Winter is approaching when the birds return to South Florida

Thought I had moved on from the birds? Nope. Just waiting their return south. Maybe I had thought I had filled my cup with bird photography. When I saw 2 Osprey's fly over my head and a small flock of blue jays go left then right, and ohhh was there a Perigean Falcon, I found myself getting excited. Where were the binos? Who moved them?
I find myself arriving in much the same place as I left with my bird photography. Rest assured, I hope to have generated some progress during the summer months. Truly, I am still dreaming of Gitzo's Ocean tripod-all stainless steel, carbon fiber legs, but first let me rise to my personal challenge. This season I challenge myself to photograph the birds without photographing the bird. Ahhh the directness of Contemplative Photography. I include one of my favorite images from last season of an Osprey eating a large fish. See you out there birdies...

Extreme Rain Extreme Drought

The ebb and flow of South Florida weather varies from extreme rains to extreme drought. Within just several months our water index level has surpassed the drought reading and continues to rise. South Florida Water Management, our local government agency, recorded Lake Okeechobee at 14.93 feet. I am not surprised at the rising levels as the rains continue to keep us inside. Still the Osprey gently waiting out the rains. Gracefully with a bowed head, the raptor awaits for a weather break or even the morning when the fishing will be best.

As a young girl I can remember listening to the same pounding drops hit the roof, the grass, the asphalt, the car. The rains cometh and sometimes not. Climate change has prevented the normal storms through a rainy season. Thunder storms, tropical weather warnings-all are normal summertime memories. Ironically enough, all the efforts put forth to drain the Everglades for man dominating over nature is now the continual focus of reversal in hopes of preserving the endangered wetlands. 10,000 Islands of wetlands that tourists flock to, scientists study, and politicians avoid. My home is among all these islands. I simply hope to understand this place I call my home before the opportunity passes. 

Determination

This afternoon my son and I played outside. The close of September brings a welcome relief of cooler weather in South Florida, and I was happy to be able to enjoy playtime. We were fortunate enough to have a family of Osprey's visiting the scrub area (just over our fence) this week. So, I admit I had my camera out and this made playtime a little more exciting.  As the juveniles flew to the beach, one of the adults always watched and waited for their return. I have not witnessed an entire family in action and wished I had a digi-scope to see their dives for fish in the Atlantic. Then, the rains came. Hard, large drops. For hours now, the adult Osprey has not left the spot on the dead tree limb that he has occupied since before dinner. I am in awe of his position of family first, but truly his determination to remain on the exposed limb unencumbered by the happenings of the evening. During my saddest time (missing my mother who passed away years ago) or when I have the flu (recovering still), mother nature seems to send me these wonderful messages. I continue to believe my mother speaks to me in many different ways. The Osprey has been the messenger. As I look out my window squinting to see if the Osprey is still there, I can make out his silhouette with a tucked head as if in prayer. I only hope tomorrow brings as much enlightenment. 

August Already, the birds will be coming...

I wrote this in the beginning of August and-for some reason-hesitated to post. Then, the approaching storm may rain on my parade sort of speak; my birthday wish is for an Osprey.

My birthday is around the corner again. This day creeps up upon me now like dust in the wind. I love the surprises and the extra thoughts from family and friends., but this year my birthday wish is a request from Mother Nature. For the past three years, an Osprey has appeared in the scrub area that borders my yard. The dates of arrival-among other days- were Mother's Day and August 19th, my birthday. For those ornithologists out there I will grant the May visit not out of the ordinary. August is hotter than hot. Most Osprey's and other birds of prey move west into the Everglades. I am anxiously awaiting a return visit from this mysterious connection. I daunt to say it is the spirit of my mother(deceased for almost twelve years now)visiting me on most important days of my year. 

Her acknowledgement of my existence reaffirms my belief in nature's power and wisdom. The majestic visitor spawned an idea that began quiet small and has now seemed to be an on going project with greater visions stewing in the midst. Please forgive me for not elaborating as I am trying to live the walk, not talk the talk. I will say that I feel that everyone has a social responsibility for using their god given talents for the greater good. Yes, idealistic, but let's face it, we need it. 

So, as you will read, I am recording wetland birds and shoreline birds as an advocacy project to restore the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee; raise awareness for the scientific studies that can improve our water issues/crisis; and introduce the people whose vision is to protect and preserve the environment we dwell in. I center my focus on the birds because of the visiting Osprey and because the avians predicate our climate change. Simply, we must learn from the messages that the environment sends us and act.

Researching and Photographing (among others) are my contributing talents.

As my research and images amass, I will share.  

I will continue on my birthday with a live update.