I was leaving The Viera Wetlands  one April afternoon because it had started to rain and I assumed there would be no more photography action that afternoon. Suddenly this Least Bittern appeared and took off right beside me! What a gift. These small Bitterns are hard to spot because they blend into their surroundings and even more difficult to photograph in flight because it is SO difficult to find them in the reeds. They live a very secretive life and I was blessed to have this one take off right in front of me at a time when I thought photography for that day was over due to rainy weather.

These Pelicans are so pretty and colorful but they are almost comical with their huge bill. They dive head first for their food and can dive into the water from as high as 65 feet! They can hold 2.5 gallons of water in their throat pouch. Seems a pretty efficient way to eat.

If you live in an area where these immense birds are common this is not an unusual find, but for me this was an exciting photo capture. These birds have an enormous wingspan and this one looks like it is skiing as it is landing right in front of me. I think he is putting his best foot forward. What do you think?

While in Florida a friend took me to see the “green parakeets” in Melbourne.  These birds are native to South America and I have no idea how they established themselves in South Florida, but they are very interesting, beautiful and social creatures. They are also VERY loud!

I was walking along the Click Ponds at the Viera Wetlands and this Juvenile Black-Crowned Night Heron suddenly flew from the edge of the pond. What a Surprise Flight!