I went over to Ollie’s Pond this morning. (Note: For directions, go to the Birding page and look under Charlotte County.)  I walked the complete trail around the pond.  I identified 15 species of birds (without binoculars) and saw another half dozen or so.  Birds seen included Bobwhites, Little and Great Blue Herons, Purple Martins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mottled Ducks, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.  Most of my time was spent concentrating on butterflies, of which there were many.  I saw at least a dozen different species, some of which I was able to get photos of.  

The Photo Adventures Camera Club (Port Charlotte) traveled north to Sarasota to visit the Jungle Gardens.  Although the Gardens normally open at 9:00 am, the management graciously agreed to let us in at 8:00.  This allowed us to take some nice photos before the crowds came.  We spent much of our time at the Mirror Lake, where many of the Flamingos were concentrated.  This lake also had several Wood Ducks, Mottled Ducks, Mallards, and other wild species that would stop by.  This setting was marvelous for obtaining very nice images of Wood Ducks.  Other things of interest at the Gardens included a large display of Parrots, several birds of prey, alligators and crocodiles, and a reptile exhibit (snakes, iguanas, etc). 

Surprise!  No birds.  I haven't been out birding for over a week.  However, my wife, daughter, and I visited the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg to see Dale Chiculy’s Masterworks in Glass exhibit.  This was a wonderful exhibit showing many of Chihuly’s creations.  Taking pictures of these works was allowed; however, tripods and flashes were not.  Thus, taking good images was a challenge in low light photography.

Twelve Auduboners traveled to the Lakeland area for the last PRAS field trip of the season.  Our first stop was the Circle B Bar Reserve.  This is a wonderful area to bird and hike.  Part of it is covered with large live oak trees and much of the remainder is marsh land.  In the live oaks we observed several Summer Tanagers, Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied and Pileated Woodpeckers, Cardinals, Eastern Towhee, and a Great-crested Flycatcher.  By the marsh area we observed quite a number of Egrets (Cattle, Great, and Snowy), Herons (Little Blue, Great Blue, and Tricolored), Ibises (Glossy and White), Spoonbills, Osprey, and a Red-shouldered Hawk.  About 30 different species were observed in the Reserve.

After a picnic lunch, we continued into Lakeland with the next stop being Lake Hunter. The highlight was observing a half-dozen Purple Gallinules (some with chicks).  Our next and final stop was Lake Morton.  This lake features three species of Swans (Black, Black-necked, and Mute) as well as a mixture of Ducks, Egrets, and Herons.  The group observed a total of 51 species for the trip.

Eight members of the Peace River Nature Photography Group traveled to Selby Gardens in Sarasota for a photo outing.  The Gardens provide a great locale for taking outdoor pictures of plants, trees, butterflies, and birds.  Since it is located on the Gulf shore, there was a gentle breeze and lots of shade to keep cool on a nice sunny day.  Of course, there is a green house in which one can take lots of pictures of Orchids.  The day proved to be very productive photo wise, as well as peaceful and restful.