Shadows – Orlando Wetlands Park – September 2015Clouds – Orlando Wetlands Park – September 2015
“We try hard to preserve old furniture that our ancestors sat and slept in, but neglect the things that can never be replaced or even imitated.” John Kunkel Small
This quote is from the book From Eden to Sahara – Florida’s Tragedy written in 1929. John Kunkel Small was a botanist in the early 20th century who traveled in Florida and documented the plant life found there.
He wrote this book after seeing the destruction caused by digging canals and burning land to clear it. Fortunately we haven’t made it to Sahara yet. A lot of good things are going on like the wetlands purchases along the St Johns, efforts to return the Kissimmee River to its natural course among others, but there is a long way to go.
Daniel Garrison Brinton 1837-1899, physician, anthropologist. Born in Thornbury Township, PA. was a pioneer in the field of academic anthropology. As with most academics in the 19th century, his wealth allowed him the freedom to pursue other studies.
“Notes on the Floridian Peninsula, its Literary History, Indian Tribes and Antiquities” is a book about Florida history written in 1859, reprinted in 1969. Uses an incredible amount of reference material. If I needed reference to primary source material concerning early Florida history – this is it. There are some things we now know not to be true, but we must consider when it was written. His literary history documents sources of Spanish, French, English, and American history, and also the Native Americans who lived in Florida.
The section on Native Americans covers both what was known of indigenous tribes Apalachees, Caloosa, and Ais, as well as the Creek/Seminole migration. His section on antiquities covers investigations of shell mounds and other ancient areas.
In keeping with my main interests this book contains geographic, geological, flora, and fauna information. The appendix about Silver Springs and the Oklewaha River (his spelling) are particularity interesting.
This fascinating book gives a perspective of Florida history that we seldom see. I was able to get a copy from the University of Central Florida library. Another book I would recommend is John Lee Williams Territory of Florida around 1839, there are electronic copies around for free.
Ruddy Turnstone – Merritt Island – September 2015More Ruddy – Merritt Island – September 2015
The moment a little boy is concerned with which is a jay and which is a sparrow, he can no longer see the birds or hear them sing. – Eric Berne
I was going to write about the Ruddy – but this quote stopped me in my tracks. Suffice it to say I was delighted to see these guys – my first spotting of migrants.
Heron – Lake Apopka – September 2015Great Egret – Lake Apopa – September 2015
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” – Denis Waitley
Grackle Up Close – Orlando Wetlands Park – September 2015Barn Swallow – Orlando Wetlands Park – September 2015
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
More birds – shocking I know! I’m seeking inspiration – while I had a a couple of good morning shoots this past weekend, I’m not at all satisfied with the resulting photos. I feel it’s time to head in a new direction, just haven’t seen it yet.
Picture This by Frank 