Audubon’s approximately 13,000 acre Corkscrew Swamp Preserve, near Naples is an absolutely amazing place.   The preserve is home to the largest remaining old growth Bald Cypress stand in North America.  It also hosts the largest nesting colony of Wood Storks in the US.  The benefits of the preserve certainly don’t stop at it’s boundaries.  The preserve is a critical connection for the flow of water to coastal habitats as well as a corridor for the movement of wildlife such as the Florida Panther and the Florida Black Bear.

A 2 and 1/4 mile boardwalk trail will take visitors through Pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh, and the spectacular Bald Cypress Swamp.   In the swamp,  the variety and sheer density of ferns, bromeliads, and even orchids is breathtaking.

Corkscrew Swamp Boardwalk

Early morning light illuminates Royal Ferns, Strap Ferns, Leather Ferns, etc.

The lobby of the Blair Audubon Center was displaying photographs from the 2009 Florida Forever Calendar, published by LINC to promote awareness of the Florida Forever land acquisition program.  It was great seeing all the photographs presented in this larger format.

Not far from Corkscrew is Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.  The strand, running north to south, is  about 20 miles long and five miles wide.  It includes swamp, prairies, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine rock lands, and native groves of Royal Palms, all connected by a slow moving, shallow slough.  It’s the main drainage slough for SW Florida’s Big Cypress Swamp.  At it’s southern end is one of the world’s most productive estuarine ecosystems.  One of the most exciting things about visiting Fakahatchee Strand is the possibility of seeing Florida Panthers or Florida Black Bears.  It’s the only place I’ve ever personally seen a Florida Black Bear in the wild.  Other endangered animal species that might be seen here include Indigo Snakes, Everglades Mink, and Diamondback Terrapins.  I don’t doubt the State Park brochure that boasts 44 native orchid species and 14 native bromeliad species.   For those that don’t want to brave the heat, the biting insects, or the wet terrain, Janes Scenic Drive, an 11 mile road (unpaved) provides easy access for viewing some of the marvels of Fakahatchee Strand.  Tram roads from the area’s logging days provide relatively easy hiking (and even biking) for a more up close and personal view of the strand.  For the adventurer, not afraid to get a little wet, a swamp walk is probably the best way to experience this magical place.  If you only have a little time,  there’s a boardwalk into Fakahatchee Strand off of Tamiami Trail.

One of my favorite sights-canoe, bikes, time for outdoor adventure!

Janes Scenic Drive

Ludwigia submerged under flowing water

More Florida fall colors. This might be my favorite photo from the trip.

Red Shouldered Hawk

A rather smug looking Alligator.

Driving out of Fakahatchee, just as it was getting dark, we came across two snakes crossing the limestone road.  The snake on the left is clearly a Water Moccasin (Cotton Mouth).   I’m not 100% certain but I think the snake on the right is a Mangrove Salt Marsh Snake.  The color and markings of this snake are incredibly variable making it tough to make a definitive ID.  If any of my herp friends can verify this snake’s ID from my technically poor photograph (using a weak flashlight as a light source), I’d be grateful.

Water Moccasin (Cotton Mouth) - Mangrove Salt Marsh snake (?)

For the end of our trip, we decided to head over to the east coast and paddle the Loxahatchee River.  This was our first time on this river and we weren’t disappointed.  The river is a Federally designated “Wild and Scenic River”.  It starts out as meandering fresh water creeks and as it gets closer to the Atlantic it transitions to a tidal brackish estuary before ultimately flowing into the bay and the Atlantic.  We didn’t have the luxury of a shuttle service for our trip so we did an out and back paddle, launching from Riverbend Park.

Cypress and Palms along the banks of the river

Stangler Fig encircles a Cypress trunk

This is the second of two blog entries from our recent South Florida trip.  The first entry is here

Now more than ever, I’m compelled to spend as much time as possible exploring these wonderful places.  Beyond my vote and my voice on political issues affecting the environment, the best thing I can do is to share what I find so special about these places with other people.  Since I think I can say more with photos than I can with words, I’ll let the photos do most of the talking.

Here is a sampling of the photos I recently made while visiting Big Cypress National Preserve.

A white bird convention along Tamiami Trail (Mostly Wood Storks and Great Egrets, a few Snowy Egrets and Ibis in the mix too.)

View from Tamiami Trail

Florida fall color along the canal that parallels Turner River road.

American Alligator

An impressive set of pearly whites!

Cypress

Little Blue Heron

Morning light on the grasses

Cabbage Palms in late day light

This was our first time paddling on Turner River.  For me, the highlight of this trip was the Mangrove tunnels.  The prop roots covered in epiphytes (air plants) were amazing.  We were the first canoe on the river that day and had it to ourselves for most of the trip.  It made for a very peaceful experience.  The downside to being first and being in the front of the canoe was basically clearing all the spiderwebs with my face as we moved through the tight tunnels.  I’ m not talking a web here and there, I’m talking one right after another, the entire way.  Had I gathered all the fibers from my face and hat, I think it would have been enough to weave a blanket.  Still, a small price to pay for such a beautiful trip.  I was just grateful the biting insects were minimal.

When we started out, it was fairly cool and the sun was just rising.  As we were finishing our trip, the sun was high and the day was warming up.  This is when the Alligators start to come out to bask.  This little one found a perfect spot on a fallen log extending out over the river.  I was surprised he stayed put while we maneuvered the canoe into a position where I could get an unobstructed photo.  Typically these baby gators are more shy.

A youngster basking on a fallen log.

Whenever visiting Big Cypress, I make it a point to visit Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery.  This trip was no exception.  Not only can you see his wonderful work, you can walk a beautiful  little nature trail behind the gallery.  I highly recommend a visit.

Next up will be photos from Corkscrew Swamp and Fakahatchee Strand, two of my all-time favorite places.

This past Sunday, I had a photo shoot at Ft. Desoto with some Siberian Huskies for an editorial submission.  My models were provided by Lou and Dawn with Husky Haven.  They run a Husky rescue here in the Tampa Bay area and work tirelessly on behalf of the wonderful animals that are fortunate enough to land in their care.  Click here for their website and here for their facebook page.

We started out in the dog park area.  It’s a huge fenced area with a manicured lawn.  I was surprised when we first arrived that there weren’t other dogs in the park.  I soon realized why.  The mosquitoes quickly attacked every square inch of exposed skin.  I’m pretty sure I lost a pint of blood in the time it took me to dig out the industrial strength Cutters from the bottom of my bag and douse myself with it (I also shared with everyone else).  I have never seen it that bad before.  I regret I didn’t have the presence of mind to photograph the carnage before applying the repellent.  Of course, I might have required a transfusion if I delayed any longer.

We didn’t spend too much time in the dog park.  It was hot and the dogs just wanted to sit in the shade and drink ice water.  I knocked out the basic shots needed and we headed for the dog beach where there would be a breeze and no mosquitoes.

Monte gets a nice cold drink.

Monte and Kolchak (inseparable brothers) hanging out in the shade with Lou.

Dawn, Kosmic, Dusky, Kolchak, Monte, and Lou walking along the shoreline.

I wanted a photo of one of the dogs swimming.  We had no idea how he would react to the water but we decided to give Dusky a try.  Sarah, my assistant is always a trooper.  Not even thinking about the fact she was wearing jeans, I asked her to walk Dusky into the water to see how he would do.  Sarah, as usual, didn’t hesitate.

Sarah takes Dusky into the water for the first time.

It turns out Dusky LOVES the water.  Most dogs, when you take them out into the water, will swim back to shore when you let them go.  Dusky kept wanting to either swim further out or swim parallel to the shore.  He really didn’t want to get out.

Dusky loves swimming!

I think Dusky even liked the taste of the salt water.

Sarah’s boyfriend Ben was tagging along.  He happens to be a fantastic photographer, specializing in photojournalism.  He and Sarah made perfect models when I asked them to help me simulate a pet portrait shoot.  Kosmic did a great job too.  I was really pleased that he patiently stayed in his chair and smiled for the camera.

Kosmic poses for his glamour shot!

We were just barely finished shooting this series when I looked up and saw the approaching storm.  It was moving in fast and we were out of time.  Kosmic graciously  posed for a few more frames.  This was the last frame of the Husky shoot before we had to pack up and head for shelter. We hoped the storm would pass as quickly as it arrived.  It didn’t.  It was actually a series of storms that meant the end of the dog shoot.

Kosmic gets the last frame before we called it quits. I think he was ready to go too!

It wasn’t the end of shooting for me.  As I was driving out of Ft. Desoto, I looked to the West and saw what was potentially going to be an incredible sky as the sun fell lower.  Of course, this would all depend on the storms.  I turned around and drove to North Beach and waited.  When it seemed the rain had stopped, I grabbed my gear and headed to the north end of North Beach.  It was still raining a little but there were lulls.  There was also quite a bit of lightening but nothing immediately overhead (a fools assessment). I was rewarded with some truly wonderful skies.  As the light began to fade, the rain started again.

[EDIT: Great News! Since posting this blog entry, Dusky has found a permanent home!]

Friday morning, despite the threat of rain, was spent paddling on the Weeki Wachee River.  This spring fed river begins at Weeki Wachee Springs.  Some may know of this spring for it’s Mermaid attraction and water park (Buccaneer Bay).  Here’s some history and information on the spring, which is now a State Park (and still has a mermaid show) http://www.weekiwachee.com/about-us/history-of-weeki-wachee-springs.html

Of course, we weren’t there for the mermaids or the water park.  We were there to experience the section of river that’s still undeveloped.  The river is gorgeous with it’s 72 degree turquoise water.  It’s an easy paddle with the current provided by the first magnitude spring.  Just a little steering is all that’s needed.   I just wish the last section of our paddle wasn’t so developed.  The seawalls and manicured lawns are a jolt. It’s a great example of how human presence can destroy the very thing that attracted us in the first place.

Spring Fed Weeki Wachee River and my husband David who did most of the paddling (as usual)

After our paddle, we met up with my brother for some lunch and some time indoors due to a torrential down pour.  When the skies cleared, we headed over to Homosassa Wildlife Management Area to scout the area for some hiking this fall when the temperatures, humidity, and biting insects are a little more forgiving.  This time, we just did a short hike (on the wrong trail).  My brother nearly stepped on a Water Moccasin.  I’m not sure who jumped faster, the snake or my brother.  The snake high tailed it into a thicket and my brother realized the importance of sticking to the trail and watching his step. When we were returning from our hike, the snake was right back in the same spot, sunning.

A Banded Watersnake seen on the Weeki Wachee / The Water Moccasin that was nearly stepped on by my brother

My brother took us for a late day boat ride through the north portion of Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.  The 31,000 acre refuge is made up of saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and even hardwood swamps.  It was established in 1943, mostly to provide habitat for waterfowl.  However, it’s also very important for Manatees who hang out in the tidal bays, creeks, and rivers.  The whole area is simply beautiful!

My brother David and his wonderful wife Debbie. They live just on the edge of the refuge.

Of course, Mare (David and Debbie's dog) came along for the ride!

Chassahowitzka NWR-A beautiful summer sky between storms

Chassahowitzka NWR

Chassahowitzka NWR, viewed from viewing platform recently installed. Also the start of a canoe/kayak trail.

Saturday was spent scalloping in the sea grass beds several miles out in the Gulf.  I wish I had some photos to share but I had technical difficulties with the waterproof enclosure I used for my husband’s point and shoot camera.  The camera stayed dry but the enclosure rendered the metering system useless.  Next time, I’ll just take the Nikonos loaded with film.  Regardless, we had a great time.  It was a beautiful day.

On Sunday, after a lazy morning and lunch at Riverside (where my nephew was working), we did the loop drive at Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, again to scope out the area for some future hikes.  The loop road takes you through upland pinelands, hardwood swamps, sandhill, and scrub.  It’s really amazing how just a few feet change in elevation can lead to such starkly different plant communities.

Varied plant communities in Chassahowitzka WMA- A curious Barred Owl

There are several roads leading off the main loop.  One, marked only by a faded 10×10 inch dive symbol leads to Eagles Nest Sink.  What appears to be nothing but a small pond is a destination for divers from all over the world.  We spoke with one couple that just finished their dive.  They were there on their wedding anniversary.  Deep in the cave, the husband presented his wife an anniversary gift of gems.  I thought that was very sweet.  This same couple told us about a spring in the Wildlife Management Area that’s not marked on the map.  I can’t wait to find it the next time we’re there!

Eagles Nest Sink

________________

I also recently wrote an online course for Dog Channel’s Dog College.  This was the second course I’ve written on photographing pets.  This more advanced course teaches basic concepts of lighting, setting proper white balance, and understanding exposure.  I don’t have a screen grab of the course but here are a few photos used to illustrate lessons.

________________

The latest Bully Breed Training Issue, part of the Popular Dog Series was recently published.  There were quite a few LMEimages included.  Here are some of the images.  Thanks again to all who participated in shoots for the issue.  I hope you had as much fun as I had! A special thanks to Jeanette and Diablos Bullies.

________________

Also part of the Popular Dogs Series is the Pug issue that was  just published.  LMEimages is well represented thanks to all the great dogs and people who helped with the shoot!  Here are some of the images included in the issue.

He has come a long way!  During our photo session, there were no signs of his earlier life traumas.  He was playful, social, inquisitive, sweet, goofy, and adorable.  His turn-around is no doubt due to the love and care provided by his foster parents, Leslie and Brian who ultimately failed at fostering and simply had to adopt this lovable Lab.

I’m so glad Skipper found such a wonderful home and so glad I had the opportunity to meet and photograph all three!

Skipper Dances For Us

Skipper With His Current Favorite Toy

About To Catch The Ball

Just Some of Skipper's Many "Looks"

A Very Happy Family!

Yesterday, I got a call from my Nephew letting me know he and his Fiance were in town for the day with their new puppy Lily.  Luckily, the only thing on my schedule for the evening was a Zumba class that could certainly be skipped to make room for a photo session at the dog beach.

Because of his busy work and school schedule, Mitchell has missed a few of the recent family get-togethers.  We don’t get to see him much these days.  I was so excited to spend some time with him and meet his new puppy.

Mitchell and Lily

Having only met her once before, I was also excited to spend more time getting to know his beautiful Fiance, Tiffany.  She’s  a joy to be around and we are looking forward to welcoming her into the family!

Tiffany and Lily

Of course, Lily the 3 month old Lab puppy was an absolute charmer!

Lily

It was fun watching her during her first visit to the beach.  At first she was a little reluctant to go in the water or venture too far from Mom and Dad.

Lily sticking close to mom and dad

She was reluctant to wade out through the small breaking waves so Mitchell carried her out past them so she could swim.

Mitchell consoling Lily who was a little afraid of the light surf.

Any lingering anxiety quickly disappeared when Lily met her new friend, a white German Shepard, about the same age as Lily.  The two of them really hit it off and had a great time.  Check out his ears.  They’re huge.  I’m not sure it’s possible he’ll ever grow into them.  I think one of his parents might have been a rabbit.

Lily Making Friends

Lily’s new friend really was a great pup.  He was already displaying nice manners and has learned several commands.  I really do love his ears!

Lily's friend showing us how well he sits for a treat. Lily also sits nicely but not in this photo.

Lily taking a break

Lily wondering whey she's not getting all the attention

Such a cute couple!

The Family Portrait

Florida Scrub Jay-Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

This one was wearing some jewelry.  Actually, most of the birds here were banded.

Florida Scrub Jay, Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

Florida Scrub Jay-Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve

Cedar Key is a mecca for fisherman.  I’m more interested in exploring the Salt Marshes by canoe.  Next visit for sure!

I’m pretty sure the many chigger bites are the result of making a series of photos from this location.

Salt Marsh Near Cedar Key

Another highlight was a drive through Goethe State Forest.  It was a beautiful weekend day with perfect weather.  We practically had the place to ourselves.  I’m still not sure why there weren’t more people there enjoying this beautiful forest.  We will certainly be planning more visits to this place!

Goethe State Forest-Pine Flatwoods

Goethe State Forest-boardwalk to 900+ year old Cypress Tree (It's huge!)

There was a small water-filled sink hole just off one of the forest roads.  This 7.5 ft American Alligator was hanging out in it.  When I approached the edge of the sink, the gator swam right up to me.  I’m guessing someone has been feeding him.

American Alligator

Despite living in Florida my entire life,  I keep finding new and wonderful places to explore.  Each one reinforces my commitment to document and share what natural Florida has to offer in the hope that others will see their value and join the fight to protect them for future generations.

I love making photos but there are parts of the business of photography that are simply chores.  Like most of my chores,  If I can come up with a plausible excuse to postpone doing them, I will.  This Saturday morning, that excuse was the perfect weather and the argument that a nice paddle on the Hillsboro River would invigorate me, give me that extra something needed to trudge through the pile of work that awaits me.  Of course, I didn’t really believe it at the time-just justifying my irresponsibility.  Maybe I believe it now.  It’s Sunday afternoon and my photo submission is complete, the article is nearly written, and I’ve outlined my plan for the article photos.  I’m ahead of where I thought I’d be at this point.

Hmmmmm, that means I get to reward myself by allotting time to review the photos I made yesterday morning while paddling.   OK, I’ll call it what it is.  I’m procrastinating again.  I’m just not in the mood to finish the article or shoot the photos.  My dog models need baths before we shoot anyway.

Here’s what I did yesterday morning when I should have been working.

A beautiful morning on the Hillsboro River

We saw a bunch of wading birds including this gorgeous Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Little Blue Heron In Flight

Little Blue Heron Scratching an Itch

An Immature Little Blue Just Standing There Doing Nothing

Great Blue Heron Taking Off

Great Egret Flying

In addition to the birds pictured above, we also saw Limpkins,  Tri-Colored Herons,   Anhingas, Kingfishers, Several different species of Woodpeckers, and heard tons of songbirds.

The morning started out a little cool and overcast but as the sun broke through and warmed things up, the Alligators started emerging.  The first sighting was this little guy.

Baby Gator

We found this momma Gator ready and able to defend her very new babies who were croaking in the vegetation as we approached.  Part of me wanted to wait to see if the babies would emerge from hiding and climb up on their Mom.  However, I didn’t want to upset her so we backed off.

Momma Gator (babies hidden in vegetation)

We didn’t have to go far before we came up on this Gator making his way up onto a fallen tree for some sun bathing.

American Alligator

This Gator claimed some prime basking real estate and was drifting off to dream land as we drifted by.

Basking American Alligator

By the time the sun was high enough for basking, it was time for us to head home.  Work awaited.  So did this Black Vulture.

Black Vulture at Canoe Launch, Hillsboro River

My magical morning on the Hillsboro River was at an end.  It was time to work!…..after a nap.

Nikki was taken to SPCA Tampa Bay for evaluation and treatment.  Obviously, her ears couldn’t be salvaged.  Luckily, under the great care of the SPCA staff and Dr. B, surgery to remove the necrotic ear tissue was successful and Nikki quickly recovered.

After following Nikki’s story, I was honored to have an opportunity to photograph her with some of the people who have helped her and have, in turn, been touched by her wonderful spirit.

Here’s Dr. B cuddling with Nikki during our photo session.

Nikki is wondering why we keep making strange sounds and why her brother (sitting behind me with his parents) isn’t joining her for some play time.

This chew stick seems to be the current favorite.  She kept going back to it when she got bored with us.

Here’s Nikki with her wonderful parents and her favorite sibling/playmate, Jaxson.  Nikki also has some Greyhound siblings at home.  What a lucky little puppy!!

Unfortunately, Nikki’s story isn’t all that unique.  Unbelievably, it’s not even the worst case.  What’s unique is that she was discovered in time to help her and to place her in a fantastic home.  Thousands of dogs just like Nikki fall victim to the cruelty of humans every day.  Dogs are burned by cigarettes, dragged behind trucks, placed on grills, doused with boiling water, kicked, hit, stabbed, and drowned.  Those in the dog fighting arena face a particularly horrific fate.  How much longer will we tolerate this?  What does it say about us as a society when we do little more than slap the wrists of those who commit such terrible acts of cruelty.

Nikki’s story is another reminder that we have to do better.  It’s also a story about those who dedicate their time, money, careers, and hearts to saving those that don’t have their own voice.  Mostly, Nikki’s story is about the uncanny ability for abused dogs to forgive, trust, and enjoy life, a lesson for us all!

If you want to help dogs like Nikki, I encourage you to raise your voice and take a stand.  Donations to the SPCA help too.