Goat in a bucket

"He loves animals and they love him back!"

I am not an accredited zoologist nor do I hold an advanced degree in any of the environmental sciences...I am simply an enthusiastic young man with a sixth grade education and an abiding love for all God's creatures... "Today we will meet some animals that aren't cute or cuddly..they're weird! and I'm very excited and a little scared."
Our first guest enjoys eating tin cans and what-not...Meet, Goat in a bucket. He has devil eyes.
I bet if this goat could talk he would say things like curse-words and call people doo-doo head..Take him away! That's one funny looking dog. Did you see that weird goat? He has devil eyes.
Thank you Brian Fellows, thank you.

When in Florida...

My friend Kevin reminded me about a few things when I moved to Florida...

"Remember, where ever you are, there is something in the water or woods that can eat you." I often look around wondering how close "they" are...the gators, the sharks, the snakes, the bears, the whatever. When I first saw this fin slicing through the water, I thought for sure I would be strafed and then drug to the depths of the sea, never to be heard from again, then I was introduced to the dolphin...People from Arkansas dont know danged ole nuthin bout no dolphins...they looked like every movie borne shark scene I ever knew. So there you go, if your in Florida watch yourself, watch your hands, your feet, etc. And remember, if that dolphin got the notion, it too could tear you to shreds with lighting quick lethality. ©

Sunflowers that move

Not the wildest, woolliest photo, but one of raw emotion...If you know, "the rest of the story". I heard about this field of flowers from a local woman who spoke of how beautiful it was. What she didn't know, nor did I, was the true beauty that lie in the dirt of this field. Probably no more that a couple of acres, it is certainly a nice place when in bloom. As I stood on the side of that dirt road shooting photos a guy drove up and asked if I was from the local newspaper. I told him "no-just hanging out." We talked for a while about the beauty of the area, his job, his house, etc. He then asked me if I knew the story behind the field. I replied that I did not...Well, apparently the old man across the road owned the property and had been planting it every spring for many years. "It's his wife's Mother's Day present every year", he said. The house faces the field and every morning she could look out the window and see her gift. I tried to cut the conversation short, I was getting a little wet-eyed. I thanked him for the information and waded out into the middle of the field inspired and invigorated that such love and romance still thrives. This shot is the culmination of that day when I learned one more thing about life. ©

Slow and Low

One of the world's slowest and lowest...the St. Johns River stretches from south central Florida to the Northeast, near Jacksonville. Yes, it flows north. I know; "It just don't make no sense." The river's low elevation and corresponding low velocity cause it to be affected by wind and tides as far as 150 miles inland. Its full of Alligators, Manatees, and all forms of "Wild and Woolly" stuff. When traveling the river near where I live, I typically choose to stay in the boat. Between its headwaters and its confluence with the Atlantic it only drops 30 feet. The St. Johns is # 6 on the American Rivers-America's most endangered rivers list for 2008. The primary threat is considered unsustainable water use. I suppose one could surmise that there are plenty of other issues at hand as well... Pollution, development, over harvesting, stupidity, etc. From 1500' it looks quite beautiful. ©

On the recollection of so many and great favours and blessings, I now, with a high sense of gratitude, presume to offer up my sincere thanks to the Almighty, the Creator and Preserver.
~ William Bartram

The "Pimpin Limpkin"

(Aramus guarauna)-Prior to moving to Florida I had never heard nor seen this wonderful creature. They are specialized with their funny bill and unceasing want for Apple Snails. They have no close relatives within the bird world and are typically arrogant and self absorbed, with their fancy apple snails and specialized feeding areas. How they get them out of the shell is still a mystery studied by NASA and the C.I.A. The Limpkin is a resident of Florida, Mexico, and South America. Often found wading in freshwater marshes, flooded timber, and along river banks, it feeds almost exclusively on Apple Snails. However, its not afraid to expand its tastes to the occasional lizard or frog. © listen to songs of this species

Espátula rosada

Espátula rosada- Thats spanish for Roseate Spoonbill! (Ajaia ajaja) OR (Platalea ajaja)...Whatever... its a pretty pink bird with a big bill. As with many endangered, threatened, or species of special concern...they don't seem to like people. Hmmmmm, ya think? So it goes without saying that when you find them interested in something you shoot lots of photos. These were hungry and interested in only one thing... Crabs. (I think). Considered a species of special concern, this bird of the Ibis family was nearly brought to the brink of de-struc-tion - Say it-Cajun Man Style, via plume hunting during the mid 1800's to the early 1900's. Often found in small groups foraging, they sweep their bizarre spoon-like bills back and forth under the surface of the water picking off small fish, crabs, and other aquatic invertebrates. Roseate Spoonbills get their pink color from the pigments they obtain by eating crustaceans. Many folks traveling through Florida mistake them for Flamingos. Courting pairs can be aggressive towards one another but may also be seen sitting closely, clasping bills, eating hourdevours and watching chick-flicks. ©
listen to songs of this species

God is awesome

Resurrection fern...(Polypodium polypodioides)- According to my research it is an epiphyte. Stunning, beautiful, and small by fern standards. Trying to capture it in its glory is not easy. It is what it is. I think this shot does it at least some justice. So the story goes, it dries out turns brown and shrivels up. Then when there is a rain event, it seemingly comes back to life! *Bling*-

Resurrection Fern. ©

Oong-ka-choonk, Oong-ka-choonk, Oong-ka-choonk

Ahhhhh...

The American Bittern, (Botaurus lentiginosus), Elusive, shy, strange, a master of camo. This one was stretching the ole wings-tired I guess. Or maybe trying to hide? I had seen it only once before. Why it let me shoot without worry I dont know. Maybe too tired to care, I can relate to that sometimes. This bird's call is just as strange as itself....The Cornell folks describe it as a deep pumping "oong-ka-choonk." That's funny for a number of reasons... ©

Listen to songs of this species

"Ya want fries with that?"

Listed as a federally endangered species, the Wood Stork, (Mycteria americana), is not just the most beautiful thing to ever fly...However they are fun to watch and can be rather comical. I think they are cute in a ugly kinda way. Anyway, they are interesting and while they are endangered you seem to see them everywhere in Florida. I have seen them in front of the Krystal Burger, the auto zone, and McDonald's. The other day I saw one with a hamburger bun in it's mouth... Seriously, I did. He asked me for a dollar so he could get some fries off of what he called the "So-called value menu". ©

Listen to songs of this species

"Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?"

They seem to be everywhere in Florida. You can find them in the deepest, darkest swamp, or in your suburban backyard. The Barred Owl, or Strix varia...It is also known by locals as the Wood Owl, Striped Owl, Barn Owl, Rain Owl, etc... Regardless, it is an impressive bird. The most common local name is "Hoot Owl". It is typically heard at night or early in the morning...Calls can be highly variable and depend on whats happening in the owl's busy life. Listen to songs of this species Primarily nocturnal they feed mostly on mice. However, I have seen them eat fish, grasshoppers and even squirrels. When living in proximity to humans they will often become quite tolerant and can many times be approached with ease. Throughout the world, many cultures believe that owls are messengers of impending doom or death-or that they carry the spirits of the dead to the underworld. Conversely, others think that they bring luck or enable shamans to talk to the "other side", or even see at night. ©

Chills up my spine

Within the woods of Florida there are many wonderful things...and some, not so much. There are things that dwell within the wild and woolly woodlands that most folks dont wanna talk about. They are secretive, silent, and stay hidden for the most part. They send chills up the spine, make the hair stand up on your neck, "Make you run into trees"-Richard Pryor, pee your pants-(I've heard) and even defy gravity. So next time you find yourself up to your neck in water, brush, or grass...just tell yourself; "It'll be OK, there's not one in here." ©

"Please God, PLEASE...Please-Jesus, don't let there be one in here."

Something simple

Sometimes something simple that is not particularly special catches ones eye...Ole mossy log caught my eye...still not sure why. I like it...Its green, its pretty, its cool and it is essentially nothing compared to so many amazing things one might find on a woodland jaunt. Ole mossy log is the thing that made me smile that day. The mosquito's ate me up while I prepared to shoot it. I still am unsure why it fascinated me...Well there you go, sometimes its the simple quiet things that make an impression. "Rock on" Ole mossy log. ©

Captivation

I was captivated...I moved to Florida about a year ago...chasing my one true-love... the rare and elusive Christie! She is a sight to behold. She really is the most amazing creation. God had a good day that day. He also had a good day when he threw H and E into the mix...Brilliant lil possums.
(Rascalis Continuous) The rest as they say, is history. God Bless em' <"))))><

Now, I am amazed by the wildness that still survives in the back-country of this great place. I have spent time in the high-country of Colorado, the caves of Arkansas, the whitewater of North Carolina and other equally wonderfully woolly places, but I will say that Florida is truly amazing... Never underestimate nature. Before you write me off as an environmental wacko, remember I am above all things a consumer just like the rest of us. I am an American. We tame wilderness, bring in our dozers and change things to make them better, right? Right. Make them better. ENOUGH. Standby for wild and woolly adventures! ©