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. ©