Pic of the Day

Boat-tailed Grackle, Quiscalus major

Wakodahatchee Wetlands; Delray Beach, Florida

     I just love spring.  This handsome fellow was showing off to attract a female along the boardwalk at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, near Delray Beach, Florida.  Though the image was taken a few years ago, it is still one of my favorite images.

Nikon D300, Nikkor 500mm f/4, 1/250 second @ f/8

Pic of the Day

Green Heron – Wakodahatchee, Florida: This is another image shot at the Wakodahatchee wetlands in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Green Heron, formerly known as the Green-backed Heron and the Little Green Heron is one of the smallest of our heron species. The species is common in Wakodahatchee and usually seen from the elevated boardwalk stalking prey. Greenbacks often hang or perch on limbs inches above the water waiting for a small fish to swim by. The Green Heron is also known for using bait to catch fish. They often use bright colored leaf, bread, worms or other objects to place on the water to attract prey fish. When a fish comes to investigate the heron strikes and catches its meal. The Green Heron nest in loose colonies from Texas to Maine and Florida to the Dakotas. It is also found all along the west coast as well.
Nikon F5, Nikkor 500mm, f4, Ektachorme 100s

Pic of the Day

     Least Bittern – Wakodahatchee, Florida: Another reclusive species that can be seen and photographed at Wakodahatchee is the Least Bittern. Least Bitterns are commonly seen in April and May along the elevated boardwalk. This bittern was photographed in April during the breeding season when bitterns are most active. At wakodahatchee, bitterns build nest in reed beds and clumps of Alligator weeds. This bittern was climbing through reeds when I first noticed it. When I stopped to set-up the camera and tripod the bittern froze in place, a common defensive practice of bitterns. Perching on a reed stalk, the stripped breast and tawny colors of the bittern helps it blend into the background, which makes it more difficult for a predator (the photographer in this case) to see.
Notice how the eyes of the bittern are facing forward. Forward facing eyes gives the Least Bittern binocular vision and exceptional depth perception which is essential for catching fish and frogs.

Nikon F5, 500mm f4, Gitzo Tripod, Monoball head

Pic of the Day

       Sora – Wakodahatchee Wetlands, Florida: The Sora is a member of the rail family and lives in marshes from Florida to Canada across North America. My first encounter with Soras was at Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. I was just starting my career in photography and became fascinated with this species when I first saw one weaving its way through the thick cattails. The opportunity did not present itself for a photograph back then, but 27 years later this encounter in the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, near Del-Ray Beach, Florida was the perfect opportunity. A secretive species, the sora is often heard but seldom seen, especially in open areas where it can be seen in full view. Fortunately for me, this Sora slowly emerged from the reeds into an opening at the edge of open water, giving me the opportunity to shoot a roll of film while it fed on duckweed.Nikon F5, 500mm f4, Provia 100

To read more about Wakodahatchee go to http://www.allaboutbirds.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=977 and read my Great Birding Escape in the Autum 2008 issue of Living Bird Magazine