Mexican Sunflower

This plant was started by a small, bare stick from my friend's plant. I put it in the ground about a year ago. Today, it stands about 15 ft high and 8 ft wide. The blossoms grow on the ends of the branches, so the outside of the tree is covered with these beautiful sunflower-like flora. Each blossom is about 4-5 inches in diameter.

Mexican Sunflowers are very attractive to butterflies, so I have an added benefit that I can also photograph many species of butterflies when they light on the blooms.

There are many varieties, some are bright orange, some reddish and all the colors in between.

Loyce

Frank and his Red-Neck Spatula

My friends from my photo group (Florida State Photography Meetup Group) went on a picnic today to say goodbye to Frank (pictured) and Bill for a little while.

(Frank comes to Florida from upstate NY and stays 8 months then goes back to NY, and Bill just bought property in Mexico, and will be gone 2 months or so.)

As usual, being human, we all forgot some key essentials, like a cooler, ice, condiments and a spatula. We couldn't figure out what to do to turn the chicken and burgers, so Frank came up with an idea to use the Styrofoam plate that the burgers came in. He had to be quick so it didn't catch on fire, but it worked.

We had a lot of fun with that. Since we're in the south, (Florida) I dubbed it a red-neck spatula.

Oh yes, by the way, we had a great time; as usual when we're all together. We didn't take many photos, but still had a great time.

If you like my photos and would like to see more, check out my website at http://LoyceHoodPhoto.com.

Loyce

Tricolored Heron

This Tricolored Heron was created on my trip to Gatorland last Saturday. She was perched on her nest. I like the beautiful blue on her lores (the area from her eyes to her beak).

I also like the way her crest stands out and that alarmed look on her face. Her chicks were below screaming for her attention. If you've never watched chicks when they're hungry, you'd know how mean they are to their mothers. It's a wonder they stay and taken care of their young. All they do is peck at her (really hard) and pull at her for something to eat. The mother just sits patiently, ignoring them. A few minutes after this shot, she flew away to get them some food. It was amazing how fast they shut up as soon as she left. They're just like our babies who shut up the minute we pick them up.

If you like my photos, you can see more by visiting my web site at: http://LoyceHoodPhoto.com.

You are welcome to comment and/or critique my photo.

Loyce

Emu

I know it's been more than a week since I've posted anything new, but I've been busy shooting and editing.

This photo was made at Gatorland in Orlando last Saturday. I got really lucky on this shot. These birds are constantly on the move, so it took a lot of patience just to get him to cooperate long enough for me to capture him.

Gatorland is a place I hadn't visited in years, but I'm glad I did this time. It's amazing how much can change over time. We spent a lot of time in the marsh checking out all the roosting birds and of course, the gators. We opted for the photographers tour, which for an extra $7, we were allowed to stay after hours and had a park guide show us the best spots to photograph the gators and the birds. He even fed the gators while we shot photos. I came away with many keepers, some of which I could never have gotten on my own, since it's against the law to feed Alligators in Florida.

While all the editing is very time consuming, I'm happy with the amount of "keepers". It was definitely a trip worth taking.

If you like my photos and would like to see more, visit my website. It changes on a monthly basis, so be sure to come back often.

Loyce