Friday, June 17, 2011

THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES: "WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND HE IS US"!!!

Today's post is a photo tour of a trip we took to the Florida Everglades. But first let me answer a question that we see in the comments occasionally. I have people asking me to post our images without the water mark or to place it on the bottom out of the way. I really understand the request and  appreciate people wanting to see our images without words written across them. I have addressed this in the past but let me repeat why I do it this way. It is kind of sad and kind of simple. People steal images on the internet and use them for their own web sites or print them. We and other photographers work very hard to present our images, not even mentioning the expense. We do sell our art, it is available on the gadget you see on this blog or by contacting me about any image you see. If I put the copyright on the bottom it would be very easy to crop it out. It is pretty easy to clone it out using Photoshop, so we need to try and make it harder for people to do. The idea that someone would steal another person's creative property is amazing to me but it does happen much more then you would guess!! I do try and keep the opacity very low so as to not intrude too much and will lower it even more in the immediate future. Thank you for your understanding.


We took a day trip to the Florida Everglades a few weeks ago. To be factual, we went to the Shark Valley part of the Everglades. It's named so because it runs into Shark Lake which derived its name from the sharks that used to live in it; a form of shark that can live in either salt or fresh water (a Bull Shark). 


The Everglades is a National Park in the US state of Florida that protects the southern 25% of the original Everglades. It is the largest sub tropical wilderness in the US and is visited each year on average by one million people each year. It is the third largest national park in the lower 48 states after Death Valley and Yellowstone. Unlike most U.S. national parks, it was created to protect a fragile ecosystem instead of safe guarding a unique geographic feature. It is home to 36 species designated as endangered or protected, including the Florida Panther, the American Crocodile and the West Indian Manatee. It is also the most significant breeding ground for tropical wading birds in North America. More then 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles live within the Everglades.


In 1882 the region began to be drained for residential and agriculture use. In the 20th century the natural water flow from Lake Okeechobee was controlled and diverted to the explosive growth of the South Florida metropolitan area. The park was established in 1934 to protect the quickly vanishing Everglades and dedicated in 1947, the same year massive canal- building projects across South Florida began to divert water away from the park. The ecosystems in Everglades National Park have suffered significantly
from human activity and the repair and restoration of the Everglades is a politically charged issue in South Florida.

One example of man creating problems for himself is the Melaleuca tree which was imported from Australlia. This tree has the ability to soak up great amounts of water and was planted in the area to help soak up water and help with the establishing of land suitable for residential and agriculture purposes.  It was planted in the Everglades originally to drain water from was thought to be a river. 


Later it was realized that the Everglades is a large swamp. But it was too late. In fifty years the tree has grown to be a great nuisance in Florida especially in the Everglades. The tree grows to immense forests in the Everglades and its surrounding wetlands. Now there is a lack of water in the area and the trees keep growing and threatening the very existence of the Everglades. 


Scientists are trying to discover a way to control the growth of the trees. Herbicides are somewhat effective but fires that they are purposely starting are actually helping to spread the tree's seeds. Recently scientist have released biologically controlled insects to help in the fight against the tree. I don't know about you but this does not fill me with hope!!  We really are our the enemy!! The trees have consumed most of the Everglades Swamp and is threatening the existence of the swamp and its magnificent ecosystem. 


When we arrived at Shark Valley we parked our car and walked over to a few buildings. We purchased tickets for a tour of the area on a tram with a park ranger as a guide. We would highly recommend taking this tour if you visit. As we were waiting for the next tour we walked over to a small river. When we looked down into the river it was obvious that we were in the Everglades. In a very small stretch of water were alligators, wading birds and fish swimming around. We saw alligators swimming up and down the river while others were near the shore almost hidden in the vegetation.










I find these creatures amazing to observe; seemingly sleepy and unfazed by what is around them but if something they perceive as food gets anywhere near them, you see their large eyes open and lock on to the target. They seem like something left over from another period of time. It is believed there are over 1.3 million alligators in Florida. That census is derived by determining the amount of suitable habitat and the average density of alligators in that habitat. To try and actually count the alligators would be time consuming, expensive and relatively dangerous.  


One of the birds that live in the Everglades in the Anhinga, a water bird. It does not have oil glands for water proofing its feathers like most water birds. When it goes fishing its feathers get wet. This helps it dive and chase fish under water. However, when it is above water it must spread its wings to dry in the sun. It can fly with wet feathers but not as well. The Anhinga spears its prey with its pointed beak like an arrow. Sometimes the thrust is so powerful that it needs to swim to shore and pry the fish off its beak by rubbing the fish against a rock. 


As I walked up the river I saw something under the murky water. First all I saw was the fan tail and I had no idea what it was. Then in a matter of seconds I saw the rest of the Anhinga swimming around under water looking for food. In this image you can see it underwater swimming around. It is really amazing to see this large bird swimming under water. 



 After a short time it came closer to the top and stuck its head out of the water to breath.




About 10 minutes later it surfaced and went on shore spreading its wings to dry in the sun.

 About 25 feet from the Anhinga I spotted a Blue Heron in the river.


                                  A really beautiful bird!


Even in this river you could see part of the different ecosystems.

            But be careful, in this lush vegetation lurks danger!!



Soon it was time to get on the tram for our tour. Here's a tip if you're looking to take pictures. When you take your seat sit on the left (when looking to the front). There seemed to be more opportunities to photograph some on the inhabitants on that side. Phyllis sat there. I sat on the right!!!

Our next post will include images from our tram ride through the  Florida Everglades. 


( I need to give credit for part of the title of this post "we have met the enemy....... It is a line from an American cartoon. Pogo that ran for many years written by Walt Kelly. He penned the line many years ago and used it on a Earth Day Poster)

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Jim, I love your photos, their brilliancy, along with your interesting stories. Wonderful things to share :)

Simran said...

JIM, You are amazing :)
Love your photos..and posts!
Keep sharing ..

Tameka said...

I haven't had a vacation in a few years, but through your photos I am able to float and fly over these locales with beautiful ease. Thanks for allowing me to rack up some flyer miles through your art dear!

Irfanuddin said...

as usual splendid piece of photography supported with nice narration...Loved it.

Ann said...

The blue heron is beautiful--I've never heard of the Anhinga--very informative!

डा0 हेमंत कुमार ♠ Dr Hemant Kumar said...

Jim,I appriciate your photographs...very live and achtionfull.
Best wishes.
Hemant

Nelieta said...

Jim, another wonderful adventure and the photos make it so much more enjoyable! I share your sentiment regarding the watermark and it is sad that people steal photos from other photographers.

Great post as always!

Jessica Brant said...

JB,

You must be getting tired of me saying the same thing over and over...
so this time I will only say....
I love Blue Herons...
xoxox
Jess
Here is my moment
Mary, Mary,

Delicious and oh so cute .... Mommy and baby berry : )
xoxox
Here is my Moment
Finding One's Way

alejandro guzman said...

crocodile soup with an alligator back pack..
cool pics
A

Rimly said...

What a adventurous safari with you and Phyllis again. The pictures are so vivid and your narration as always make them come to life. I loved that Anhinga underwater. Never seen one before. Thank you Jim

Melissa Tandoc said...

Life is so amazing...it is how you put it into words and images that makes it more interesting.

Everything you wrote is new to me. From where the Shark Lake derived its name to the Melaleuca...to the Everglades beginnings to its restoration down to the anhinga...
I learned many new things... The details are considerably fair and comprehensible.

It has been an issue not to mess with the ecosystem. As it is a system, it has a life of its own...The change brought about by the introduction of Melalueca to a new habitat, created a significant outcome to Everglades.

As it houses different species, I pray that continuous efforts be done to protect the place... (it scared me though to discover the presence of alligators there).

My niece asked me where your location is while you shoot those alligators :P...

The photos are as magnificent as the place (the way you described it)...

I particularly liked the anhinga...I wasn't sure what it was at first as it swam through... I was able to admire it when it began flapping its wings...It's a very interesting creature :) sans sebaceous glands...

I liked the second image of the blue heron...with the blue reflection on the water...

Oh what a warning on the second photo of the vegetation...

I look forward to your other adventures with Phyllis...

Oh and the enemy...I hope that our consciousness be raised on the plea of the Everglades...

Great post Jim ;)

lakwatsera de primera said...

I learned a new species of bird again. The Anhinga kinda looked regal with its wings all spread out. Love the wildlife images!

Unknown said...

I like the birds most. =p Thanks for the informations. My mind is well-fed with what you share =)

Kriti said...

I remember visiting Florida Everglades - Loved it! I was, however, shocked a little to see gator burgers in the menu of one of the cafes. What a scary lunch that would be... My husband however had his fill and I stayed away from him that day : )) Loved your post as always ...

Ravenmyth said...

Jim it is so sad that yet again Man has left his footprint on Nature in a negative way. Obviously when the decision was made to plant this tree..no one thought about how it was going to affect the future of the Everglades. (it is not going to magically stop sucking up alot of water)

We have a bird here in B.C. called the Cormorant...(? spelling) which has to dry it's wings...the colouring is even similar to your species. They fish underwater in our ocean and sit on rocks and logs to dry out.

Another great weaving of your photo's and history on the Glades...Love the shot of that beautiful bird underwater...and always enjoy seeing the Crocks...they are magnificent.

sheril benedict said...

Great story with awesome pics !! Seems like a adventure trip !!

Kerry-ann said...

The everglades really is a stunning place. We loved our time there, the quiet, peace and tranquility caused by the swamp and inhabitants. Your photos are stunning and a reminder that our role is to protect our environment.

sHoNa said...

JIM, You are amazing :)luv ur all post n pics... reading ur post is really a learning experience....
splendid pics.....