The Wandering Disciple

Southern Blue Flag blooms on the floor of the swamp, providing some splashes of color along the greens and browns of the swamp. A member of the Iris family, Southern Blue Flag is found in swampy areas. While it can be poisonous to animals it is thought to bring financial wealth to those who have it. In fact, some businesses place it in their cash registers to help stimulate business. (Photo: March 2, 2019)

The bright yellow canary of the United States Navy N2S-2 Kaydet gets its power from the iconic radial engine. Developed in 1934, the Continental R-670 is a seven cylinder radial aircraft engine that was the power plant of early aircraft like the Boeing biplanes. The engine produced 210-240 horsepower and was the primary aircraft engines in use during the 1930's and 1940's.  You can still see them in use as several of the PT-17's and N2S-2's are still airworthy and on the air show circuit.  (Photo: March 2, 2019)

When it comes to protecting the City on the Gulf, residents rely on the Venice Fire Department to keep them safe.  The department has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the community including beginning EMS service last year.  To further demonstrate their commitment to the community, the department was one of the first in the nation to offer in-home COVID-19 vaccinations to residents that can not make it to a vaccination site.  (Photo: March 2, 2019)

  Rising temps on the thermometer, flowers and bloom and return of seasonal wildlife are all signs that warmer weather are upon us.  While there may not be a definitive change of seasons in Florida, there are seasons and the swallow tail kites know when summer is.  Swallow tail kites can be found soaring over the Sunshine State skies in Spring and Summer.  (Photo: June 15, 2019)

 The Tampa Bay Rays look to make another run at the postseason and keep the Champa Bay spirit alive as they defend their American League championship and look to add a World Series trophy to the trophy case this season.  The team is in camp in Port Charlotte prepping for the 2021 season which kicks off April 1st on the road in Miami.  (Photo: February 19, 2019)

  An American Alligator patrols the banks of Gator Lake at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.  Alligators are plentiful in bodies of freshwater throughout the sunshine state and can be found laying on the bank or swimming in the water looking for a bite to eat.  In addition to feeding, alligators use the water to help manage their body temperatures.  (Photo: February 15, 2019)

Spring is in the air as MLB spring training camps are in full swing throughout Florida and Arizona. While camp takes on a different look this season due to COVID-19 protocols, the goal of preparing for the upcoming season and run for the World Series is still the same. Workouts continue this week and game start next week. Once games begin, limited fans will be permitted within the stadium. Spring Training concludes at the end of March. (Photo: February 20, 2019)

A colorful parrot hangs out by a feeder at the Celery Fields in eastern Sarasota. The Nanday Parakeet also known as the Black-hooded Parrot is one of the two parrot species found in colonies throughout Florida. These birds are not native to Florida but are able to sustain here in the sunshine state due to the warm tropical climates. Native to South America, the parrots have began self-sustaining colonies in Florida, Texas and southern California as a result of pet birds being released into the wild. (Photo: February 15, 2019)

A double crested cormorant hangs out by the lake at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers, Florida.  Gator Lake, the largest  of the lakes in the preserve, is home to a wide variety of species from birds to its namesake the American alligator.  The preserve features an elevated boardwalk that takes you through the swamp and Gator Lake is the first lake you pass on your journey.  (Photo: February 10, 2019)

A seagull hangs out on the beach with the rest of the snowbirds, feathered and human. When much of the world is covered in snow and cold weather, snowbirds flock to the beaches of Florida to enjoy a little warmth and sunshine. Beaches like Brohard Beach here in Venice because filled with birds and people enjoying the sunshine state weather. (Photo: February 10, 2019)

  Living in a sparsely developed part of town can have its benefits, especially when it comes to wildlife.  Last night while putting seed in the bird feeders, we got company from a bobcat at it was out on its evening stroll.  We have heard from neighbors for a while there is a family of them living in the brush behind us but last night it finally made an appearance while we were outside.  (Photo: February 17, 2021)

The slash pine is one of the predominant plants found in Florida's scrub habitat.  In days gone by, the slash pine was an important part of the economy as its sap was used to make turpentine.  But preservation efforts have now protected this critical part of the ecosystem and today it is home to diverse species of wildlife. The slash pines also benefit greatly from prescribed burns, a process in which a controlled fire helps maintain the forest by reducing underbrush providing a healthier environment for the plants and wildlife of this ecosystem.  (February 9, 2019)

A sloth hangs from a tree inside the main aviary at ZooTampa. Sloths spend much of their day hanging in trees of Central and South America. Sloths have very slow metabolism resulting in them resting in the treetops most of the day to conserve energy. ZooTampa is home to a pair of sloths and they have access to the entire aviary exhibit. So next time you are there, look up in the treetops and see if you can spot one. (Photo: January 20, 2019)

Crews from the Plant City Fire Department check out their apparatus following shift change.  Like a rite of passage, following shift change the on-coming crews comb through their trucks cabinet by cabinet making sure that all tools and gear are accounted for and that everything is in working condition.  While this task may seem like a mundane assignment, it is critical to ensure it's working in an emergency and you can not run the risk of a device failing when they are called into action and someone's life is on the line.  (Photo: February 3, 2019)

What a better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than spreading a little LUV at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.  Today marked the debut of Southwest Airlines service at SRQ. The LUV airlines will connect Sarasota with four cities initially and expanding to eight in the coming weeks.  Pictured here is the inaugural arrival, Southwest Flight 5353 arriving from Baltimore.  (Photo: February 14, 2021)

A youth ballplayer watches his hit take flight during a tournament game in Florida.  Travel baseball is big business in the Sunshine State.  Warm weather all year round makes baseball a 365 day sport in Florida with youth players convening at ballparks across the state each weekend.  (Photo: January 26, 2019)

Fort Myers, Florida:   It was good week at Southwest Florida International Airport.  This week marked the return of the Boeing Max to RSW and an increase in flight traffic with lots of hidden gems scattered throughout.  Then Friday saw a bunch of military action to close out the week.  Here is a look at what I saw this week at RSW: 60-0320 - KC-135 Stratotanker (US Air Force) 168440 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) 168859 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) 169330 - P-8 Poseidon (US Navy) C-GJWN - Airbus A321 (Air Canada) N137GW - Eurocopter EC-130 N138CH - Bombardier Challenger N159MJ - Raytheon Hawker 850 N172US - Airbus A321 (American Airlines) N268AK - Boeing 737-900 (Alaska Airlines) N364NW - Airbus A320 (Delta Air Lines) N425UP - Boeing 757-200 (UPS) N461UP - Boeing 757-200 (UPS) N568TT - Beechcraft Super King Air 200 N569DF Bell 505 Jet Ranger X N588SG - Learjet 45 N590JB - Airbus A320 (JetBlue Airways) N622UX - Embraer 175 (SkyWest Airlines/United Express) N719XJ - Cessna Citat...

A Boeing 737 Max 9 flown by United Airlines lands at Southwest Florida International Airport marking the return of the Max to Southwest Florida.  The fourth generation airliner developed by Boeing features more efficient engines, enhanced aerodynamic design and updated avionics.  But the aircraft suffered a technical defect which resulted in two fatal crashes and the entire fleet being grounded for over a year and a half.  The Boeing engineers corrected the problem and the fleet received its approval to fly again on November 18, 2020. This flight here was the first flight of the Max into RSW since the aircraft was recertified by the FAA.  (Photo: February 11, 2021)

The scrub habitats of Florida are a critical part of Florida's ecosystems.  Much like the grasslands of Africa, the scrubs of Florida are  home to many species of animals some of which are threatened.  From the bald eagle nests and scrub jays in the trees to the gopher tortoises and burrowing owls in the ground, this distinct ecosystem plays an important role.  But unfortunately the rapid development of Florida has put these ecosystems in danger and efforts are under way to help preserve some of them through nature preserves like Circle B Bar Reserve pictured here.  (Photo: January 26, 2009)

A Nile Hippopotamus catches a nap in the Florida sunshine at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The hippo is the third largest land mammal of Africa behind the elephant and rhino. But don't worry, you don't have to travel to Africa to get a close up view of these massive animals, they are one of the many species found on the Serengeti Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom. From your safari vehicle you cross right through a hippo pool and have a chance to get a great view of the park's resident hippos. (Photo: January 13, 2019)

Fort Myers, Florida: I spent a little time at Page Field today on inspections and caught a little bit of flight action during my break. A flurry of activity kept the runway busy as members of the EAA took flight on a trip to nearby Arcadia. Sandwiched between the EAA activity, the Coast Guard came do visit. A HC-144 from Miami made a few touch and go’s before heading back to Miami.  Here is a look at what I saw this week at FMY:  2304 – HC-144 Ocean Sentry US Coast Guard  N49BW – Van’s RV-9  N82RB – Van’s RV-4  N87CK – Van’s RV-7  N234AS – Van’s RV-7  N313E – Stoddard-Hamilton SH-4 GlaStar  N730B – Cessna Skylane  N8072H – Piper Turbo Arrow  N8670Q – Cessna Stationair  N17223 – Cessna Skyhawk  Click on the photo above to view these and the entire Page Field photo gallery .

A little blue heron sits along the lake at the rookery in Venice. Believe it or not, the white bird in the background is also a little blue heron. Little blue herons are born white and will remain white for about year when they get the blue coloring seen here. The little blue herons are typically found bodies of water in the southern US. (Photo: January 11, 2019)

Congrats to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their victory in Super Bowl LV and bringing home another title for title town aka Tampa Bay.  First it was the Tampa Bay Lightning winning the Stanley Cup championship.  Then the Rays followed as they were crowned the American League champs.  Now the Bucs picked up 31-9 win to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at Raymond James Stadium, the first time the host city had appeared in and now won the Super Bowl.  (Photo: February 7, 2021)

The US Air Force teased it a few weeks ago with a simple math equation; B1 + B2 + B52 = Super Bowl 55.  Well the trio of bombers did not disappoint as this year's Super Bowl was opened by a special flyover featured the long range bombers of the USAF.  This was a unique challenger as the bombers did not stay in Tampa, but came from their respective bases across the country.  The B1B Lancer departed Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, The B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota and the B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.  The three bombers rendezvoused with a resident MacDill Air Force Base KC-135 Stratotanker for a quick refueling stop over the Gulf of Mexico before heading over the opening ceremonies of the Super Bowl.  (Photo: February 7, 2021)

  A juvenile bald eagle takes flight from a tree at Lemon Bay Park.  The symbol of our nation is known by its iconic white head and tail, however they are not born with that.  Young eagles are brown and the white gradually mixes in as the eagle matures.  It isn't until about five years old that the eagle will have that iconic white head.  (Photo: January 9, 2019)

Fort Myers, Florida: Planespotting at Southwest Florida International Airport had a few hidden gems this week. From a visit from Panama’s version of Air Force One to a military surveillance plane and a bunch of special commercial flights scattered in between. It was an exciting week.  Here is a look at what was seen at RSW this week:  09-00646 – MC-12S-2 EMARRS-M (US Army)  C-FGKN – Airbus A321 (Air Canada)  HP-1A – Embraer Legacy 600 (Republic of Panama)  N51EM – Cessna Citation III  N124US – Airbus A320 (American Airlines)  N184US – Airbus A321 (American Airlines)  N248AK – Boeing 737-900 (Alaska Airlines/Boeing 100 Years Strong)  N321US – Airbus A320 (Delta Air Lines)  N332DN – Airbus A321 (Delta Air Lines)  N356NW – Airbus A320 (Delta Air Lines)  N373DX – Airbus A321 (Delta Air Lines)  N401YX – Embraer 175 (Republic Airways)  N403AS – Boeing 737-900 (Alaska Airlines)  N416YX – Embraer 175 (Republic Airways/...

A slough is a slow moving body of water that flows through a wetland ecosystem. The trees and root systems act like a filter, cleaning and purifying the fresh water along the journey. This process creates a diverse plant and wildlife environment with lots of diversity in species. A good place to see this is a the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve where they have an elevated boardwalk that takes you into the heart of the Six Mile Cypress Slough. This slough provides drainage for over a 30 square mile watershed as it begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo: January 5, 2019)

In urban culture, the term snowbirds refers to northern residents escaping the harsh winter weather by spending a few winter months in the warmth of the sunshine state. But the term originated from the winter migration of northern birds as they flew south for the winter to survive. One place to see migratory birds is the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge where thousands of birds flock each winter during migration. A popular snowbird here is the white pelican pictured here. These large pelicans live in central North America and winter as far south as Central America. (Photo: January 5, 2019)

  A snowy egret tries to stay warm along the banks of the lake at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland, Florida.  Despite having snowy in their name, these small egrets are found in the warmer climates of the southern United States, Central and South America.  Once hunted to almost extinction, they have been protected by the Migratory Bird Treat Act and their populations have rebounded to abundant levels.  (Photo: January 4, 2019)

Fort Myers, Florida: I spent a little time at Page Field this week on inspections and caught a few plane movements during lunch. Some real strong cross winds made for a quiet day in the air but I did see a trio of aircraft braving the challenging conditions.  Here is a look at what I saw at FMY:  N520CT – Cirrus SR-22  N3129S - Piper Malibu Meridian  N6178W – Cessna Centurion  Click on the photo above to view these and the entire Page Field photo gallery .

In a city founded on lakes, its only fitting that its symbol be a waterfowl. Drive any of the lakes in downtown Lakeland and you will find plenty of ducks, geese, swans and wading birds. One spot in particular is Lake Morton Park where people come from all over to see the flock of royal geese that live at the lake. Donated by Queen Elizabeth II, these swans and their offspring have been a centerpiece to the lake for over 60 years. (Photo: January 1, 2019)

The waters of the Circle B Bar Reserve a filled with freshwater fish, attracting fishing birds like this Osprey enjoying a fresh catch.  Located on the shore of Lake Hancock the Circle B is a former cattle ranch that has been revitalized into a renowned wildlife preserve.  The  1,200 plus acre reserve is now a hot spot to watch wildlife and brings thousands of people into Lakeland to see the animals that call the reserve their home.  (Photo: January 1, 2019)