting behavior although the bird never came up with a fish at close range.

The Killdeer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The weather forecast called for a high of 80 degrees and calm winds so I thought nothing of being waist deep in the chilly water for a few hours until the wind picked up and I was shivering uncontrollably.

I was in fact concerned for a sharp image focus during my last hour's observation as my core body temperature dropped.

The Willet above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The minority Sanderling merely a couple of weeks ago was now the dominant shorebird in numbers.

A tussle between a pair of Sanderling was a very brief highlight in my observations the first day.

The Sanderling above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Little Blue Heron were seen in greater numbers than I'd yet to see anywhere.

It was also a rare treat to see a juvenile Reddish Egret up close.

The Reddish Egret juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Bottlenose Dolphins made a pass of me and were actively feeding and playing loudly on the first visit to Bunche Beach Preserve this week.

A follow up visit to Bunche Beach Preserve this week was made where I again saw the massive White Pelican riding the thermals over the bay.

The Little Blue Heron with juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Wood Stork were seen in greater numbers than I have observed at this venue before (at the west channel).

A scuffle between an adult and juvenile Reddish Egret was observed in the very early morning light.

The Reddish Egret with juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Black Skimmers were, of course, again very abundant in the company of Sandwich Terns, Laughing Gulls and small shorebirds.

Belted Kingfisher were active with a pair involved in an areal dance while another attempted to consume a fish in flight numerous times as it flew to the north along the channel.

The Black Skimmer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

A walk into the much smaller channel that enters the mangrove forest as far west along Bunche Beach I've yet to travel offered an opportunity to experiment with somewhat long exposures that were no more than six seconds while thinking of Clyde Butcher.

I had forgotten how hazardous this place can be if you are not paying attention to where you are walking as the silt may be very soft and there are large holes in spots.

The image above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

Leaving this channel, I was startled by a number of Turkey Vultures that had settled on the ground in the mangroves near the entrance to the beach.

Back at the west channel I was observing the animated Reddish Egret and Tricolored Heron in particular when the tufts of the Little Blue Heron in the area stood tall while a flock of foraging Least Sandpipers took flight inexplicably.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

A moment later I observed the cause of the disturbance which was an overflight of the very rarely seen Peregrine Falcon.

The bird was nearly overhead when first seen and I remain very intrigued with how observant shore birds are in the presence of such a predator with the beach cleared of virtually every small bird seen a moment earlier.

The Peregrine Falcon above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

I was reluctant to leave this beautiful place with by far the highlight of the day a foraging juvenile Black-crowned Night-Heron seen at close range.

The bird was captured under extreme exposure control without the use of the camera's histogram while relying on past experience alone.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The rotation of images when required has had much written with regards to the use of Photoshop.

An accidental discovery when processing the image immediately below with a concern for minimizing barrel distortion or a bird moving up or downhill, as Artie described the situation, is the easiest I've found.

The Reddish Egret above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

The rotation technique is used extremely easily in CS5 by cropping the image while in Photoshop Adobe Bridge Camera Raw (JPEG image imported).

When the desired crop is seen, the release of the left mouse button is then immediately re-held with the cursor outside the cropped image while moving the cursor up or down to the desired positioning of the image.

The Black-crowned Night-Heron juvenile above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

If clicked within the image, the crop may be moved up or down or left or right.

I have not had the time to experiment or research if this option works as readily in any other version or aspect of Adobe's Creative Suite software programs while it's certainly an improvement over the Elements versions I've been using for years.

The image above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

I'm thrilled not to have to draw that line again along with those potentially extra steps in the editing process.

A Piping Plover with numerous bands on its legs was reminiscent of the same bird seen at Bunche Beach Preserve a few months ago.

The Piping Plover above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

They are most likely unique plovers seen as the most recently observed had a deformity in its right foot with the toes missing.

I couldn't resist taking a few candid shots at the beach on the way back to the car.

The photographer above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

I met local birding enthusiast Jose Pidilla at Six Mile Cypress this past weekend telling him of the FC3 conference as he told me he was on his way to a cemetery that he noted should offer interesting photographs.

Jose mentioned trips to photograph wildlife in Puerto Rico (his home country) and Cuba which he highly recommended while noting the greatest benefit of communism offering a lack of growth at the latter.

The Belted Kingfisher above was photographed at San Carlos Bay: Bunche Beach Preserve in November 2010.

In a flashback to Artie's comments about attracting wildlife to him through audio, I was intrigued of a mention by my internet computer mentor, Kim Komando, offering a link to bird song which should be useful for wildlife documentation in the future.