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The witness may approach the bench

In addition to the great wildlife St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers amazing landscapes and vistas. During the summer the lucky visitor may get to witness one of nature’s spectacles, a summer thunderstorm.

A few days ago my wife and I were preparing to leave after a day on the refuge when we noticed a developing thunderstorm. We were at the lighthouse which happens to be one of the best locations for watching and photographing approaching storms. Continue reading “The witness may approach the bench”

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Give the St Marks NWR Refuge animals a brake

During the spring turtles often cross the roads to find sandy areas to lay their eggs.

This turtle had crossed from Lighthouse Pond across the road to lay her eggs on the shoulder of the road and was in the process of going back to the pond when I took these telephoto images.

When you are on the refuge please stay below the speed limit so you don’t kill these vulnerable creatures. (click on image to enlarge)

Continue reading “Give the St Marks NWR Refuge animals a brake”

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Interesting patterns in East River reflecting pool.

The routine prescribed burns at Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge often open up new photographic opportunities.

Some areas of the refuge, such as the section just south of the visitors center, tend to grow thick vegetation that obstructs the view of the east river pool.  Such thick growth is not good habitat for wildlife and regular prescribed fires help restore a more natural habitat.  The fires are good for photographers as it provides new views of the refuge

Below are a couple of images of high water in the East River which created an interesting reflecting pool.

Continue reading “Interesting patterns in East River reflecting pool.”

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Beautiful winter sunsets

I love the sunsets of summer here in Florida, but I have to admit that winter sunsets have a very special beauty.

The sunsets from December to February can be quite remarkable with their vivid red colors and unusual cloud formations. I have noticed that some of my best sunset photos are taken around Christmas to New Years.

Just after Christmas (December 27, 2014)  my wife and I were finishing up our day at the St. Marks Lighthouse when I noticed the clouds and sky were forming up to give a particularly beautiful sunset.
Continue reading “Beautiful winter sunsets”

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Video of St. Marks NWR Fresnel lens removal

Previously I posted a gallery of images from the Fresnel lens removal at the historic St. Marks Refuge lighthouse. (see previous post)

On November 20, 2014 the Fresnel lens was removed from the historic St Marks Refuge lighthouse for the first time in 147 years for cleaning and preservation.

The lens was extracted from the lighthouse by the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse Preservation Association and staff and volunteers from the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Thanks to “Ring Power” for providing the “man lift”, personnel, and all their support on this project!

Continue reading “Video of St. Marks NWR Fresnel lens removal”

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Rufous Hummingbird photobombs video at St. Marks NWR

Shortly after the fresnel lens was extracted from atop the Lighthouse at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, as I recorded the scene of excited staff, volunteers, and media, I heard the exclamation “A Rufous just flew by!”

This quickly led to a discussion of whether it was a hummingbird or a large insect, since most hummingbirds have already migrated south for winter. The flash of mustardy coloration appeared more like the less common (in North Florida) Rufous Hummingbird than that of our common Ruby-throat.
Continue reading “Rufous Hummingbird photobombs video at St. Marks NWR”

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