Another highlight coming from last weekend was some of the landscape pictures that I took at Bayport Historic Park.
I love the first picture for its simplicity and colors, but the second one is a view I can’t resist photographing every time I’m there. It’s just beautiful.
It has been hot here in Florida and that affects birding.
As a result, I didn’t have many opportunities to capture good pictures.
One bird that didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat were the Laughing Gulls.
I managed to take a few pictures of these birds in flight.
The Herring Gull is large and pale gray with a white head, pink legs, and a strong yellow bill marked with a red spot. They are winter visitors to Florida, often seen along beaches, piers, and harbors, scavenging for fish or scraps.
The Laughing Gull, on the other hand, is a year-round resident and one of Florida’s most recognizable gulls. In breeding season, it has a black head, red bill, and a raucous, laughing call that gives the species its name. They thrive in coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to busy boardwalks, and are quick to swoop in on snacks left unattended.
Together, these two gulls capture both the seasonal rhythm and the lively spirit of Florida’s shorelines.
Another bird that I photographed was the boat-tailed grackle.
 |
| Female Boat-tailed Grackle. |
The Boat-tailed Grackle is a striking blackbird found along Florida’s coasts and wetlands. Males are glossy black with long, keel-shaped tails (like a boat’s hull), while females are smaller and brown with a slimmer build. They’re noisy, bold, and often gather in large flocks around marshes, parking lots, and boardwalks. Their loud, varied calls and confident presence make them one of the most noticeable birds in Florida’s coastal areas.
I was recently asked to recommend a camera for shooting high-quality video. Ten years ago, “good quality” meant 1080p, but today, 4K is considered the standard for decent quality. Most modern smartphones can shoot 4K video, though with some zoom limitations. Keep in mind, however, that a capable phone with 4K video will cost you over $1,000—likely rolled into the monthly payments you already make to your service provider.
So, what does a camera for video cost? If you buy refurbished to save money, expect to spend at least $500 on a camera body capable of 1080p and another $500 on a lens (minimum). For 4K video, plan on spending more than $1,000 for the body and again around $500 for a suitable lens.
You can find a helpful article recommending the best refurbished cameras for video here.
Shooting video also requires a powerful computer for editing and plenty of storage for saving files. That can easily add several more thousands of dollars to your budget.
So, the next time you hire a photographer for your wedding and request video, don’t be surprised—or complain—when the bill comes to a few thousand dollars.
For us, people from the old times when you needed a film to take pictures, Kodak is a big name. It was the symbol of great quality films resulting in good quality pictures. Then digital cameras came to the market and the Kodak Empire almost collapsed. The company tried to enter into that new market, but never was able to compete against the big companies such as Canon, Nikon and Sony, filling for bankruptcy in 2012.
According to Fox Business, "Kodak announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on Monday that there was "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to stay in business."
If you spend time near Florida’s lakes, marshes, or even open pastures, you may hear a distant, rolling bugle that carries for miles. Look up, and you might spot a pair of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) — tall, graceful birds that have become an iconic part of the Sunshine State’s natural scenery.
While millions of Sandhill Cranes migrate across North America each year, Florida is home to its own non-migratory subspecies: the Florida Sandhill Crane (A. c. pratensis). These cranes live here year-round, nesting in freshwater marshes and open prairies. Standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans over six feet, they’re hard to miss — especially in breeding season, when pairs perform their famous courtship dances, leaping and bowing in perfect sync.
Sandhill Cranes are monogamous, often mating for life. Pairs work together to build a nest of plant material in shallow water. Typically, the female lays two eggs, but often only one chick — called a “colt” — survives to adulthood. Parents are fiercely protective, and it’s not unusual to see them boldly confronting predators, from raccoons to hawks.
In Florida, you can encounter Sandhill Cranes in state parks, wildlife management areas, and even golf courses or suburban fields. Common viewing spots include Crews Lake Park in Pasco County, Paynes Prairie Preserve, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.
Although Florida Sandhill Cranes are not currently endangered, they’re considered threatened by the state due to habitat loss. Wetland drainage and development have reduced their breeding grounds, and they are especially vulnerable during nesting season (January through June).
Keep your distance: Cranes are protected by law — it’s illegal to harass or feed them.
Go early: Morning light enhances their red foreheads and soft gray plumage.
Watch the behavior: Dances, bugling calls, and parenting moments make for compelling wildlife shots.
Sandhill Cranes have lived in North America for millions of years — fossil records suggest they’re among the oldest bird species still alive today. In Florida, they’re more than just another bird; they’re a symbol of our wetlands’ beauty and fragility.
Florida may be famous for its herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but it also plays host to one of the most dazzling avian visitors—the hummingbird. Known for their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds are a true delight for bird lovers and photographers alike.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The only species that breeds in Florida. Males sport a brilliant red throat that flashes in sunlight, while females have a plain white throat. They arrive in spring, nest during the warmer months, and some overwinter in the southern parts of the state.
 |
| Ruby-throated hummingbird. |
Seasonal Visitors – In winter, a few other species occasionally appear, such as the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, often spotted by dedicated birdwatchers in gardens and parks.
Spring & Fall Migration – Peak times for sightings, especially along the Gulf Coast and in gardens with nectar-rich flowers.
Year-Round in South Florida – Warmer temperatures mean that some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stay all year.
Best Locations – Botanical gardens, coastal nature reserves, and backyards with feeders and native flowering plants.
Plant Native Flowers – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, and salvia are favorites.
Use Feeders Wisely – A simple sugar-water mix (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no dye) works perfectly. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold and bacteria.
Provide Shelter – Small trees and shrubs offer perching and nesting spots.
Hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times per second.
They have excellent memories and will return to the same feeder year after year.
Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away much larger birds from their food sources.
In my opinion, the ideal resolution range for a camera is between 24 megapixels and 35 megapixels. While more megapixels may be beneficial in certain situations, they shouldn’t be the primary factor when choosing a camera.
