Gotcha

racoon
Racoon – Orlando Wetlands Park – June 2015

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”  – Paulo Coelho

This fella is dreaming of a meal – I think I surprised him, it was interesting watching him look and smell trying to determine if I was a threat or not.

Quote found at http://addicted2success.com/quotes/12-stand-out-quotes-from-paulo-coelhos-amazing-book-and-fable-the-alchemist/

Bird Monday

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Young Great Blue Heron – Orlando Wetlands Park – June 2015
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Standing Tall – Orlando Wetlands Park – June 2015

“Rest if you must, but never quit.” – John Greenleaf Whittier

Continuing with the Great Blue Heron, here is a younger sibling. They start life completely white, slowly changes colors over their first year. Often confused (by me) with egrets.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/267703.John_Greenleaf_Whittier

Daddy Long Legs

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Bit of a Dispute – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015
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Settle Down – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

“the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you” – John Greenleaf Whittier

Black Neck Stilt fact – the ratio of leg length to body size is second only to the flamingo.

Quote found at https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/267703.John_Greenleaf_Whittier

Clouds

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Clouds – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015
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More Clouds – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

“The days of life pass as the passing of clouds on the sky,  do good as long as you are alive.” – Hazrat Ali

While taking photographs of dawn, I always try to remember to look behind me – sometimes the most amazing skys are that way.

Quote found  at http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Clouds/3/

Florida

Leavenworth's-tickseed
Leavenworth’s Tickseed – Orlando Wetlands Park – May 2015

“Alone with uncovered head I bared my life, my all to the Great Power of the Universe, call it Nature, God, Jehovah, Allah, Brahma or whatever you will, and reverently worship.” – Charles Torrey Simpson

This is how I feel – early in the morning – camera in hand – walking in the sunshine. The quote is from the book Out of Doors in Florida written by Charles Torrey Simpson in 1923. He was a naturalist and who, like me, has made Florida his adopted home. More on the book over the next couple of days.

The tickseed is Florida’s state wildflower.