slideshow: PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS

ALLIGATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:23 GMT

]]>This big bull was at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Preserve in the canal by La Chua Trail.

ALLIGATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:26 GMT

]]>This gator was on a log resting and soaking up some sun, letting it's legs stretch out. Florida Everglades, Everglades National Park.

ALLIGATORS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:31 GMT

]]>Ok, we get the idea... you guys just relax and this photographer will come back a little later. Maybe they can read after all... La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy, Florida.

ALLIGATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:36 GMT

]]>This Alligator, which was about 8 or 9 feet long, swam up to where I had my camera on the shore of the canal at La Chua Trail. When he looked at me, he raised his head up slightly from the water's surface and I saw this reflection. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

ALLIGATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:39 GMT

]]>This gator was swimming along and then suddenly decided he wanted to open his mouth. Perhaps it was an aggression sign or a reminder to another gator that this was his territory. He was not "booming" as they do to make the water dance on their back. Who knows, maybe he just stayed up and watched Leno....

ALLIGATOR AND SPIDER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:44 GMT

]]>This baby Alligator is sneaking up slowly on a spider, hoping for a meal.

AMERICAN ALLIGATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:48 GMT

]]>A super big yawn on a warm sunny afternoon as this little guy soaks up the sun.....

WAYLON AND THE BABY GATOR

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:13:53 GMT

]]>I took Waylon, my grandson, for a hike on La Chua Trail one morning this week. He saw lots of wonderous things, (such as Papa stepping in a Bison hole, and still managing to keep his balance and not drop the camera and tripod) along with many birds and other critters. He also found a baby gator 16 or so inches long in the grass on the side of the trail. No, I didn't let him catch it or play with it. The picture tells it all.....

BADGER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:05 GMT

]]>The other Badger that showed up as we were watching the first one. A couple or rivals, we never figured out. They never crossed paths, and we weren't sure if they knew each other were there or not. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

BIGHORN SHEEP

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:08 GMT

]]>This is the leader of this pack. He was just sitting in the back of the herd looking at 15 photographers snapping away at him. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

BISON COW AND CALF

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:14 GMT

]]>"Who are you and why are you looking at me?" Kids of all ages and all species are always curious.... Madison River Plain, Yellowstone National Park.

COYOTE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:23 GMT

]]>Coyote in Yellowstone National Park, near Geyser Basin, intently looking for something to eat after a snowfall overnight.

COYOTE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:25 GMT

]]>This is the other of the pair of the coyotes at Geyser Basin. Yellowstone National Park.

ELK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:30 GMT

]]>This bull elk was walking along the Madison River just inside Yellowstone National Park.

ELK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:32 GMT

]]>This bull was crossing the Madison River and bugling in the fall rut. Yellowstone National Park.

MOOSE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:38 GMT

]]>This young male was in the flats around Obsidian Creek off the northwest part of the loop road, south of Mammoth Hot Springs. Yellowstone National Park.

PRAIRIE DOG

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:46 GMT

]]>As always, I tend to become focused on using my long lenses when I shoot birds and critters. I was working hard to take the previous photo when I looked up to give my eyes a rest and this fella was on the side of the road watching me take his cousins photograph. He wanted to know if I needed any help, to which I said no. He said ok, have fun, and went back in his hole. At this time I realized that I had spent way too much time in the desert sun... Got a Diet Pepsi and left. Just off I-70 at the Moab Road interchange.

PRONGHORN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:51 GMT

]]>This buck was found in northern New Mexico near Raton.

RED FOX

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:16:55 GMT

]]>He climbed down off the rock, sitting and looking at us. He did a little grooming, licking his fur, and trying to wake up. (3 of 5)

RED FOX

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:01 GMT

]]>He walked behind a small knoll, out of my sight, and as he walked out, he had this squirrel in his mouth. He started walking toward me with the squirrel. (4 of 5)

RED FOX

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:10 GMT

]]>Utter Contempt. "Don't you even think about my squirrel...." He walked toward me with his catch, and for a moment, I had visions of being killed or maimed by an upset high performance poodle sized dog.... (5 of 5)

RED FOX

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:15 GMT

]]>This little one had made his burrow underneath an old abandoned railroad track just south of Drummond, Montana. Robin shot this photo and with her motordrive, got 5 frames off just before he disappeared.

WHITE TAILED DEER FAWN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:18 GMT

]]>We saw this newly born fawn trying to stand up in a brushy area. This was taken near Maxville, Montana.

BISON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:38 GMT

]]>This bison was near the Geyser Basin not far from Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park.

MARMOT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:17:41 GMT

]]>Red Bellied Marmot is what I think this is called. At Sheepeaters Cliff, Yellowstone National Park.

BOBCAT AND TURKEY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:20 GMT

]]>"Now I see why they all took off....... C-Ya....!"

COTTONTAIL RABBIT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:24 GMT

]]>This Cottontail is more likely to be found in pastures and around dry cover as opposed to the Marsh Rabbit in the previous two pictures. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

HORSE PAYNES PRAIRIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:26 GMT

]]>Happy to see me? I doubt it. Don't know what this was...

HORSES PAYNES PRAIRIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:32 GMT

]]>The whole time they were grazing, they kept an eye on me.

RACCOON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:36 GMT

]]>One of the Racoon family (three of them) on a different day.....

RIVER OTTER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:40 GMT

]]>This Otter was in the brush (east) side of Bird Bridge. It kept sticking its head up inside the sticks and brush looking at me. Finally it moved into the open and I was able to capture its portrait.

RIVER OTTER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:47 GMT

]]>You can almost imagine this otter staring back at us thinking.....

"Are you talkin' to me? Whatta' ya mean I got a fish hangin' outta' my mouth...... What's it to ya??"

RIVER OTTER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:51 GMT

]]>Check out those teeth. This otter caught a small fish underwater and proceeded to eat it as he was swimming.

SHERMAN'S FOX SQUIRREL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:53 GMT

]]>Same squirrel, on the ground.

WHITE TAIL DEER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:19:58 GMT

]]>These two does were in the brush in the fog, backlit by the sun.

WHITE TAIL DEER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:00 GMT

]]>This buck is also in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and was one of the "satellite" bucks with the previous buck.

WHITE TAIL DEER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:06 GMT

]]>This buck is from Wekiva State Park, in Central Florida.

WHITE TAIL DEER FAWN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:10 GMT

]]>I know it was fictional, but when I saw this I thought of Jody finding Flagg in the old wild Florida. This was just after the rains of late summer and I don't know who had more bites from the mosquitos, the deer or me. This little one is at Manatee Springs State Park.

BISON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:47 GMT

]]>Now this was shot with a 600 mm Nikon lens, and the minimum focusing distance is about 21 feet or so. I was already getting into the place I determined was going to be my little refuge, the steel culvert.

BISON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:20:50 GMT

]]>She continued to get closer to me. She then came right up to me, sniffed me, and then went back to eating. I didn't feel particularly threatened, but it is important to remember that these are wild animals and should never be approached or touched.

PENINSULA RIBBON SNAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:21:56 GMT

]]>It was a warm November day with no wind, when I saw the weeds moving on the grassline of Lake Wauburg, in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. It took me about 5 minutes to spot this little face looking back at me. He was about 15 to 18 inches long and very well camoflaged.

FLORIDA COTTONMOUTH

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:22:04 GMT

]]>This one was not impressed with my presence. I did nothing to provoke him, except take his picture, (from 20 or so feet away, I might add). He is much older than the prior Cottonmouth as he is turning muddy brown. Thank the Good Lord for 600mm lenses...

YELLOW RAT SNAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:22:06 GMT

]]>This encounter is typical of the animals that can be seen in our state parks. This was on the La Chua Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. I watched for about 15 minutes and finally the snake gave up and moved off. The grasshopper apparently was not worth it.

HOG NOSED SNAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:22:08 GMT

]]>By the time I turned this guy around to get a better photo of his head, I was actually beginning to wonder was this an escaped cobra from some zoo. He flattened his neck out and took up a classic cobra pose, swaying back and forth to scare me.... Ocala National Forest.

GREAT BASIN GOPHER SNAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:22:14 GMT

]]>I was heading up to Baxter Pass in Western Colorado when on the dirt road, this nice snake crossed in front of me. I knew it wasn't poisionous, but was not sure of the species. It suddenly decided that I was intruding in its sphere of control and attacked me visciously, biting my camera. Baxter Pass road, Colorado.

TURTLES IN MANATEE SPRINGS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:22:58 GMT

]]>Obviously, the best log in the run....

AMERICAN BULLFROG

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:24:10 GMT

]]>American Bullfrog in small pond just off La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

GULF STURGEON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:24:12 GMT

]]>This is another sequence I was lucky enough to get this week. For those of you who are in the North Central Florida area, make a special effort to get to the Suwannee River and see these spectacular fish. For the tongue in cheek of last week, no-one knows why they jump. It is thought to be a form of communication between each other, perhaps a way to get rid of some parasites, or they lose the sense of where the surface of the water is as they speed up as they move up the Suwannee River. I think there may be something to the first thought, as I have noticed as soon as one jumps, several more jump almost immediately. But who know...? Keep in mind, these fish get up to 9 feet long and weigh 300 or more pounds. This one was probably 6 feet or so and perhaps 150 to 175 pounds and it's nose was up 7 or 8 feet above the water.... Frame 1 of 4...

GULF STURGEON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:24:14 GMT

]]>Frame 2 of 4

GULF STURGEON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:24:16 GMT

]]>Frame 3 of 4

GULF STURGEON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:24:19 GMT

]]>Yet another view of the Gulf Sturgeon leaping on the Suwannee River.

EASTERN TIGER SWALLOWTAIL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:20 GMT

]]>If you are in the outdoors right now, (late July and early August) these butterflies are everywhere. This is on Dixie Mainline Road, Dixie County, Florida.

FOUR SPOT PENNANT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:29 GMT

]]>A Four Spot Pennant on an American Lotus bud, Lake Lochloosa, Florida.

FOUR SPOTTED PENNANT DRAGONFLY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:33 GMT

]]>

GIANT SWALLOWTAIL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:36 GMT

]]>This is the time of the year I see them regularly and they like the Lantana blossoms on the plant that grows wild on roadsides. Newberry, Florida.

GIANT SWALLOWTAILS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:41 GMT

]]>The flying butterfly I would suspect is the male, and the larger perched butterfly is the female. He was following her around for at least 10 minutes this day. On the side of a country road in Newberry, Florida.

GULF FRITTILARY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:45 GMT

]]>This Gulf Frittilary had just emerged from the chrysalis and is still wet to the touch. La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

HALLOWEEN PENNANT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:27:57 GMT

]]>Observed and captured on the edge of Lake Lochloosa just off Burnt Island Road, Lochloosa, Florida.

PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:28:03 GMT

]]>I like this photo showing the proboscis inside the flower drinking the nectar. On a country road near Newberry, Florida.

RED-FOOTED CANNIBAL FLY AND FOUR-SPOTTED PENNANT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:28:06 GMT

]]>This is a super predator of the insect world according to our local expert, Mike Drummond. I saw this critter come up with this dragonfly in its mouth, land and start chewing up the dragonflies mid parts.

TWELVE-SPOTTED SKIMMER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:28:07 GMT

]]>I observed this twelve-spotted skimmer on a small pond in the middle of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Northwestern Pennsylvania.

VARIGATED FRITTILARY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:28:11 GMT

]]>A backlit Varigated Frittilary on La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

ZEBRA HELICONIAN BUTTERFLY ON BUTTONBUSH

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:28:20 GMT

]]>

BALD EAGLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:29:48 GMT

]]>American Bald Eagle closeup. This one was not too threatened by me. He sat and looked at me, hoping I would soon go away. He knew he was the boss. Joe Overstreet Road, Osceola County, Florida.

BALD EAGLES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:29:51 GMT

]]>Adolescent Eagles fighting over fish. 7 of 7.

BALD EAGLES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:29:53 GMT

]]>American Bald Eagles at Cross Creek

BALD EAGLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:29:57 GMT

]]>American Bald Eagle in pine tree at Three Lakes WMA, Osceola County, Florida.

BALD EAGLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:29:57 GMT

]]>American Bald Eagle diving at fish on Lake Wauburg.

AMERICAN BALD EAGLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:02 GMT

]]>He then flies off to eat his catch.

AMERICAN BALD EAGLES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:04 GMT

]]>Flying together searching for a fish to steal. True romance......

BALD EAGLE CLOSEUP

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:06 GMT

]]>Closeup of Bald Eagle.

EAGLES ON NEST

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:09 GMT

]]>This pair of Bald Eagles are on their nest at Kenansville, Florida on Canoe Creek Road. They are just off the road across from Lake Marion. Note the size difference of the two and I think the right bird is the female. I watched them for a while and they were feeding strips of fish to their young, so this is obviously an active nest.

EAGLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:11 GMT

]]>This is a different bird than the previous set and was on Joe Overstreet Road looking at a small animal in the grass.

BALD EAGLE JUVENILES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:30:15 GMT

]]>We saw this pair of Eagles and at first thought they were juvenile Golden Eagles, but upon further debate and examination, we are sure they are juvenile Bald Eagles. Georgetown Lake, Montana.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:22 GMT

]]>Same story here, different bird, different day, different place.

RED SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:26 GMT

]]>This Red Shouldered Hawk landed about 20 feet from me on a golf course and started eating the mole crickets.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:37 GMT

]]>This is the first of two this week, so get used to them... For the sharp observers this is the same bird from last week; but now he is really super mad at me.......

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:39 GMT

]]>This is another Red-Shouldered Hawk taking a few moments to size me up.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:44 GMT

]]>I can only imagine the conversation between this guy and his wife....
"Honey, what are you bringing home to feed the kids?"
"Turtle legs."
"Turtle eggs...?"
"No, turtle LEGS..."
"How are you flying with eggs..?"
"LEGS...Turtle L E G S!"
Too much iced tea this morning.... And before you feel sorry, check the next picture....

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:51 GMT

]]>This is the Red Shouldered Hawk that I was telling my friend Steve about. Out on La Chua Trail, I walked up to this guy and took several minutes worth of photos of him going about his work. He is in brilliant sunshine, backlit, and this is a spot meter job. This was shot within 21 feet or so (full frame). La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:31:54 GMT

]]>(1 of 3) I've seen many strange things in the wild, but never have I seen anything like a Red-Shouldered Hawk that thinks he is an Osprey. Bird Bridge on Lake Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:32:00 GMT

]]>(2 of 3) The Red-Shouldered Hawk catches the shad in the water. Bird Bridge on Lake Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:12 GMT

]]>

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:14 GMT

]]>A Baltimore Oriole in my backyard waiting on the mealworm express.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:17 GMT

]]>He thinks "I can't wait any longer, this navel orange looks pretty good......."

BALTIMORE ORIOLE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:20 GMT

]]>Another devoted mealworm eater.

BARN SWALLOW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:26 GMT

]]>All I can say is that I got lucky. The other 400 flying Swallow shots that didn't come out can attest to that. Flat Creek overlook, Jackson, Wyoming.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:34 GMT

]]>This Black-and-white Warbler was taken at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

BLUE GROSBEAK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:37 GMT

]]>This Blue Grosbeak male posed at La Chua Trail, one warm spring morning. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

BOBOLINK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:39 GMT

]]>Bobolink male.

BROWN THRASHER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:42 GMT

]]>This is a very nervous skittish bird. I worked almost two years to get this photograph.

CARDINAL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:46 GMT

]]>In the early morning dim light right after sunrise, this Cardinal is taking in the surroundings. That's ice on the old wooden stump he's on. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Lake Trail.

CAROLINA WREN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:51 GMT

]]>Carolina Wren adolescents. The interesting thing about this photo is that there was a Red-Shouldered Hawk in the top of a nearby pine tree. These two huddled together totally immobile until the hawk left.

CATBIRD AND DAHOON HOLLY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:54 GMT

]]>This Catbird has some breakfast lined up at Bird Bridge. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

CEDAR WAXWING

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:39:57 GMT

]]>These beautiful birds fly in large flocks only stopping in my neighborhood long enough to drink from my bird bath.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT WARBLER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:08 GMT

]]>On the edge of the weedline at Bird Bridge on Lake Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

DOWNEY WOODPECKER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:11 GMT

]]>This little one was in my patented backyard bird photon collecting and trapping zone.....

EASTERN BLUEBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:25 GMT

]]>He's in his deep blue courting color.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:27 GMT

]]>This male scouts out our backyard to see if the dreaded Titmouse family is trying to use his personal nestbox.

EASTERN BLUEBIRDS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:32 GMT

]]>Bluebird babies being fed by mom. After 3000 to 4000 mealworms in a never ending cycle, her look says it all.

EASTERN KINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:41 GMT

]]>Observed at Cedar Key Cemetery, Cedar Key, Florida.

EASTERN MEADOWLARK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:46 GMT

]]>Same as the first Eastern Meadowlark.

EASTERN PHOEBE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:40:49 GMT

]]>In the thicket at the edge of the swamp at Lake Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:20 GMT

]]>Taken on a limb in my backyard.

HERMIT THRUSH

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:26 GMT

]]>A quiet silent little bird, the Hermit Thrush was slipping around in the palmettos around the entrance to Bird Bridge on Lake Trail at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:37 GMT

]]>This Loggerhead is eating an Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly.

MOCKINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:40 GMT

]]>This is the state bird of Florida, although there are many who think the Swallowtail Kite or the Scrub Jay would be more appropriate. This nosy bird came right up to us to see what we were doing on Bird Bridge.

PHOEBE AND HARVESTMAN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:42 GMT

]]>This Phoebe grabbed this critter, (best thing I can say is Harvestman or Daddy long legs) and proceeded to chow down on a fence post on La Chua Trail.

PILEATED WOODPECKER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:48 GMT

]]>Pileated Woodpecker in the Dahoon Holly tree.

RED COCKADED WOODPECKER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:56 GMT

]]>This Red Cockaded Woodpecker is in the group that is helping to raise the hatchling in the next photograph. Just like the little one in the next shot, this bird was captured and banded. Goethe State Forest, Levy County, Florida.

ROBIN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:41:59 GMT

]]>Taken from the Dixie Mainline Road in Dixie County, Florida.

RUBY CROWNED KINGLET

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:01 GMT

]]>This is the "flash" on the head that give this bird it's name.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:04 GMT

]]>This female was eating from our sugarwater feeder with nesting material on her beak.

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:07 GMT

]]>This is where the bird gets it's name. Obviously a male at the feeder, backlight by sunlight.

SAVANNAH SPARROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:10 GMT

]]>This is the head and face detail of a Savannah Sparrow.

SCRUB JAY FAMILY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:17 GMT

]]>Nice family portrait of three Scrub Jays in the Ocala National Forest.

SONG SPARROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:19 GMT

]]>These are seed eaters......

STELLAR'S JAY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:21 GMT

]]>This is the blue jay of the West.

TOWHEE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:25 GMT

]]>This Towhee was on the La Chua Trail, in the area of the spillways. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

TREE SWALLOWS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:31 GMT

]]>This is a parent Tree Swallow feeding its young, which is on the left begging for food. Yellowstone National Park.

TUFTED TITMOUSE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:33 GMT

]]>This little guy is one of the regulars that eats mealworms from my hand. It wasn't something we intentionally intended to happen. As I was loading the mealworms into my feeder one day, he landed on my shirt-sleeve, just looking at me. I handed him a mealworm, which he took, and then flew away. I understand that some diehard birders don't think this is a good idea, but see the look on my grandson's face as he sees this little guy eat from our hands......

TURKEY AND BOBCAT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:37 GMT

]]>"Now I see why they all took off....... C-Ya....!"

TYPICAL SAVANNAH SPARROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:38 GMT

]]>This is a common sparrow in the park at this time of the year...

TYPICAL SAVANNAH SPARROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:41 GMT

]]>A common sparrow seen in the grassy areas of Florida. Orange Lake is dry right now and the bottom habitat with lots of dead grass provides cover and food. Orange Lake, McIntosh, Florida.

WESTERN TANAGER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:43 GMT

]]>This bird was photographed near Specimen Ridge just outside Lamar Valley. Note the band on its leg. Yellowstone National Park.

WHITE CROWNED SPARROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:46 GMT

]]>White Crowned Sparrow in the brush just off La Chua Trail.

WHITE-EYED VIREO

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:42:52 GMT

]]>This is another LBB in the brush on the east side of Bird Bridge. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WILD TURKEY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:43:03 GMT

]]>This Wild Turkey was trying to impress his ladies one spring morning on the La Chua Trail in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

YELLOW-BELLIED SAP SUCKER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:43:08 GMT

]]>I saw this male Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker on a tree at Manatee Springs State Park.

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:43:24 GMT

]]>A Yellow-Throated Warbler waiting in line for the suet.... Not to be confused with a similar named warbler, the Common Yellowthroat. He is the little warbler with the bandit mask...

YELLOWHEADED BLACKBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:43:26 GMT

]]>Looks familiar to all of us in the South who see Blackbirds and Grackles on a regular basis. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

AMERICAN AVOCET

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:26 GMT

]]>This American Avocet is in its adult breeding plumage. These are the same birds we see at Cedar Key, but I never have seem them so tan colored on their heads as out here. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah.

AMERICAN DIPPER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:30 GMT

]]>The American Dipper is one of those birds you see on Nature or Nat Geo. It lives in high altitudes and actually dives into fast mountain streams and eats invertebrates and other critters under rocks. To this old Florida boy, it looks like a catbird with scuba gear. Papoose Creek, on Lolo Pass road, Idaho.

ANHINGA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:34 GMT

]]>Seems to be trying to tell someone something....

ANHINGA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:35 GMT

]]>Anhinga swimming with speared fish.

ANHINGA AND CRAPPIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:39 GMT

]]>The Anhinga keeps flipping the fish to get it right, and then gets it upright, pointed down.

BELTED KINGFISHER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:41 GMT

]]>Belted Kingfisher females are the ones with the rusty band around their chest.

BLACK SKIMMER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:44 GMT

]]>The Black Skimmer is a shore bird that eats as it flies low over the water. It feels an object, mostly fish, according to FWC website, it's head jolts back and it snaps up the meal. See next photo... Cedar Key, Florida.

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCKS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:46 GMT

]]>Black-Bellied Whistling-Ducks, La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:49 GMT

]]>Black-Crowned Night-Heron on limb.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:53 GMT

]]>Black-Crowned Night-Heron catches minnow.

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:49:55 GMT

]]>This guy was working his little spot on the logs near Bird Bridge on Lake Trail in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Our local naturalist expert Rex Rowan pointed out the whitel feather is called a nuptial plume....

BLACK-NECKED STILT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:06 GMT

]]>Black-Necked Stilt walking in water at Lake Lochloosa.

BLACK-NECKED STILTS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:12 GMT

]]>These Black-necked Stilts are very territorial. They were guarding an area of Alachua Lake and whenever another pair would come towards their space, the fight was on....

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:15 GMT

]]>The low lying marshy area on the north west side of La Chua is full of small water holes. This pair of Blue-Winged Teal were working that area....

CLARK'S GREBE AND CHICK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:18 GMT

]]>We saw dozens of birds with chicks on their backs. This is a series of photos. Here a mother Clark's has her chick on her back and is out swimming about, probably looking for food. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah. (1 of 4)

CLARK'S GREBE AND CHICK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:20 GMT

]]>My books all say the chicks of the Clarks are all white, as indicated by this photograph. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah.

COMMON MERGANSER MALE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:22 GMT

]]>This male Common Merganser was in a small pond near Yellowstone Lake. Yellowstone National Park.

COOT CHICK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:27 GMT

]]>We finally made it to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on the northern end of the Great Salt Lake. There were babies of all kinds everywhere. This mother Coot is feeding her young algae and plant material. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah.

GLOSSY IBIS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:32 GMT

]]>I suspect this Glossy Ibis is in mating colors. Joe Overstreet Road, Lake Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida.

GREAT BLUE HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:33 GMT

]]>This Great Blue Heron was skimming the water with it's wing.

GREAT BLUE HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:44 GMT

]]>This Great Blue Heron caught a Florida Cottonmouth, and flew with it in it's beak. They key is for the Heron to remember how long it's beak is and to bite the snake one inch shorter from it's head. I watched this Heron kill this snake, by shaking it back and forth for almost 2 minutes.

GREAT BLUE HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:47 GMT

]]>This Great Blue Heron caught this little guy, and it's all over too soon for Mr. Snake. La Chua Trail.

GREAT EGRET

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:50:52 GMT

]]>The Great Egret is doing his thing on his nest spot, attempting to attract a mate.....

GREEN HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:00 GMT

]]>La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

GREEN-WINGED TEAL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:03 GMT

]]>This pair flew by the observation platform on La Chua Trail... Note the coloration of the head on the drake.....

KINGFISHER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:08 GMT

]]>Under the wing detail of the same bird.

LEAST BITTERNS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:16 GMT

]]>Probably one of the luckiest shots I ever took, I was on Lake Tohopekaliga with FWC biologist Jon Buntz. We saw the mother get up and fly, stopped to see the weed patch and found these little guys on the nest.

LIMPKIN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:20 GMT

]]>At the lakefront at Lake Tohopekaliga, Kissimmee, Florida.

LITTLE BLUE HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:25 GMT

]]>This Little Blue Heron was at the Alachua Sink on the same day as the Gator Fest from last week. He was watching the festivities, just glad to be on the sidelines...

MOTTLED DUCK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:29 GMT

]]>Observation tower at La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

MOTTLED DUCKS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:32 GMT

]]>A close flyby on male (right) and female Mottled Ducks (locally known as Florida Mallards) at the observation platform on La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

PURPLE GALLINULE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:35 GMT

]]>Purple Gallinule walking on the floating vegetation looking for food, La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

ROSEATE SPOONBILL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:37 GMT

]]>This Spoonbill was in the Everglades just off US 41

RUDDY TURNSTONE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:41 GMT

]]>This Ruddy Turnstone was doing his thing on the oyster beds at Cedar Key. They are true to their name, proceeding along, turning over stones, shells and other objects looking for food.

WHITE FACED IBIS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:48 GMT

]]>This is a bird that resembles the Glossy Ibis that are common here in Florida. It has the small band of lighter colored feathers around the eyes and the bill. Bear River Wild Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah.

WILLETT

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:54 GMT

]]>Near the fishing pier at Fort DeSoto Park......

WILSON'S PHALAROPE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:51:58 GMT

]]>Working the shallow water in one of the flats areas for its food. Bear River Wild Bird Refuge, Brigham City, Utah.

WOOD STORK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:52:00 GMT

]]>This Wood Stork was preening it's feathers on a limb overlooking Lake Wauburg, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:52:05 GMT

]]>On the old Dixie Mainline Road south east of Horseshoe Beach, Florida.

SAND HILL CRANES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:52:48 GMT

]]>Same birds, different lighting and background. In a timed migration about this time each year, I stood on the tower at the end of La Chua Trail and watched these birds come in from the south, and watched as others got up, circled and when they were two or three thousand feet, they headed north, on Wednesdays prevailing souerly wind. La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

SANDHILL CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:52:58 GMT

]]>Sandhill Crane closeup head detail. This was our "pet" Sandhill that came into our yard each day. We liked him because he bullied our cat, and he eventually ate scratch feed from my hand.

SANDHILL CRANE FAMILY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:10 GMT

]]>On the way to St. Augustine, this pair of Sandhill Crane chicks were keeping close to Mom and Dad as they fed on the side of the road.

SANDHILL CRANES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:12 GMT

]]>Sandhill Cranes flying at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WHOOPING CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:12 GMT

]]>Whooping Crane head side view. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WHOOPING CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:17 GMT

]]>Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WHOOPING CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:17 GMT

]]>Closeup of head feeding. Taken on La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WHOOPING CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:19 GMT

]]>Note the small seed in midair at the tip of the bottom beak. That's lunch for this guy. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

WHOOPING CRANE AND SANDHILL CRANE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:53:20 GMT

]]>Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane together. Note the size difference. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

BARN OWL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:55:44 GMT

]]>Barn Owl adolescent, observed on ground at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

CRESTED CARACARA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:55:49 GMT

]]>Crested Caracara, Canoe Creek Road, Osceola County Florida.

CRESTED CARACARA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:55:51 GMT

]]>Crested Caracara, Joe Overstreet Road, Osceola County, Florida.

SNAIL KITE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:55:52 GMT

]]>Last of sequence. Apple snail tissue is out and is soon consumed. Lake Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida.

SWALLOW-TAIL KITE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:55:58 GMT

]]>This Swallow-tail Kite is also eating an insect in midair.

OSPREY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:00 GMT

]]>I honestly thought this Osprey may land on my lens. It was fishing and flew right over me about 15 feet above me. Bird Bridge, Lake Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

COOPERS HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:03 GMT

]]>On Friday morning I decided to go to La Chua Trail. Wasn't sure about the weather, but decided to go anyway. Something told me to take the boardwalk instead of the path to the spillway area. I saw this little Coopers Hawk sitting on the railing. I immediately stopped and took some photos from about 50 yards away. I moved closer, cutting the distance each time by 10 feet or so. I was able to work my way up to within 20 feet of this hawk, but not moving quickly or spooking it. This is as close as my telephoto lens can focus. He obviously saw me there as he continued to look at me, but didn't seemed to be too concerned. I took his portrait, then just stopped to admire him for at least 15 minutes, until he saw a mouse in the edge of the pathway and took off to try and capture it.

PEREGRINE FALCON

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:06 GMT

]]>A pleasant surprise was seeing this juvenile Peregrine Falcon...

GREAT HORNED OWL JUVENILE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:10 GMT

]]>This is a juvenile Great Horned Owl, found at the Cedar Key Cemetary, Cedar Key, Florida.

BARRED OWL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:13 GMT

]]>On the drive into Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, this little one was on the ground chasing a lizard. It flew up into a tree as I took this photograph.

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:15 GMT

]]>I wish I could have been a little closer and the light was not so harsh and contrasty, but I will take what I can get to capture this behavior. (3 of 4)

La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

KESTREL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:18 GMT

]]>This male Kestrel is always on the "pigweed" on the shore of Lake Lochloosa on Burnt Island Road.

GREAT HORNED OWL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:21 GMT

]]>As it stared at Phil and me, I know it was thinking "What are you two idiots looking at?" Hence, the term 'Wise as an owl...'
Seriously, this one was watching the area as its mate was on the nest....

GREAT HORNED OWL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:23 GMT

]]>Great Horned Owl at Cedar Key Cemetery. If you are in the North Central Florida area and want to see one fairly closeup, this is a neat sight...

SWALLOW-TAIL KITES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:28 GMT

]]>These birds were preparing to roost for the night on the Suwannee River near Hart Springs.

AMERICAN KESTREL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:56:58 GMT

]]>This male Kestrel was found in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. They are very nervous and skittish when humans approach.

OSPREYS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:57:03 GMT

]]>Two Ospreys beside their nest, also at Honeymoon Island...

DURANGO SILVERTON NGRR 481

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:21 GMT

]]>Durango Silverton NGRR No. 481, returning from Silverton, headed south back Durango

DURANGO SILVERTON DOUBLE HEADER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:25 GMT

]]>Durango Silverton doubleheader northbound, approaching Silverton, Colorado.

FISHER TOWERS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:27 GMT

]]>Fisher Towers, Moab, Utah. This photo was approximately 5:00am local time. Temperature around 20 degrees. For the photographers out there, Iso 1600 F5.6, around 30 seconds. The old Nikon D200 wasn't best camera around for noise, but still a memorable morning shot.

JACKSON LAKE TETON NATIONAL PARK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:29 GMT

]]>Clearing Storm, Jackson Lake, Grand Teton National Park. Don't want to sound corny, but this is the first time in 33 years of serious photography that I can say I think I saw something Ansel Adams would have probably liked. I thought of him when I was standing there shooting this scene.

BARN ON MORMON ROW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:30 GMT

]]>Barn on Mormon Row, Grand Tetons National Park.

ASPENS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:33 GMT

]]>Fall colors in the West mean quaking aspens.

GRAND CANYON STAR PATTERN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:36 GMT

]]>My Corporate Director and Wife, Robin, and I went to the Grand Canyon in 2005, at a super remote location called Toroweep. The elevation there is about 8500 or 9000 feet and there was no moon. I shot this with a Hasselblad on a tripod, developed it, and then frankly forgot about it. While cleaning out a box of old negs, I found this negative, scanned it and was frankly surprised at how much information is in the scan. The bright star in the middle of the circle is Polaris, the North Star.

MADISON RIVER WITH FOG

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:37 GMT

]]>We left West Yellowstone early one morning and headed to Lamar Valley in hopes of seeing the wolves and grizzlies, to no avail. On the way, this foggy scene presented itself on the Madison River. Yellowstone National Park.

NYMPH LAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:41 GMT

]]>We saw this scene around Nymph Lake on the Northwest Road heading from Norris Geyser Basin towards Mammoth Hot Springs.
Yellowstone National Park.

LAMAR VALLEY APPROACHING STORM

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:44 GMT

]]>This storm came from the west and within 30 minutes of appearing on the western skyline was over the top of us and drenched the valley. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

LAMAR VALLEY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:48 GMT

]]>Same storm, but it is over us. This is looking south from Slough Creek Road parking lot toward Specimen Ridge. Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park.

CAMAS ON LOLO PASS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:58:55 GMT

]]>In a small depression area (wet up to my ankles) Robin and I found these Camas flowers.... Lolo Pass Road, Idaho.

THERMOPSIS MONTANA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:59:10 GMT

]]>The best I could find on any wildflower search in Idaho says these are False Thermopsis, Thermopsis Montana, False Mountain Lupine... Anyone knows what they are, feel free to jump in.... Papoose Creek Road, Lolo Pass, Idaho.

PAYETTE RIVER

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:59:14 GMT

]]>Further south of McCall, the Payette River runs downhill swiftly with spring runoff. Just north of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho.

MONTANA WILDFLOWER MEADOW

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:59:22 GMT

]]>Outside of Ovando in the Lolo National Forest, Robin captured this bunch of wildflowers.

AUTUMN LEAVES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:15 GMT

]]>The Autumn Leaves are close to peak in the south central area of Pennsylvania.

WATERFALL UNDER NEW RIVER BRIDGE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:17 GMT

]]>This small waterfall is under the New River Bridge, West Virginia, on the old road that crossed the river closer to river surface.

PURPLE SUNSET

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:22 GMT

]]>This is part of the old abandoned right of way of the East Broad Top Railroad, in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania. Many people ask me about the colors in this photograph, in regards to whether I altered them. No they were not altered. It was a cold, cloudy, day with the snow starting to fall at dusk. Thats why the picture is so striking.

COUNTRY ROAD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:28 GMT

]]>This location was around Elkton, West Virginia.

WATERFALL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:31 GMT

]]>This waterfall is in the area of Blue Mountain Road near Saugerties, NY.

HICKORY CREEK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:42 GMT

]]>This was shot just northeast of Bat Cave North Carolina on Hickory Creek.

JUMP OFF ROCK SUNSET

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:44 GMT

]]>This sunset was taken from a public park in Laurel Park called Jump Off Rock, just west of Hendersonville, North Carolina.

LOOKING GLASS CREEK RAPIDS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:49 GMT

]]>A small set of rapids on Looking Glass Creek in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina.

COURTHOUSE CREEK RAPIDS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:00:57 GMT

]]>Another small set of rapids with mountain laurel on Courthouse Creek, in the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard, North Carolina.

LOOKING GLASS FALLS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:01:02 GMT

]]>Looking Glass Falls on Looking Glass Creek in the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, North Carolina.

COURTHOUSE FALLS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:01:05 GMT

]]>Courthouse Falls on Courthouse Creek, in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina.

ORANGE LAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:02:51 GMT

]]>Foggy sunrise at Orange Lake, McIntosh, Florida. Similar to first photo, but as the sun rises, the fog and lighting change.

OLENO STATE PARK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:02:53 GMT

]]>Santa Fe River, Oleno State Park.

DEAD PINE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:06 GMT

]]>Dead pine tree, Osceola County, Florida.

MOSSY OAK TREE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:14 GMT

]]>Mossy Oak, Lake Lochloosa, near Hawthorne, Florida.

LIGHTNING

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:17 GMT

]]>Lightning bolts, Lake Tohopekaliga, Osceola County, Florida.

DUSTY ROAD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:30 GMT

]]>Dusty road, Jonesville, Florida.

GRASS IN WATER WITH RIPPLES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:34 GMT

]]>Aquatic grass on an almost calm day. Note the slight ripples present....

SUNRISE OVER PAYNES PRAIRIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:40 GMT

]]>Taken from 441 over the Prairie.

LIGHTNING OVER THE GULF

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:46 GMT

]]>On this evening, the thunderstorm started over Dixie County, and slowly worked its way southwest over the Gulf. The lightning racing across the sky is part of the evening's fireworks.

LIGHTNING OVER THE GULF

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:51 GMT

]]>Another bolt hits the Gulf in the same storm. Taken a little later than the previous photo.....

SUNRISE OVER PAYNES PRAIRIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:55 GMT

]]>I always try and time my crossing of the Prairie on US 441 to the 20 to 30 minutes before sunrise...

LUNAR ECLIPSE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:03:56 GMT

]]>This shot is of the Moon in the total shadow (umbra) of the Earth.

ICY MORNING AT PAYNES PRAIRIE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:01 GMT

]]>As we walked out onto the Prairie on the La Chua Trail this morning, the temperature was around 20 degrees.

ALACHUA SINK AND LA CHUA TRAIL BOARDWALK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:07 GMT

]]>This is part of the run that comes from the main sink area and heads to where the water re-enters the Floridan Aquifer. La Chua Trail, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

SHIRED ISLAND MOONRISE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:09 GMT

]]>Shired Island is a wild place about 30 southwest of Cross City. This is the moon coming up on a clear cool evening.

SUNRISE EVINSTON FLORIDA

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:14 GMT

]]>Evinston Florida is a small community straddling the Alchua and Marion County lines about 6 or so miles from Micanopy. This pasture's flowers accented the sunrise.

OLD RAILROAD TRACKS AND SUN

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:15 GMT

]]>These tracks were once a mainline railroad on the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and led northwest from High Springs, Florida through Branford to Live Oak. Now they end just past High Springs, but still are in a nice alignment with the sun.

LAKE WAUBURG SKY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:18 GMT

]]>This band of Cirrus Clouds came by preceding the front that moved through this day. Tough sights I have to look at out in the great outdoors. Bird Bridge, Lake Wauburg, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.

SUNRISE ON ORANGE LAKE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:23 GMT

]]>This is one of the last pools of water still deep enough to allow waterfowl to feed. Orange Lake, McIntosh, Florida.

LIGHTNING

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:24 GMT

]]>Taken from a roof top in Gainesville looking east towards Hawthorne, Florida. Note the airplane taillight in the left side right over the rooftops.

HAMMOCK ON WEST COAST

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:04:29 GMT

]]>This hammock is typical of the small groups of trees found in the tidal marshes on the west coast of Florida north of Tampa all the way around the Big Bend. This is at Inglis in Levy County.

TAMPA BAY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:06:00 GMT

]]>Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay, Florida.

CYPRESS TREE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:06:10 GMT

]]>Cypress tree on Lake Tohopekaliga at sunrise a few years back.

GRASS IN WATER WITH RIPPLES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:06:20 GMT

]]>Aquatic grass on an almost calm day. Note the slight ripples present....

RAMBURS FORKTAIL MAIDENFLY ON PRIMROSE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:18 GMT

]]>

AMERICAN LOTUS AND BEE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:30 GMT

]]>

MORNING GLORY

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:32 GMT

]]>

YELLOW JESSAMINE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:38 GMT

]]>The Yellow Jessamine vines are blooming all over the woods this time of year.....

SOUTHERN BLUE FLAG

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:41 GMT

]]>This one was growing on the edge of Lake Lochloosa...

FENCE POST AND FLOWERS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:53 GMT

]]>Fence post and flowers on the side of the road in rural Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

HONEYBEE ON BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:07:58 GMT

]]>Now, someone far more knowledgeable than me on plants will send me an email telling me this is not a birdsfoot trefoil. Know what? It's the closest thing I could find in my book. I am open for suggestions.

TIGER LILLIES

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:08:08 GMT

]]>Tiger Lillies growing wild everywhere in the mountain regions of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, on down to Georgia. Robin shot these from the side of the road on Possum Lane. You can't make that up.

WATER LOTUS

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:08:14 GMT

]]>What can one say, except elegant... Dixie Mainline Road near Suwannee, Florida.

ASTER AND HONEYBEE

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:08:18 GMT

]]>A warm day last week had the bees out in force working the aster blossoms in Paynes Prairie.

KINGFISHER AND MOCKINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:09:18 GMT

]]>"Well, there goes the neighborhood.........."

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:09:23 GMT

]]>"Got a towel?" The Wet-Look from the 60's. Burnt Island Road, Lake Lochloosa, Alachua County, Florida

MOCKINGBIRD

gregstephens78@gmail.com (PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG STEPHENS) — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 03:09:30 GMT

]]>"it's been raining all night, got water in my ear, I got no Q-Tips, and come to think of it, I don't think I could even hold one even if I had any..."