Elaine and I have been enthralled by the birds and other wildlife here in Southwest Florida. One Fourth of July I was inspired to pay homage to the flag we love with birds we love. I call this “Flying the Flag.” It consists of three images I took at the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Note: I did not approach a wild eagle to get the image. It was on display for educational purposes.
I created the piece below to support efforts to restore the Iwo Jima Memorial in Cape Coral. This is a photo of the statue before repairs, superinposed on an image of a flag flying there.
Life may not be a bed of roses but this Flag of Roses is meant to honor the beauty of our nation’s ideals.
I saw this flag in the window of a falling down building in rural California. It spoke to me so I captured it.
And finally, a frangipani flag. Because why not.
Pretty soon he becomes careless and flaunts his dominance. I quietly put down my window to get a few mug shots through the small space between the car body and the driver’s mirror.
After a while he flies, but lands close enough for a shot of him going about his business as if nothing had happened. 
If you encounter this wild guy give him plenty of space. He could peck the heck out you.
