022512 Florida ~ Everglades Photo Tour Day 2

Even earlier meeting in the parking lot – 5:15 because we were going farther into the park. I chose to go to Mahogany Hammock. There was only one other person, Tom, who wanted to go so we rode with Jeff the group leader. Another from our group, Sean?, joined us in his own car. We pulled over along the access road and waited for sunrise at a spot Jeff had scouted earlier in the week. There was lots of fog so we were able to get some interesting shots. Once the color changed we went on towards the hammocks. Then we saw a stand of cypress trees in the fog with the early morning light so we pulled over again. I am starting to enjoy taking landscape shots again. The hammock is another boardwalk loop – an easy walk. Lots of potential for macro shots, not much else. Sean spotted a pair of barred owls far off in a tree. After he got his shots I put on my scope and tried to get some shots too. It was a challenge because the birds were so high up, not sure I should break a sweat trying to take a picture. We also saw 2 owl chicks, but they were even harder to photograph. We headed back as soon as the sun got high and bright and we lost our good light. It was 87º when we got back to the car.

Same schedule as yesterday – group meeting and critique session from 12:30 until 2:30. Then some much needed rest before the afternoon session.

Deborah and I reconnected in the afternoon to go back to Anhinga Trail. It started to sprinkle when we got there so it was harder to get the shots we would have liked. Highlight was a Great White Heron who had caught a really big fish and was trying to swallow it without dropping it. There were probably 20 tripods all across the trail as we tried to get the shot and keep our gear dry at the same time. I walked the trail much quicker because of the rain. I stopped under 2 of the shelters when it really started coming down. Here are the pix in the rain.

Deborah and I stopped and had supper at the Cracker Barrel near the motel. She is a nice lady and I think we will keep in touch. I was happy to get in early and be able to put my feet up, download the days pix, and check all my things on my computer.