Pelican Buds

William "Bill" Posloski

Captain Judy Caseley recently chartered spectacular wildlife and nature photographers, Dr. Bill Posloski and his adventurous and lovely wife, Theresa. They met Judy when they visited the Smallwood Store and Museum on Chokoloskee Island Florida. Captain Judy Caseley can be found at the Smallwood Store and Museum where she conducts boat tours from the dock at the back of this historic buildiing.

Captain Judy Caseley enjoys sharing the window of treasures that she sees taking visitors in her 21 foot luxury deck boat for Everglades National Park Sightseeing and Ten Thousand Islands Ecotours.

A new friendship blossoms just as the Pelicans' 'friendship blossoms' amid the mangrove wilderness. Captain Judy and her new buds reciprocally observe pelican buds sprouting among the uppermost crest of mangrove leaves as they appear as clusters of an ornamental bouquet illuminated against a sky blue background.

Egret Angel Wings

Bill Posloski

The Great Egret has two very distinct characteristics which Photographer Bill Posloski has exquisitely composed with his photograph of this angelic water bird in flight. Photographed from an open viewpoint over the blue skies of Chokoloskee Island Florida, the great egret glides gracefully above the tranquil beauty of surrounding mangrove islands led by its long pointed yellow bill followed by to its symetrical black stilt legs. This Great Egret appears to be looking for his next fish, ready to plunge with its long bill which is used to spear them.

There are several different forms of the egret including the snowy and cattle egret which Bill and Theresa had the opportunity to observe and photograph. Captain Judy Caseley shared many of her favorite wilderness areas within the Everglades National Park making for a rewarding memorable photographic tour that talented photographers, Bill and Theresa Posloski, booked another full day on this unique and exciting boat tour.

Warm, Fuzzy, and Protected

Bill Posloski

The Mr. and Mrs. sport their beautiful plumes during breeding season. Around 1902-05, plume hunters got more than double the price of gold for the egret plumes which were adorned on ladies hats and other accessories. Demand for plumes rose as they became the hottest fashion trend-especially among the wealthy. Unfortunately, these exquisite birds were heartlessly slaughtered, even in their nesting colonies. The events following are tragic and very sad. When extinction became a threat to these beautiful waterbirds - as well as innocent neighboring species - killing egrets was banned with the help of the Florida legislature.

We also owe much gratitude and many thanks to the private sector as well as the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society hired Guy Bradley as a game warden who was killed in 1905 protecting a rookery from plume hunters. He was buried at East Cape Sable. As you can see in Bill's photo, egret feathers are very beautiful and can still be enjoyed and photographed as a result of this protection!

Comorant Flight

Bill Posloski

Adult Comorants are large black water birds with snake like necks that are some of the few birds of Everglades National Park wildlife and Big Cypress wildlife ecosystems that enjoy living in this tropical paradise year round. The adult comorant is 29-36 inches with a wingspread of 56 inches. In the Everglades it has been named the water turkey...New England, the lawyer. While enjoying an Everglades National Park birdwatching excursion, visitors often see the native double-crested cormorant as well as other local bird species on a Ten Thousand Islands ecotour. Captain Judy Caseley points out that comorants are low profile birds and she advises birdwatchers to look for little periscopes sticking out of the water. When comorants are wading, this is one way they can be easily located. They dive 5 to 25 feet below the waters surface. The cormorant gets its name from the small tufts of feathers seen during breeding season. These double crests of two tufts are usually white curving back behind their eyes.

An Apple a Day

Bill Posloski

An apple a day may get your hand taken away! Captain Judy Caseley shared with photographers, Bill and Theresa, one of her favorite places to observe Everglades National Park wildlife such as the American alligator. As Judy kindly advised Bill and Theresa not to feed the alligators, she quickly realized that Bill's experience of spending years as an emergency room physician, both him and his wife were more than aware and educated to the pitfalls of wildlife feeding. Gators who become accustomed to humans, will take your 'hand out!' Upon arrival at the recommended spot, some visitors had found this gator beforehand and unknowingly shared a snack. Hefty fines for feeding alligators have rightfully been put in place. Alligators left alone in the wild are safer to be around than locations where they have been fed human handouts. In fact, many locals will swim with alligators in the wild as they - the gators - are more afraid of people. Not a recommended activity on the visitor's list of things to do!

Osprey Ordering Out

Bill Posloski

While on a boating excursion with Captain Judy Caseley, Bill and Theresa both captured the perfect kodak moment when this osprey arrived back at its nest with its food order, picked up at its favorite local fishing spot. Same place, same moment ... same favorite captain ;) ... different camera, different person ... both Bill and Theresa captured similar action shots of the osprey ordering out. Many osprey will build their nests over water to keep its predators away. Although both the male and female will collect the nest materials, the female takes over the task of doing most of the arranging. The osprey female is approximately 20% heavier than its male counterpart and also has a much larger wingspan. Soft material is collected such as paper, seaweed and cloth and used as an inner nest liner. Surely some very high end nestegg condos!

Roseate Spoonbill Rules

Courtesy of Bill Posloski

Bill certainly was ready for the unexpected when he captured the real essence of this Roseate Spoonbill appearing to lay down the rules to an egret friend. The spoonbill is a wading bird and it appears that the egret has encroached on its territory. The spoonbill is one of the most colorful and photogenic species, however, they are a challenge to capture on film as they are very shy. Bill has kindly included this fabulous spoonbill he photographed on the migratory path. Captain Judy Caseley knows where to introduce you to the spoonbills as she has spent the last 15 years locating hard to access remote areas to photograph her favorite birds. She now shares her information with biologists to support research of habitat and migratory patterns. Spoonbills have wonderfully unique personalities and watching them feed with its flat spoon-shaped beak is quite interesting as their beaks swing in a back and forth fashion, instantly snapping shut to catch prey. In Judy's upcoming gallery, see unique photos of feeding.

Clear the Runway

Bill Posloski

Clear the runway for this Pelican returning home to visit his significant other who has been tending to their baby chicks. The beautiful plumage of dark brown stripes down the back of its neck can be seen in the Spring and Summer months. The brown stripe will molt to a white color near the fall. The yellow head is plumage used during the courting stage. The immature pelican has a dark head with whitish underparts.

These neighborly cormorants were out on their afternoon social keeping the Misses company, however, they should be clearing the runway for the return of the Mister. It is not unusual to see pelicans, egrets, ibis, herons, and comorants nesting together in the Everglades. While touring with Captain Judy Caseley, there are usually several opportunites to witness the pelican catching fish. It plunges bill first into the water, then will tilt its bill down to draw water from the pouch and finally tosses head back to swallow the fish. Pelicans amuse onlookers with so many of its entertaining ways!

Snowy Egret Reflection

Bill Posloski

This striking snowy egret is easily identifed by its solid black beak. Rippling water camouflages its signature golden yellow slippers. Many species and varieties of birds such as this egret enjoy Everglades fishing as it is a haven supporting an abundance of fish. Besides feeding on fish, they enjoy insects, amphibians and crabs. Many Everglades National Park birdwatchers will spend hours watching these exquisite birds as they will charm the onlooker for hours on end. Flittering gracefully on prop roots known locally as the walking trees, these mangroves backdrop Chokoloskee Island Florida and are easily seen on a Ten Thousand Islands Sightseeing boat tour. Captain Judy Caseley can often be found in the early mornings at the Smallwoods Museum where she departs on many birding adventures or contact her prior to arrange for your own customized boat tour. Reservations will assure you have the opportunity to experience the real Everglades as seen in many of the featured photographs taken by Bill and Theresa.

Artistic Painted Bunting

Bill Poslowski

This spectacular male painted bunting with its brilliant color combinations is artisticly captured by famed photographer, Bill Posloski. As seen in this photo, the male has a blue head, red eye-ring, throat, underparts, and rump. Its wing coverts are green. The female bunting is painted green with dark wings and tail. Sadly, there has been a significant decline to the population of the painted bunting in the last 35 years. Data from bird surveys taken from 1966 to 2000 reports a 2.7 annual decline. As a result of the beautiful markings, they are popular as cage birds. Thousands are taken annually in Mexico for import to Europe. Besides trapping for the pet trade, it is believed that habitat loss and possibly cowbird parasite contribute to its decline. This relatively shy bird poses for the camera while Bill once again creates another canvas of an extremely beautiful bird image while enjoying the Everglades photography experience.

Osprey Feast Captured

Bill Posloski

This year, ospreys were in abundance throughout South Florida as Everglades National Park fishing was plentiful with a variety of the fish hawks' food supply. The photographer 'captures the capture of the capture ... that is a mouthful!' Many large nests were expanded from last years building process as the osprey will improve its nest each year. These nests are found on tree tops although ospreys will also construct elaborate nests on utility poles and other man made structures. While on an Everglades National Park photography tour with Captain Judy Caseley, many opportunities abound to watch this large bird of prey plunge into the water feet first to grab fish in its sharp claws as caught and captured in this amazing image.

Red Shouldered Hawk

Theresa Posloski

Many accomodating adorned perches consisting of tiny fragile airplants and other decorative vegetation may be reason the red tailed hawk feels at home and chooses to stay long term in the Everglades. There are 5 species of similar hawks. The Florida species has slightly paler markings on its head and breasts. The females are larger than the males which is referred to as reverse sexual size dimorphism. Once attracted to a mate, they can be very noisy and begin a real whirlwind relationship...wheeling together in the sky and uttering a very loud distinctive whistled scream. Hawks eat snakes, frogs, insects and smaller mammals. It is not unusual to see the American Crow and this hawk chasing each other trying to steal each others food.

Spreading its Wings

Theresa Posloski

This young osprey appears to pose for the camera as it spreads its wings to catch a breeze as it prepares for take off. Ospreys are predominately white under their long wings and short tail. Dark brown feathers encompass the upper parts, with a distinctive white crown on the head. Across the sides of the face, dark stripes cross a yellow eye as photographed by Theresa Posloski while enjoying a Ten Thousand Island Boat Tour with Captain Judy Caseley. The immature bird has more brown streaking on its upper breast. High yelping sounds can be heard as ospreys communicate from the tree lines across the mangrove islands to each other.

Protected Egrets

Theresa Posloski

Capturing such a beautiful picture of the Great American Egret is why Everglades National Park photography is adorned on so many beautiful birding books. The outstretched wings appear to be protecting its family from the sun. The larger version unveils an even more intimate moment during nesting season. During this breeding time, the plumage of long tail feathers are displayed. The new breed of plume hunters treasure the beautiful display of egret plumes as they now capture their essence by shooting pictures to adorn their walls. Pictures tell a story and also educate on the importance of saving any of our birds and wildlife from extinction. Unfortunately there was a time when plume hunters came close to slaughtering these birds to extinction while shooting them in their nesting areas. The feathers were used to adorn womens' hats and accessories. Many bird watchers and photographers such as Captain Judy Caseley have joined organizations such as the Audubon Society to contribute to their ongoing survival.

Statuate Egret

Theresa Posloski

What appears to be a statue of egret displayed as an egret of liberty portrays its worldwide independence with its freeform elegant style. Theresa again captures the egrets characteristics as a tall and stately bird with her expert utilization of form, shape, lines, color, pattern, and texture. Her elements of composition emphasize the great egrets strength, power, and grandeur. The word egret derived from a French word, aigrette, which translates to ornamental tufts of plumes.

Anhinga

Theresa Posloski

Nicknamed the water turkey along with his cormorant cousin, they have also been variously called snake-bird and darter. Anhingas dive deep under water to catch fish, their main food staple. Beautifully illustrated, this anhinga displays its striking characteristics of a slight tinge of iridescent metallic green sheen on its glosssy black plummage. On even closer examination, small water droplets are seen on the narrow whitish feathers of its shoulders. The 'water turkey' does not have waterproofing on its feathers as do many other birds and therefore can often be seen with their wings spread out drying in the warm sun. The cormorant and ahhinga are both in the Pelecaniformes family of birds with similar characteristics. Another wildlife image superbly captured by Theresa, the distinctive pointed spearlike bill appears to be showcased while this 'water turkey' wastes no time as it keeps a close eye on the surroundinge waters for its next meal, its head turned a full 180 degrees.

Osprey Catch of the Day

Theresa Posloski

Everglades National Park birdwatching is an opportunity for capturing close up Everglades photography images of this large fish-eating bird of prey. Slippery prey is caught by the rough textured feet when this fish hawk goes fishing in the Everglades. They can be seen flapping along over the water between 30 and 100 feet. It will hover a bit and then closing its wings downward, it will plunge into the water at such great force to catch its prey, that sometimes it disappears from sight. The force is so great as it must plunge into the water head first, when it surfaces it will rest just for a moment and always in flying away with the fish, it turns its head foremost. Captain Judy Caseley knows probably more than anyone where all the osprey nests are located in Everlades National Park. Captain Judy Caseley is the only professional photographer on Chokoloskee Island Florida offering Everglades National Park Sightseeing Boat Tours with an emphasis on South Florida birdwatching and Everglades photography.

Room with a View

Theresa Posloski

Arched framing leads the viewer into the front doorway of the ospreys nest. Theresa's use of dominant vertical lines adds to the towering height from the viewers presence. The habitat of this osprey nest is one of many that Captain Judy has named 'Osprey Alley' as it lies secretly among the thousands of mangrove inlets hidden in the small area of Chokoloskee Island Florida. Captain Judy Caseley often shares her secret inlets with bird enthusiasts as she enjoys introducing visitors to her unique world within the beautiful Florida Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands.

Woodstork Fishing

Theresa Posloski

Nature photographer, Theresa Posloski, has certainly inspired Captain Judy Caseley with images which are captured with precise split second timing. With an aesthetic appreciation for the beauty of wildlife, Theresa has clearly become a part of her subjects world. The conical beak of a woodstork will snap shut faster than Theresa has a chance to blink her eyes, in one-fortieth of a second! The four month natal period of the woodstork requires it to catch 3 1/2 pounds of fish everyday to sustain two chicks. Hopefully nature photographers capturing the beauty of what appears to be a pristine natural world will help bring awareness to the importance of keeping and protecting our aquatic ecosystems. By being good stewards of our environment, future generations may have choices to see and experience the wildlife of today, not having their choices narrowed to just beautiful photographs because it is no more.

Great Blue Heron

Theresa Posloski

South Florida Birdwatching has become popular for the many beautiful species of herons that can be photographed. Ten Thousand Island Boat Tours leaving from Smallwoods Store with Captain Judy Caseley offers excursions to Focus on the Everglades and its fabulous birds such as this Great Blue.

The Great Blue is the largest of all the herons standing 3 to 4 feet tall with a wingspan of almost 6 feet. Unfortunately, they also suffered the fate of plume hunters for their beautiful feathers.

There is also two similar large herons that at one time were classified separately ... known as the Great White Heron and 'Wurdemann's' Heron. The Great White differs from the Great American Egret as the former has black legs as opposed to the light colored legs of the Great White. The 'Wurdemann's' Heron is considered a hybrid as it consists of a white head and silvery gray body.

COMING SOON ... Captain Judy Caseley's Photo Gallery with 1st time publishing of these rare species along with many of her award winning photos!