Barred Owl - Corkscrew Swamp

The barred owl, also known as northern barred owl or hoot owl, at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Florida this afternoon. The swamp has way too much water and as a result, the number of birds is minimum. This owl remained with its eyes closed for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, when the park staff came by to say we had to leave, I stopped by to get this image.

Panasonic Lumix G9 and the Leica 100-400 mm lens - hand-held.  Exposure triad: f/6.3, 1/60 sec, ISO 500.

MINWR Field Workshop

January 25, 2019 - 7:00 AM field trip to Merrit Island National WIldlife Refuge, Black Point Drive yielded some decent images once the clouds dissipated and we got some good light. The day prior was a washout because of the storm that came through the area - high winds, heavy rains and reports of tornados.

Reddish Egret fishing - Panasonic Lumix G9 with the Leica 100-400 mm lens. Exposure triad: f/6.3, 1/800 sec, ISO 500

This year the number of Glossy Ibis in the reserve is exceptional. I have never seen so many flocks of 20 Ibis or more.

Glossy Ibis stepping into the water - Panasonic Lumix G9 with the Leica 100-400 mm lens. Exposure triad: f/6.3, 1/1000 sec, ISO 640

On the other hand, the Roseate Spoonbills are not as abundant as in past years.

Roseate Spoonbill with a Great Egret keeping a watchful eye - Panasonic Lumix G9 with the Leica 100-400 mm lens. Exposure triad: f/7.1, 1/1300 sec, ISO 200

Reddish Egret at Ding Darling NWR

Managed a little time at the Ding Darling NWR on Sanibel Island.  The Reddish were very active but because of the water levels remained at a distance.  These two images were captured using the Panasonic Lumix G85 and the Leica 100 - 400 mm lens.  It is nice to have an 800 mm equivalence.