Just after Christmas and through the new year, Rachel and I had a great time visiting our friends, Rick and Chris, in Bradenton, Florida.  Rick insisted that I bring my camera with my longest lens (Canon 100 - 400) because he wanted to take us on some nature hikes.  I'm glad I did and I appreciate my wife and friends' patience while I captured some of Florida's beautiful wildlife and landscapes.

Yes, I did put down my camera to have some fun too.  We had lots of delicious meals including fresh seafood of course, walked the beach and relaxed in the jacuzzi in the evenings.  And on the last day before going to the airport we had a delicious brunch with a co-worker of mine whom I never met face-to-face and then we went to Busch Gardens where Rachel and Rick braved all the rollacoasters, while I visited all the animals around the park.

Here are a few of my favorite images.  Just hover over each image to see a description. 

You can see more of my Florida images here: Florida2016.

Enjoy!

Ibis Up CloseBradenton, FL on December 29, 2016

Scrumptious Rock ShrimpSwordfish Grill in Cortez, FL

Two BridgesRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Little Blue Heron Stocking PreyRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Osprey Spots AnotherRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Osprey with a FishRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Florida OrangePalma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016 Star FruitPalma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016

Great Egret on the ShoreMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

Anticipating the KillRobinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL on December 30, 2016

Aligator on the ProwlMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Aligator on the ProwlMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Egret FishingMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Egret FishingMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Wood StorksMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Wood StorksMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Cormarant Dancing on the LakeMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Nice Catch!Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 SpoonbillMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Great Blue HeronMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Can You Canoe?Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016 Great Egret and Little Blue HeronMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

Above the CanopyMyakka River State Park in Sarasota, FL on December 31, 2016

3 Wise MeerkatsBusch Gardens in Tampa, FL

Upclose and Personal with a Reeve's Muntjac - One of the Smallest Deer in the WolrdBusch Gardens in Tampa, FL