Shootout at Robinson Preserve Produces a Variety of Views

It’s always eye-opening to see how different people view a moment in time. That was the idea behind the Photography Shootout at Robinson Preserve. I thought it would be fun to see what people would come back with given a limited amount of time in the same location. About 35 photographers showed up and I did not see the same photo twice. Photographers were fortunate enough to get all the weather during the two-day event. We started with fog, then rain, then wind. The next day was sunny, even if it was a little cold. The other advantage of finding unique shots at Robinson Preserve is the size of the preserve and the variety of terrain.

The birds were out in full force in the fog on that Saturday morning. The photographers who braved the weather got some ethereal photos that really highlighted the beauty of Robinson Preserve. They also got plenty of wildlife action. Sure photographers saw a bevy of birds but there were also otters, raccoons and lizards. The 35 photographers turned in about 130 photos in four categories from the two days at the preserve. The Best in Show, a stunning photo by Ken Macejka, will be on exhibit at the Valentine House in Robinson Preserve beginning in March.

The best part was seeing a community of photographers get together in one place. They were really interested in seeing one anothers work and applauded the photos shown at the awards ceremony — all of them, not just the winners. I was particularly proud to see the next generation of photographers there. Two 11-year-olds signed up and competed against the adults. And they turned in exceptional photos. It was nice to see that they were already developing an appreciation, and an eye, for nature and wildlife. It also confirmed for me that the environment is in good hands with this up and coming generation.

The photography contest was such a success that I’m convinced we should probably do it again next year. I’m looking forward to meeting more photographers and seeing what they bring back. Now I just need to decide on where to do the next contest. Some places that come to mind in Manatee County are Emerson Point Preserve, Tom Bennett Park, Rye Preserve, Duette Preserve or Ft. Hamer. Of course we could always go back to Robinson Preserve. I’m sure I’m missing one that you would like to see on the list, so let me know.

Top winner in the 2020 Shootout at Robinson Preserve. Photograph by Ken Macejka

Bill Robinson helped change Northwest Manatee County

I was out shooting photos in Robinson Preserve this morning, one was this mourning dove sitting on a perch. She was beautifully lit and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos. At about that time, the news was on its way to Manatee County that Bill Robinson had died. As I looked through my photos from this morning, the shot of the mourning dove seemed to tell the story of just how much Bill Robinson meant to this county.

Bill Robinson, changed Northwest Manatee County for the better when he partnered with the county to turn 487 acres of former farmland into Robinson Preserve, known for its hiking trails, wildlife and mangrove habitats. Robinson died today at the age of 70, according to the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

His legacy will live on through the contribution he made to conserving the vital lands and waterways of Robinson Preserve. It is one of the most utilized parks in all of Manatee County. Kayakers, runners, bikers, birdwatchers, dog walkers and photographers take advantage of the preserve daily.

Robinson, a Manatee County native and tree farmer, took 487 acres he owned and helped return it to vital habitat for wildlife. Developers had hoped to turn that same land into a golf course and housing development. The county purchased the land from the family for $10 million — $6.4 million came from the Florida Communities Trust and county taxpayers paid the balance. It was a good move for the county and for Bill Robinson who, like many county residents, visited the park often.

I am grateful for this gift to the county. I am grateful county leaders had the wisdom preserve this land and that there was money available from the Florida Communities Trust to help pay for the land. It’s wonderful to have people with the foresight to set aside land for wildlife and people. I wish there was more of that kind of thinking.

Your own back yard can yield amazing photos

This time last year I traveled to the Conowingo Dam at the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland to capture photos of eagles. The Conowingo Dam is famous for attracting eagles who feed there in the winter. The eagles are famous for their epic fights over the fish that are caught. They chase each other through the air grabbing for the fish. The juvenile eagles in particular chase the adult eagles for the fish.

I went with great expectations of getting amazing photos I couldn’t get anywhere else. And I froze trying to do it. The eagles fish there in the coldest part of the year — late November through February. Standing on the edge of the water in the north that time of year can take your breath away. Also last year the water levels were high, meaning the eagle activity was slow and contained to the far side of the dam. I had a great trip and had a great time with new friends, but I didn’t come home with the spectacular eagle photos I was hoping for.

This morning out at Robinson Preserve, I was reminded of that trip when directly above my head I spotted a juvenile eagle chasing an osprey for a fish. I didn’t have to travel 1,100 miles to catch the chase close up and even though I forgot my jacket on this chilly Florida morning, I didn’t freeze while watching the spectacle. It was an amazing thing to watch. The birds were close and the chase was dramatic. You could hear the osprey warning the eagle to back off, but that juvenile wasn’t listening. He was focused on breakfast — the fish the osprey had just caught.

The chase went on for a while, until the osprey finally gave up and dropped the fish and the eagle dove down to get it. The osprey flew off in search of a fresh fish. I noticed several ospreys out fishing this morning and it’s always fun to get photos of them diving and coming up out of the water. It’s rare to see an eagle chase an osprey, but it happens and it happens in our own back yard. It was a good reminder that you don’t really have to travel far to find amazing photos.

The snowbirds are back and it's beautiful

In case you hadn’t noticed the snowbirds are back. I know you have probably experienced an uptick in traffic. And if you shop for groceries on a Saturday, certainly you have pushed through the clogged aisles and maybe even had to hunt for a grocery cart. But I’m not here to remind you of life’s little irritations. I’m here to tell you the snowbirds are back and it’s beautiful.

I witnessed a traffic jam of epic proportions this morning as dozens of White Pelicans all tried to land at the grocery store known as the pond at Robinson Preserve. Seeing those elegant birds glide above the Preserve, drop down and lower their big feet like landing gear, and then ski across the water is something to behold. I could stand for hours watching — and taking photos of this wonderful phenomena. It was an amazing sight and it reminded me to be grateful for all of those who visit Florida for a week or for a season. This is the time of year that brings variety — whether in the people or the wildlife and sometimes there’s the combination of both. And yes, sometimes it tests our patience, but more often it brings wonderful opportunities.

I love the variety of birds that come in this time of year. I enjoy trying to identify the different ducks by their plumage. I relish the mix of colors, roseate spoonbills and yellow-crowned herons mixed in with the White Pelicans, with their black-tipped wings. I am thrilled with the different scenes across Florida. And the human snowbirds mean it’s the season for all sorts of activities. The restaurants are livelier, there are festivals and celebrations of all types, there is a variety of music as bands are playing throughout the region and there are parties everywhere. You certainly can’t claim boredom this time of year.

I have developed lasting friendships with a few photographers and birders who visit Florida during the season. I learn something from all of these seasonal residents and I enjoy their company here and even online when they are at their summer homes. I’ll even say something like, “I wish JoAnne (the most knowledgeable birder I know) was here to tell me about this bird I’m looking at.” So yes, I miss the snowbirds when they head north. And that means today, I greeted the snowbirds with a wide smile and my best lens.