Five Flags for July Fourth

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.

Out Parked by a Pileated Woodpecker

We’ve all been through it. Find a parking space, all clear, all yours. Prepare to move in, and some wild guy rushes in ahead of you. But today, on Sanibel, some one rushed in right over me.  Landed right in front of my car. About three feet from my bumper.

Not wanting to trigger parking space rage, I stay in the car and document the offense through my windshield.  But not satisfied with the quality of my evidence.. 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.

What is on the dock this morning

We get so many great birds on our dock: eagles, great blue, green, tricolor and little blue herons, eagles, osprey, ducks, yellow crown night herons, and an occasional kestrel.

It is always fun to walk out first thing in the morning, to see who is visiting today.

Well it isn’t a kestrel.

Sprucing up for the photo shoot.

Is this my good side?

Or is the right profile better?

 

Why is he looking at me with a glint in his eye?

 

 

I see you, too.

When vultures fly over me, I usually shake my fist and yell, “Not Yet!” But they are leaders in the art of locally sourced food, and it is nice to spend some quality time together once in awhile.

Bill Brewer Family Gardens

at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers

Enjoy the slideshow:

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Redhead

Charlie Brown had his Little Red-Haired Girl.  We were fortunate to have this lovely redhead male visit for several days, a rarity for our backyard.

Resting in Circles

Stately Pose

Rise Up

Staring Contest

Field Goal

Cliche

You can learn a lot more by searching the internet. I found this article especially enjoyable: http://www.audubon.org/birds-of-america/red-headed-duck.

At Home with the American White Ibis

I haven’t been out and about as much as I would like lately, so it is good I can find so much entertainment at home. We live on a lake, which is actually an 11-acre retention pond. Fortunately a lot of wildlife stops by.

This week, the most entertaining guests was a small group of American white ibises. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

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To learn more about the American white ibis, please visit: http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/white-ibis

 

 

 

 

 

Sunset Gathering at the Causeway

Every month or so, a group of us gather at the Sanibel causeway for sharing, caring, sunsets and fellowship. Click on any image to see a larger version.

We are members and friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers, http://www.uucfm.org/.
Photos (c) John Swank.

Dynamic Dock Day: Part 1, Otters

We love having wildlife visit our dock in South Fort Myers. We have had a variety of critters over the years, but Sunday was special. First up were four otters, who were not at all concerned we were nearby.

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Have another minute? Here is a video of the otters in action

For Elaine’s fun blog including a narrative of this wonderful event see http://www.ewswank.wordpress.com.
Part 2 coming soon.

Ozzie and Harriet in Good Times

Ozzie and Harriet, our North Fort Myers eagles, have been favorites throughout Southwest Florida, and, thanks to an eagle cam, in many other places around the country and globe. Unfortunately, Ozzie recently died after being attacked by another male eagle. Here are some of my photos of the pair and their family, from the past several years.

Ozzie in Flight 3

Ozzie in Flight 2

Ozzie in Flight 1

Ozzie

Harriet and Chick

That’s a strange bird.

Checking in.

Harriet relaxes by the pond.

The look out.

Big bird, small bird.

Looks like a big world out there.

Mom’s up there.

All together a little longer.

Let’s figure out how these things work.

This could be fun.

Look out for the tree.

Letting go.

Flapping.

Calling.

Getting the hang of it.

Clean up time.

Flying low.

Where has E4 gone?

Family time.

Coming in.

Big tree.

Checking things out.

Take off.

Desert Rose

By the entrance to our pool, just outside the backdoor, is a stand with a desert rose. It is thriving under my wife’s loving care. I pass it everyday, not always paying attention. This past week, it has called out to be noticed. I responded, and took these photos over the course of a week. View them as a slide show, and/or scroll down to view larger images.

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Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Desert Rose

Desert Rose Trunk

Desert Rose