John Middleton

Thanks for appreciating it!

Chipping Sparrows are more than just LBBs (little brown birds), they are joy inspiring participants in the celebration of seasonal change worthy of a closer look! This one in N Florida.
#birdphotography, #birds, #floridabirds, #naturephoptography

Look closely and you'll see a clue about how a Hermit Thrush, like this one in Lafayette County, FL searches for food. Let's just say (as my mother so often did), "wipe your mouth!" #birdphotography, #naturephotography, #floridabirds

I loved you when you were called "Myrtle", I am thankful for your beauty now, and I'll be glad to welcome you back next Fall my little Butterbutt - the Yellow-rumped Warbler.
#birds, #birdphotography, #wildlifephotography

Spring may not be official until the vernal equinox on March 20, but it's already underway here in N Central Florida. Northern Parula have returned - this was my first of the season (photographed in Lafayette County, FL)
#birdphotography, #naturephotography, #floridabirds,

At first glance, this immature male Northern Shoveler in the midst of molting at St. Marks NWR, didn't look too "pretty". But a closer look revealed an unexpected level of beauty reminding me to see the wonder of great & small, subtle & bold.
#birds, #birdphotography, #stmarksnwr,

Thank you, Manon!

Thank you!

A Killdeer enjoys a tidbit it caught along a flat at St. Marks NWR. This plover can be found all across the continent and is migratory only in its most northern range. Once a target of market hunters, thankfully the species' population is now steady.
#addbirder, #birds, #naturephotography

I've sometimes misnamed this bird "Jussanudda". But I try to ban that name & attitude from my lexicon. The female Boat-tailed Grackle, like this one at St. Marks NWR, isn't just another, she is beautiful (if sometimes a pest). If wise I'll try to appreciate her!
#birds, #birdphotography, #StMarksNWR

This is NOT a kiss! A female/immature male Ruddy Duck's failed attack on an adult male at St. Marks NWR in FL. The Adult male won!
#birds, #birdphotography, #naturephotography, #wildlifephotography, #StMarksNWR

A female or immature Ruddy Duck trying to claim an adult male's feeding spot at St. Marks NWR in Florida.
#birds, #birdphotography, #naturephotography, #StMarksNWR

"You lookin' at me!?!"

I definitely felt "seen" by this River Otter at St. Marks NWR. And boy, I can't tell you how glad I was to be seen in that place again. It's a refuge for so much wildlife - and for my spirit!
#StMarksNWR #Floridanature

I agree about the wing motion. Adds movement and life to the image.

It seems appropriate that my first Bluesky post is also my first photo of 2025. This Ruby-crowned Kinglet cooperated in Lafayette County, FL early on New Year's Day. The little fellow is free, just as I hope you and I will be free to enjoy peace and beauty in 2025 even in the midst of chaos.