“There’s a Keel-billed Toucan” When Harry said that, I instantly looked up as it was a new bird for me. To say I looked up is an understatement because even standing on a second story deck, I was straining my neck to look up in the canopy to find this large bird. The bright sky, the dark canopy, the neck strain, while I saw a new lifer, it was a challenge. As the week ticked off, I saw them more and more learning somewhat their pattern seeing them early in the morning the best. It was then I noticed that the trees they preferred were few and far between in the rain forest. This helped me find them but it sure didn’t help them as their habitat had definitely been reduced. It’s then it smacked me in the face that though I was in a gorgeous location, it was a massively degraded habitat and the birds were taking the hit. It was then I was reminded why I first decided not to be an “eyeball” photographer. It is because critters depend on a whole lot more of the world than what one might see in a frame filler photo of that critter. Their world is as important in their portrait as they are! The weird thing was, when my mind came racing back from my decision of forty years prior and my thought process, this Keel-billed Toucan perched in what for me was the perfect click. Evolving bill, colors and habits to thrive high in the dark canopy, they now have bare branches where they stick out. I took it as a plea, a simple statement with many meanings, you see me now?

Of the eleven new “Hummingbird” species I’ve picked up in my first 48 hours here at Rancho Naturalista, the male Green-breasted Mango is a standout! I posted yesterday a photo of the female which we have seen many individuals but this afternoon the male appeared. It’s a flying jewel and even though he is severely outnumbered he stands his ground at the feeder. The best part, he likes to stop before going into the feeder giving you time to place him perfectly in the photo and get a couple of clicks before darting in. As a birder said, “It’s like a portrait studio.” I didn’t even know about Mangos, the hummingbird variety, before yesterday and never really liked the fruit. I’m sure a Mango fan now!

We want to invite you to join us in Florida 16-21 Feb 2025 for our SE Florida / Wakodahatchee Adventure for unbelievable bird photography!

The SE Florida and the Wakodahatchee Wetlands is home to a few hundred species of birds. They are easily accessed like at the wetlands via boardwalk taking us through a number of habitats. Along with other bird hotspots in the area, this is a pixel burning Adventure! We’re heading to Wakodahatchee during breeding season when the Egrets, Spoonbills and others are in their finest. A number of migrating species are back from the south putting on a show for their mate and our lenses. It’s a Adventure where you’ll want the long lens on the tripod and flight lens on the shoulder as we access the wetlands. It’s going to be grand and can’t wait to explore it with you!

The price is $1950 which covers instruction, packet written just for this adventure, premeeting zoo, and transportation once you arrive in Miami, FL and much more (food & lodging not included in the price). There is room for five shooters on this Adventure with two openings available. If you’re interested, please give Sharon a call 406. 240. 3503.