Immerse in an ECO-Tour and Experience Southwest Florida Islands by Boat

“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.

You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”

Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story

Friday, February 15, 2013

The Great Egret











I know I take many photos of this bird, the Great Egret, but it is worthy of every shot. I was filling the boat up with gas when this guy was just calling to have his picture taken. Needless to say it took a long time to fill up with gas. This bird always makes me think of Guy Bradley, a plume hunter, who changed his way of thinking. He wanted to protect the the birds that he once hunted. Guy was given the badge and task to protect the birds he once hunted. It was the dawn of a new era. Guy was killed by another plume hunter in the line of duty trying to protect this bird you see in the photo above... the year was 1905. Thank you Mr. Bradley for your service and allowing me the opportunity to take photos of this Great Egret. If you would like to learn more about Guy Bradley, I highly recommend the book "Death In The Everglades" by Stuart B. McIver. 

6 comments:

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

You've done a beautiful job of capturing him and I love seeing the plumes. It reminds me of Audubons drawing in this picture:
http://snugharborbay.blogspot.com/2012/10/book-review-audobons-aviary.html

Nicely done Brian!

Janet from IL said...

Hello from the cold north!
I bet Guy Bradley is "looking down" right now and admiring your photos. What a pretty bird, and the American flag makes it really special.

Florida history is so interesting but it's not easy to find up north! I had no clue that plume poachers ever existed, or that plumed hats were ever so popular, for that matter. I read a few reviews online of the book that you mentioned and it looks very good. I'll see if I can find it at the local library. Any other book recommendations are always appreciated.

Kim,
I read your review of the Audubon book, and I'll look for that too. I'd love to find a similar style of book that focuses on shells, but I've had no luck yet!

As an aside, Capt Brian, did you get any photos of last night's sunset? I watched it for almost an hour online and took a few "screen shots" for the memories. It was gorgeous. (Even more so than usual.)

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Janet, I didn't get any photos from the sunset that day. I was inland packing for the everglades. However I could see the beautiful glow from where I was at. Glad you got to see the sunset. The only thing better than sunset on the water is sunrise on the water.

Capt. Brian Holaway said...

Thanks Kim!

Unknown said...

You take such great pictures. A real good eye for those perfect posses. Just love the flag shots!!

Oh Everglade trip!!!! Yay...can you do a posting of it. Just love your Everglade adventures!!

I'll go check out that book...always love a good book of Florida.

Nancy said...

The egret's wing feathers look like angel wing shells. The first picture reminds me of the egret on the cover of Paul Brooke's "Meditations on Egrets". What a gorgeous day it must have been with that brilliant blue sky. Beautiful photos!