A couple of firsts for me

[OviV]

Went to Loop Road in the Everglades today to try out my new 300 F4 L. My wife shot with the 100-400 L. So far I must say that her images looked sharper than mine but she was using a tripod and I a monopod. Nonetheless, we had an amazing day as we ran into two firsts for both of us.

1. My first Roseate Spoonbill ever. Definitely did not expect to find one this far inland since I always thought of them as being more around brackish water and not fresh water. I know it is not a great image but we only managed a couple of shots before he spooked. My wife got a couple of very nice shots but I'll let her post them if she'd like.

http://www.shareapicture.com/album/webpics/OviV/Photography/Nature/Everglades/Loop%20Road%202005-01-09/OV__MG_0887.jpg

2. My first Crocodile in this area ever. I have seen them before in the "saltier" side of the Everglades but this is really very fresh water. It was a very nice surprise. He was only about 2.5 to 3 feet long.

http://www.shareapicture.com/album/webpics/OviV/Photography/Nature/Everglades/Loop%20Road%202005-01-09/OV__MG_0925.jpg

If you are a local and have run accross either of these in this area, let me know.

Ovi

[cricket]

Those are great images!

You are so fortunate to live in an area like that. You are also very fortunate to have a wife who shares your photography! That's cool!

Thanks for sharing!

[sparker1]

Have seen roseate spoonbills around Punta Gorda and Sarasota. They are skittish, so a long lens is a requirement usually. My sightings have all been when I was biking (ie, no camera). Haven't seen a croc, even around Florida Bay, although I know they are out there. How do you distinguish the croc from a young gator? I know their mouths operate differently, but I'm hoping there is a better way.

[ssim]

Very nice shots. It sure would be nice to have this kind of wildlife near here all year long.

I've never seen a croc in the wild but this one looks blue. Is that the color they really are??

[OviV]

This is what I know about IDing them.

Shape of head: Crocodiles have long, V-shaped snouts whereas alligators have short, U-shaped snouts.

When their jaws are closed, you can still see the fourth tooth on the lower jaw of the crocodile. When an alligator closes its mouth, that tooth disappears. So, in general, if the jaw is closed and you still see lots of teeth, it's a crocodile.


What type of water are they in? They prefer very different homes and knowing what habitat they like can also identify which one is which.

However, this particular one only the first one is really a clue. He does not have all his teeth so the second clue is not that helpful and he was in mostly fresh water. That is why I'm a bit confused. Maybe I miss-IDed him but I am pretty sure it is a croc.

Ovi

[OviV]

ssim,

They are usually greyish. This one was a little darker, probably related to the water he is living in. Also, the software that my site uses, adds saturation to my pictures. I direct linked them now. Let me know if it looks less blue.

[OviV]

Well after further research it seems that this may not be an America Crocodile after all but more likely a Spectacled Caiman which is an introduced species. Primarily as a result of people releasing their pet Caimans into the Everglades, there are some Caimans around. I e-mailed the picture to an Everglades Ranger to verify the identity of this animal.

Ovi