Catch of the Day

A Snowy Egret turns its head to the side as it arranges a scaled sardine for a nice little side meal at Coquina Bayside Park.

The “tiny dancer with yellow slippers” according to the Ultimate Guide to Birds of Lakewood Ranch, once was hunted and killed in the 1800’s for its plumage that was used to decorate ladies’ hats.

The shorebird is currently protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 which has led to its’ population growth. As for the fish, a “razor belly” some may call it, its scales never adorn ladies’ hats and fish-odor perfume may not be in vogue, but it did make a good meal for this hungry bird.

-Grant Jefferies

Let your ears flap in the wind!

While driving along Manatee Avenue with my window open enjoying the brisk breeze, I was passed by a car where the passenger was also taking in the fresh air.

The passenger’s long hairy ears were airborne as it poked its head out of the car’s sunroof. This was one happy dog.

With the wind in its face and the open road ahead, this dog was sitting in doggie heaven. No doubt a notch or two above hanging out the side window like I was doing.

A quick shot with the camera was about all I could do as the car and wind-blown K-9 disappeared in a long line of traffic heading west on the busy street.

Dogs are man’s best friend, so let your best friend’s ears and tongue flap in the wind. If you do not have a sunroof in your car, get one, your dog will thank you.

-Grant Jefferies

Osprey detente

I had a bad experience-traumatic-but now I can look into the steely eyes of the fish-hunting raptor without diving for cover.

It began innocently enough; a balmy evening, the swing of the bat at G.T. Bray, the setting sun.

Then, it hit me.

On the side of the head.

I reached up to explore what it was-and smooshed it into my hair.

Osprey poop.

Or more precisely: the droppings of ‘Pandion haliaetus.’

The baseball players I was photographing laughed and pointed; my feelings about the situation were less amused.

But that’s all in the past now. I’m on good terms with the fishermen of the sky.

As long as I have my hat on.

--Tiffany Tompkins-Condie

Never Forget

Fred Fisher carries a flag as he walks down the Green Bridge onto Eighth Avenue to the Tribute to Heroes Memorial Service on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at Palmetto's Sutton Park.

Fisher lost a good friend, Jerry Olcott, on Sept. 11, 2001, when a plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center.

Eleven years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, many of us remember where we were that day when we heard the terrible news. I was with members of the Secret Service at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport watching it unfold on a small television in a security room, then rushed onto the tarmac where Air Force One was waiting to take off with President George W. Bush.

In reality, this is trivial compared to those, like Fisher who lost loved ones in the attack. Their memory is not so much where they were, but who they lost. Yes, may we never forget their loss and remember the strengths of our great nation to carry on.

-Grant Jefferies

Shhhh....

 

While making a rather noisy trip down the stairs while shooting photographs of the first day of school at Palm View Elementary, I rounded the corner and was greeted by a wall of kindergartners. 

The young students, with a finger over their lips, put the fear of the principal’s office in me. Behaving in line was never my best subject. It was a good thing the principal was my escort and she showed mercy on the first day of class. 

The start of a new school year and the end of the summer vacation is an unofficial season that should be marked on calendars right there with spring, summer, fall and winter. 

And the best thing is, there are only 179 days of school left.

-Grant Jefferies

Fueling Up for Football

As the summer winds down and a new school year looms on the horizon, armies of warriors prepare for a new season of battle on the gridiron, as high school football gets set for its opening kickoff.

Practicing during the day with heat indexes often soaring over 100 degrees, staying hydrated is just as important as hiking, punting and passing.

Here, thirsty players at Bradenton Christian School gather around a watering station, half drinking and half showering in the cool water to temporarily escape from the heat.

But not to fear, by the final weeks of the football frenzy, we will all be wondering where our jackets are and trying to stay warm.

-Grant Jefferies

Peaceful and Powerful

A lone helicopter flies over west Manatee County, dwarfed by a background of clouds rising thousands of feet into the air.

In heat of summer, the immense canvas of blue sky is painted with flowing mountains of white and gray.

Observed from the distance the array of soaring moisture appears peaceful and delicate. But as the distant battle on the horizon moves closer, the crack of lightning and the roar of thunder quickly remind us of the awe-inspiring forces of nature.

-Grant Jefferies