Lake Trafford, Florida

[Clark]

Halfway through Corkscrew's boardwalk, it rains. Brief, but still had to run for the shelter, along with a couple of other guys.
So, this Carl fellow, insisted that we visit Lake Trafford for airboat ride. And thank the maker he was persistent.
The vendor is Airboats & Alligators. One hour is $35/person.
Kind of felt like a hybrid of Trap/Skeet/Claybirds x Real Good Sex.

First six are across the street from vendor. No need to count.


Little Blue Heron




Tricolored Heron




Limpkin with freshwater clam




The juvies are large at this point.








Boat ride. Many gators here. No need to show.
The clouds are clearing, and the sun is a bit harsh.

Black-necked Stilt


Black-necked Stilt eggs.



Black Skimmer






Cattle Egret




Purple Gallinule

 

[Shiva]

Well Clark, you know your birds and you certainly are excellent at photographing them. #6 is my favorite among all these beautiful pictures.

 

[Marco]

Excellent photos! I love the Tri Colored Heron

Can I save some of your photos for my personal reference...lense..iso...shutter speed and aperture?

 

[likespaphs]

dang. you take some bitchin' photos....

 

[Ernie]

Wow!

 

[Ernie]

Was the "captain" of your airboat an actual guide, taking you to spots to show you choice birds specifically, OR was he the more archetypcial airboater and you just knew what to look for and where?

 

[goldenrose]

Excellent photos! I love the Tri Colored Heron....

Me, too - you've got good taste Marco, errr or should I say eye!
The Black Skimmer is an unusaul dude! ...and that Purple Gallinule is neat too!
Great job Clark! Keep up the good work! :smitten::smitten:

 

[Bob in Albany N.Y.]

All I can say is beautiful. I always love your photos.

 

[Yoyo_Jo]

dang. you take some bitchin' photos....

What he said...

:clap::clap::clap:

 

[cnycharles]

nice pics! eat any gator while down there?

 

[W. Beetus]

You take stunning pictures. Amazing! The pictures are so vivid!

 

[SlipperFan]

Good work, Clark!

 

[Clark]

You folks are very kind.
Thank you.


Marco(Hello)- all my exif data is somewhat consolidated through this link

http://www.slippertalk.com/forum/search.php?searchid=2000059


Hello Ernie.
The airboat driver was a guide. Keep in mind, he makes same trip multiple times a day. Birds knew Fred's face.
But, he knew all the names. Gave descriptions like I was reading guide book. Knew where all the birds were.
Often he would cut the motor while one got to snap away. I used my Canon like a machine gun. In the meantime, he lined up next target.
Great harmony between spotter and shooter.






Swallow-tailed Kite clutching partially eaten reptile




Roseatte Spoonbill










Hope everyone is warmed up.
Time for climax...

Last, but not least, is North America's smallest member of the Heron family.(about 12 inches)



Least Bittern male







Least Bittern female
















Thanks for hanging in there with me.

 

[Marco]

Clark - The least Bittern and the Spoonbill is awesome.

Can you repost the link. It's not working for me.

 

[koshki]

I used my Canon like a machine gun.

I'll bet you did!

Thanks Clark for sharing this...it's a trip I won't ever be able to make, but now I feel like I have (without the mosquito bites! :rollhappy

 

[Ernie]

Thanks, Clark! Might have to make a visit when we get to South FL.

Yum, Gambusia are delicious.

 

[NYEric]

Wow, I'm not really a bird person but some of those look really delicious! :evil:

 

[SlipperFan]

Immature Green Heron? Did you hear it's call?

 

[JeanLux]

Cool pics again, thanks!!!! Good eye, good camera/lens !!!! Jean

 

[Pete]

awesome photos, as usual; thanks clark