Posts from the ‘Florida’ category

‘Twas Brillig…

I am participating in the 52Frames Challenge, in which photographers submit an image taken in the current week, representing an assigned theme. This challenge was “Unexplored”. I found this interesting bridge in Koreshan State Park in Estero, FL. It brought to mind the children’s book “Bridge to Terabithia,” and also the Lewis Carroll poem “Jabberwocky.” Who knows what might lie on the other side?

Caloosahatchee Manuscripts, Fort Myers, FL

These sculptures are my favorite thing to see in downtown Fort Myers. Here is their story:

These two bronze cylinders were a gift to the city of Fort Myers in 2001 from Florida Power and Light to commemorate the conversion of its local power plant from oil to natural gas. These cylinders are 8 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter with a pinpoint light source in their centers, and sit in front of the old federal courthouse, now a performing arts cultural center. The eastern drum (top photo) tells the story of the migration of Native Americans into Florida and Georgia. Maskoki Indian leader Tchikilli related this story to James Oglethorpe, founder of the first Georgia colony. The Creek, Miccosukee, and Seminoles trace their ancestry to Tchikilli and his people. The Seminoles replaced the Caloosas, who became extinct after the Spanish conquest.

The western drum (above) commemorates the work of Thomas Edison, one of the early snowbirds in Fort Myers. Between 1927-1931 Edison studied and tested over 13,000 plants for their suitability in manufacturing synthetic rubber. Latex is produced by many flowering plants, including dandelions. Edison passed away at the age of 80 before completing his rubber replacement experiments. Many of the plants are listed in Latin on this cylinder and were collected in the Fort Myers area and throughout Florida.

(information from http://www.artswfl.com by Tom Hall)

Swamp Tours

bench

A quiet spot to reflect- and watch alligators- at Bird Rookery Swamp Preserve near Naples, Florida.

white flower

I don’t know the name of this delicate white flower. 

purple flower

Unknown purple blossom

palm (1 of 1)

We took a photo tour on a swamp buggy at Babcock Ranch Preserve near Punta Gorda, Florida.

Babcock (4 of 4)

Click to enlarge- there are at least 7 baby gators in this photo.

Hog (1 of 1)

Feral hogs cause tremendous damage to the ecosystem. Sows have a litter of up to 8 babies 3 times a year!

Hog babies (1 of 1)

These little ones might look cute, but they are nasty.

turkeys

Wild Osceola turkeys- they don’t seem to be worried about Thanksgiving approaching.

hibiscus

Is this a hibiscus?

Feeding Frenzy at Corkscrew Swamp

As the swamp dries out during dry season, fish congregate in the deepest remaining pools. It’s easy pickings for alligators and birds!

Anhinga blue-2

This male Anhinga, sporting blue eyes during breeding season, dries his feathers after diving for fish.

Snake-1

Don’t know what kind of sales this is.

Squirrel-1

Squirrel munching on a toadstool. 

Gator-1

These can be hard to spot!