Fishing with Granddad

Sometimes I set out to shoot a sunrise or sunset or some wildlife and I stumble upon a completely different subject. I find it is important to keep my eyes open to serendipitous subjects when I’m out with my camera. Sometimes the humans that at first seem to be “in the way,” become the subject, as they tell their own story.

This little girl fishing with her grandfather struck me as a tender scene that would one day become a cherished memory. Early morning in Naples, Florida, March 2019.

When I walked onto the Naples beach near the pilings, I was mainly interested in the birds that would be there, and the abstract patterns the pilings make as they stretch away from the shore. I was strolling around to look at the pilings from different angles, when I realized that the grandfather fishing with the little girl made the most interesting image. I purposely underexposed the shot, so the figures would appear in silhouette. This way, any viewer can put themselves in the scene and relate to the bond between grandparent and child, or even father and child.

While I never went fishing with my Dad, I cherish the memories of the times we shared, especially the quiet times like this.

All Eyes on the Eagle’s Nest

I had no idea how LARGE an eaglet is when it is ready to take flight for the first time, until I visited the Eagle’s Nest near my home in Naples. The “babies” don’t have a white (bald) head or white tail feathers yet, but they are quite large.

This eaglet in Naples FL made its first flight to a nearby pine tree branch, and he surveyed the new view while deciding on his next move.

Eagle admirers have been watching four nests in the region from Venice, FL to Bonita Beach, Naples and Marco Island. I have planned an outing to the Marco Island Nature Preserve and Bird Sanctuary tomorrow to observe those eaglets.

Behind the Hazard Line

The birds have the golf course to themselves early in the morning as the sun rises and begins to dry the dew. This Great Blue Heron was enjoying the tranquility at sunrise at Royal Poinciana Golf Club.

Standing on one leg, the Great Blue Heron managed to scratch an itchy spot under its chin. Great balance!

As our birding guide Brian Beckner observed, “there is a Great Blue Heron observing the hazard line” — the red line in the grass. No one wants you to address your golf ball too close to the water’s edge, as there are alligators lurking in there. It’s better to stand a safer distance from the water.