Spotted in Tarpon Springs, FL, over a short Christmas getaway. Their claim to fame? Sea sponges. Spotted amongst a shit-show of tacky tourist stores & all the metallic Christmas garland ever made, this simplistic wall portrait HAD to be photographed. :)

Brooker Creek, Tarpon Springs, FL

A crow throws out the wings to slow quickly.

A Laughing Gull flies over the parking lot ahead of a larger group, looking for a steal.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

A Laughing Gull gathers some solar power as it soars on a cool morning wind.

A new Killdeer check casts a long shadow.

A backlit shot of this Snowy Egret highlights the wing and feather structure.

A Mourning Dove stands watch.

A Great Blue Heron balances uneasily immediately after landing.

©Chuck Palmer-_DSC4950

Tarpon Springs, Florida--Not Athens, Greece.

George Stamas holds the recovered cross high after recovering it from the waters of Spring Bayou during the 117th celebration of Epiphany in Tarpon Springs, Florida

A little Mourning Dove poses for a quick portrait

You are best known for how different you are from the crowd, but you still have to live in harmony with the crowd. - ©Chuck Palmer-_DSC8720

Two ospreys meet in their nest, one having just returned from a fishing trip.

A Tricolored Heron settles in to rest.

#bird #birding #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography

pulling a shot from the archives and working on it

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, FL

They usually aren't though

Don't be like this American Robin

For what else do little butterflies do?

Yesterday was definitely one of those days... so busy at work, can't take a break and enjoy the birds, work late so you've only got time to run. Really leaves you wondering what you're doing.

Kind of like what I imagine this bee is doing. Like, she's on a flower petal, but where's the pollen? What's gone wrong with me here?!

Smile on Saturday -(K)NOT SO BAD!

Great Egret (Ardea alba) ~ Tarpon Springs, Florida

I watched this Great Egret catch this fish off the beach in Tarpon Springs. If anyone knows the species of fish, please feel free to post.

Update: This fish is a filefish, thank you Don and Wayne!

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A Redwinged Blackbird sings his trilling song perched upon the tall grasses and showing off his colorful patches

Tarpon Springs, Florida, USA

A Common Snapping Turtle doesn’t look too happy about our attentions as he prepares to cross the road (don’t worry, we got him across safely!)

A rather large turtle comes up to investigate.

A tufted titmouse shows off its prize from the bird feeder right before it flits off to eat.

The lines of this early-1960s compact car look almost Italian from this angle. Spotted in Tarpon Springs FL.

A tiny native Florida bee munches down on as it gathers pollen

Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) ~ Tarpon Springs, Florida

I have never witnessed these birds fish before, and usually associate them with adapting to our messes and leftovers. I was amazed how this bird was pulling tiny minnows out of the water.

All settled in my new spot now folks. I look forward to getting caught up with everyone's work. For those who are curious, I am living in the New Tampa area.

Thanks for visiting!

A storm front rolls before a beautiful sunset in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

A Great Egret crouches and assumes a striking position, laying in wait.

#bird #birding #birdphotography #nature #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography

Shaking things up a bit today from the bird and animals that have dominated the photo stream lately.

A day late … took a mini staycation to Tarpon Springs , , about 2 hours from where we live , sponge docks is one of my favorite places to go , in the Greek village , nothing better than fresh seafood and Greek cuisine .

Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) ~ Tarpon Springs, Florida

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Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) - Tarpon Springs, Florida

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From Woodbine, GA at Tarpon Springs, FL.

A Green Heron takes aim from high above on a snag.

Semipalmated Plover ~ (Charadrius semipalmatus) - Tarpon Springs, Florida

The sunrise illuminates this semipalmated plover in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

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This osprey's fresh fish catch was apparently unwanted by it's mate at the nest, so it flew right off and landed with it in front of us. It'd try again about 45 minutes later, this time with a bit better luck!