Thursday, February 5, 2009


Black Vulture (February 2005)

In exactly two weeks, I make my now annual trip to the Florida Keys for the Winter Star Party. This image is from the first year I made that trek, from a place I stop every year on the way down, the Everglades National Park. February is an excellent time to visit the Everglades as there are no mosquitoes (yeah!) and is the dry season, so the wildlife congregates at the remaining water holes. I was maybe ten feet from this bird when I took the shot. I could have gotten closer, but my lens was too long. The birds, and gators, are well habituated to the presence of humans. It was a wonderful place to visit. And with the current temperature outside 16ยบ F I can't wait to get there.

6 comments:

Chesney said...

Love this - great closeup and great detail!

Ron a.k.a. Danudin said...

A twitchers heaven it would appear, but no mossies??

jo said...

Terrific picture -- ugly bird!

John said...

Love the detail around the eye. Have to agree with Jo.

Anonymous said...

Great portrait! Have fun!!

mljrbg said...

That is an amazing photo!! Have a great trip.