05122021 Sumpter Landing

[GrumpyOldMan]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't many left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.

---
EDITED: The vote is in and the B&W Light House and the Anhinga appear to be the favorites, with the B&W edging out the win. And thank you to those that identified the blackbird sunning itself as an Anhinga, I hope to learn the names of all the birds I photograph. The Lighthouse made me think of The Great Gatsby - and hence the B&W.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543398_875637335a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd389)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321166_c6e0c93267_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4y)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321146_aca4c46abf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4d)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411430_4868826131_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhuad)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108719_82dc9592ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWb4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411360_8cd7c6aa7d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu91)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543363_7208a04acb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd37x)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411320_448d4849e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu8j)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108669_c9eb94b033_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWac)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51174644557_0016b0d440_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kY8qVT)

[GrumpyOldMan]

Hint, I think the Hibiscus sucks - lol - that is one that would normally have been cut.

[billlaur]

Who would tell you to leave? So you cant take pictures on the square, stay on the sidewalk,along the curb thats a rite of way. you can film from there...doesnt seem right there are always people taking video of the groups while on stage...

[GrumpyOldMan]

Who would tell you to leave? So you cant take pictures on the square, stay on the sidewalk,along the curb thats a rite of way. you can film from there...doesnt seem right there are always people taking video of the groups while on stage...

I know, the law is that you can photograph if you are in a public place. The square is private so they could ask me to leave.

The lens I was using was too long for walking around in the square anyway - LOL. I couldn't get far enough away from anyone there. I could have walked across the street and gotten the same shots with that lens. And the law says that if you can see something in a private space from a public space then the person in the private space can not expect to not be photographed.

But, that's okay. The intent was to provide some privacy for the people trying to enjoy themselves, and I respect that. There is enough stress without my adding to it.

There are plenty of places I can photograph, I see no reason to cause a scene.

[John Mayes]

Hint, I think the Hibiscus sucks - lol - that is one that would normally have been cut.
Interesting....why do you think that one sucks? I really like it. BTW, all your pictures are great.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Interesting....why do you think that one sucks? I really like it. BTW, all your pictures are great.

Thank you,

The main thing about the hibiscus is that it is not perfect. It has damage along an edge, and the focus is a little off. I wanted the tip of the stigma to be in focus and the entire blossom, but the very tip is slightly soft and the bottom inside is soft.

But, thank you for the compliment, it means a lot to me.

[chalpm]

Wow...your photos are awesome! I especially like those in black and white.Thanks for sharing.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Wow...your photos are awesome! I especially like those in black and white.Thanks for sharing.

Thank you very much.

[Tmarkwald]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't meany left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.


Very cool - I really like the look of using B/W for the lighthouse.

[mrrmauu]

Very nice!! Thank you for sharing.

[Grdn77]

The light tower, in black and white is really nice.

[Barb.callow]

B&W’s are not my favorite, but the lighthouse pic is stunning!

[Raywatkins]

Love these photos.
Your attitude towards others is refreshing.
I just love the black and white of the lighthouse.

[GOLFER54]

I appreciate your talent. ������

[MandoMan]

Nice work. My favorite is the Amhinga (I think) with its feathers sticking up like hair and light on its beak and eye. Well done! Your bird photos made me SEE details about those birds that I hadn’t seen before. That’s high praise.

[Cartybabe]

I know, the law is that you can photograph if you are in a public place. The square is private so they could ask me to leave.

The lens I was using was too long for walking around in the square anyway - LOL. I couldn't get far enough away from anyone there. I could have walked across the street and gotten the same shots with that lens. And the law says that if you can see something in a private space from a public space then the person in the private space can not expect to not be photographed.

But, that's okay. The intent was to provide some privacy for the people trying to enjoy themselves, and I respect that. There is enough stress without my adding to it.

There are plenty of places I can photograph, I see no reason to cause a scene.

I am a photographer also. Actually the law says that even if you are on private property if you are looking into someone’s private space you still cannot take a photo legally. You cannot stand on a public sidewalk and use a 500 mm lens to take a photo through an open window into someone’s private home. There is an “ expectation of privacy” where you cross the line. It is vague at times and open to interpretation I admit. The square is iffy. It’s privately owned but meant for public gatherings. But if there’s a photo policy and someone of authority told u to stop you should.

[B-flat]

Nice work with the photos! What do you shoot with, brand and lens?

As a side you note you have the right attitude, I share what you wrote about when and where to take photos.

[Kathrynsews]

Thanks for sharing your photos! You are very talented!

[smetna1]

Your photos are all wonderful! I especially like the black and white one of the lighthouse.

[jefrope]

I like the hibiscus- lots of texture and a lovely shadow of the stamen. Pictures are great. Thanks so much for sharing.

[Mrodmh]

Thank you,

The main thing about the hibiscus is that it is not perfect. It has damage along an edge, and the focus is a little off. I wanted the tip of the stigma to be in focus and the entire blossom, but the very tip is slightly soft and the bottom inside is soft.

But, thank you for the compliment, it means a lot to me.


Well, many of us are not perfect and have damage along some edges, sometimes lose focus, and have soft bottoms. In this case, the hibiscus is PERFECT. 😀

[kcrazorbackfan]

Really good pics!

[Jewelz]

AMAZING photos.....you really have fantastic photography skills!!!! Thanks so much for sharing!

[La lamy]

Great pics. The bird in the 3rd one looks like it has a hurt wing. :(

[Shansonmarx]

I love your black and whites and all of your bird images😊

[safelsen]

Gorgeous shots!

[Guitarman1951]

Beautiful pictures, all of them!!

[IRISHGIRL3US]

They are all very nice.
Black and white light house is nice

[CFrance]

Hint, I think the Hibiscus sucks - lol - that is one that would normally have been cut.
I have had problems with closeups of flowers. I know there's a macro-type setting on my DSLR (is macro even the correct term?), but I never took the time to learn how to use it. My closeups are not crystal clear, and my guess is that is what you don't like about the hibiscus photo.

I love the second anhinga (cormorant?) with the bird looking to the right. It seems to show movement. Also, the other birds are showing movement, which I like. Makes you wonder what they're up to. And the one with his feet hanging over the piling is very good--something different.

I prefer the second picture of the lighthouse because it is uncluttered and focuses on one part. JMO, I'm no photographer.

[Dbraisted]

All of your photos are great and it is refreshing to see posts about the beauty of where we live. You help focus our eyes to the details we would otherwise not be privy to. Thank you for sharing.

[jebartle]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't meany left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543398_875637335a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd389)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321166_c6e0c93267_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4y)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321146_aca4c46abf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4d)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411430_4868826131_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhuad)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108719_82dc9592ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWb4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411360_8cd7c6aa7d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu91)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543363_7208a04acb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd37x)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411320_448d4849e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu8j)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108669_c9eb94b033_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWac)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51174644557_0016b0d440_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kY8qVT)

Oh gosh, do I have to choose, ok. Ok, i choose ALL of them.

[JanetMM]

I like your B&W of the lighthouse. Good choice for B&W! Really has the old time feel.

[RuthA]

Wow. Phenomenal pictures.

[Singerlady]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't meany left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543398_875637335a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd389)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321166_c6e0c93267_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4y)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321146_aca4c46abf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4d)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411430_4868826131_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhuad)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108719_82dc9592ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWb4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411360_8cd7c6aa7d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu91)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543363_7208a04acb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd37x)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411320_448d4849e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu8j)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108669_c9eb94b033_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWac)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51174644557_0016b0d440_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kY8qVT)

Absolutely beautiful…all of them!

[Charm1]

These are beautiful. I love the ones of the anhingas! The ones of the lighthouse are great too! I could see these framed someplace! Great job!

[sallyg]

Beautiful photos! Love seeing the birds in such detail.

[LeDia]

Love the first Great Blue, love the black and white lighthouse, and love the first Anhinga!

[rmd2]

Great photos! I like the wildlife and floral pictures best but the other pictures of buildings are nice too. The Anhinga photo is especially good. Thanks.

[raybecky]

Beautiful photos, Very talented. Thanks for sharing

[linnea1107]

Great pictures! I especially loved the Anhinga. The details of the hair & feathers was amazing. Thank you.

[babsy67]

Great photos!

[Neils]

Us old people enjoy our square. Sorry

[brfree1411@aol.com]

Beautiful! You are very talented!

[Gray lady of the sea]

I look SO forward to your photos. MAGNIFICENT !!! THANK YOU

[RuthA]

These are just gorgeous!

[RuthA]

I love all of these.

[BoxofWine]

From a quick Google search
"The Squares are open to the public and not supported by resident's amenity fees. The live entertainment is funded by the Developer, local merchants, and, in part, a tourism development grant from Sumter County."
You should be able to take pictures if you want.

[Rodneysblue]

Great shots!

[Irish Sissy]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't many left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.

---
EDITED: The vote is in and the B&W Light House and the Anhinga appear to be the favorites, with the B&W edging out the win. And thank you to those that identified the blackbird sunning itself as an Anhinga, I hope to learn the names of all the birds I photograph. The Lighthouse made me think of The Great Gatsby - and hence the B&W.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543398_875637335a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd389)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321166_c6e0c93267_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4y)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321146_aca4c46abf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4d)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411430_4868826131_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhuad)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108719_82dc9592ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWb4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411360_8cd7c6aa7d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu91)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543363_7208a04acb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd37x)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411320_448d4849e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu8j)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108669_c9eb94b033_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWac)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51174644557_0016b0d440_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kY8qVT)
Beautiful Photos

[Peggie]

You are so talented. Thanks for sharing.

[chrisinva]

Great pics! Thanks. The B&W light house is my fav.

And thanks for your humility & respect too, re: what the law says you can do & how you handled that. We need a bit more humility in TV, I hope others follow your logic. It reminds of the Prayer of St. Francis which always makes me feel calm.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life.

[vagent711]

Great pics
Thanks for sharing

[GrumpyOldMan]

From a quick Google search
"The Squares are open to the public and not supported by resident's amenity fees. The live entertainment is funded by the Developer, local merchants, and, in part, a tourism development grant from Sumter County."
You should be able to take pictures if you want.

Just because I can do something doesn't mean I should. But, thank you.

[Sugar952]

Your photos are all beautiful thanks for sharing

[Tsalla Apopka]

Nice shots - The anhinga's are real hams...

[MFinn]

Very nice!

[FLgirlNow]

WOW! You have some serious talent! Assuming you're not using an iPhone camera - LOL! Love them all -- lighthouse is great, but the shots you got of the birds are really amazing. Great job.

[BlackhawksFan]

This could use some further explanation. I shoot a band on the squares and have zero issues.

What exactly were you shooting and where exactly were you?

I can totally understand being shut down by a business like if you were taking pics on their patio or inside but "on the square?"


Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't many left.

[Donaz1]

Great photos, especially of the wildlife. Thanks for sharing.

[Villages Kahuna]

Good stuff! Lots of keepers!

I’m surprised with the apparent new policy limiting photography. I’ve taken lots of photographs at LSL during “happy hour performances”, even more video which I’ve uploaded to YouTube. I was never approached to stop photography or video, even though in several cases I was actually standing on the stairs to the gazebo to get an elevated view of the crowd and closeups of the performers. Obviously, there must be new language in the contracts with the performers prohibiting photography, much like the pre-show announcements at Savannah Center or The Sharon. What would the world be like without lawyers?

[Parnell]

My winner is the Lighthouse, but I love them all.

[fcfromnc]

All of the photos you share with us are gorgeous. While you may have preferred the Hibiscus stamen to be more in focus, the beauty of the texture of the Hibiscus is exquisite. We all wish our photos were as good as yours. When you are photographing the wildlife, you always capture eyes that are in focus, which to me is the soul of the animal! Thanks for sharing your pics.

[GrumpyOldMan]

This could use some further explanation. I shoot a band on the squares and have zero issues.

What exactly were you shooting and where exactly were you?

I can totally understand being shut down by a business like if you were taking pics on their patio or inside but "on the square?"

First, businesses, especially small businesses, seldom mind having their stores photographed. They will sometimes ask that their customers not be photographed.

To clarify this, first, the Square is a business - it is owned and operated by TV

The law from state to state varies, but in Florida is boils down to if you are on private property, you must have the permission of the owner of the property to take photos. PERIOD. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of anything you can see.

It is up to the owner of the property to enforce the restrictions.

I used a Nikon camera and used my "long lens" (Nikkor 200-500). The 200-500mm is a semi-serious birding lens about 18 inches long and weighs about 5lbs. It looks professional. That combined with I shoot candid street photography with it at times, and in the Square, I was shooting people - holding their dogs, dancing, laughing, living. Imagine a stranger kneeling and pointing a massive lens at you while laughing and enjoying your friends. Trust me, with a lens that big, there is NO doubt you are the subject. And from 50 feet away, the photo with that lens will show every pore on the skin of your nose.

If I were on a public right of way it, would be perfectly legal and not anything anyone could say about it.

I was not aware the squares were private property -= I thought they were public, but that makes sense now.

I can understand how some people are intimidated by a stranger with a massive camera kit taking their photos in public places. I always pay attention to people's reactions when they see me taking their picture, and if they appear angry or distressed, I walk over and politely ask permission, and if they prefer me not to take the photos, I show them as I delete them.

I firmly believe in not abusing the law.

Technically, if you walk down a public street and see someone undressed in their living room through an open window, you can take their photo. Publishing it is a different subject altogether, but you can take it. Courts have ruled anyone seen from a public location cannot expect privacy. If you want privacy in your home, close the blinds.

If you were taking photos of a band with a phone camera, I doubt anyone will say anything. The bands appreciate having their pictures taken.

For years, I went into clubs at night and photographed the live bands performing. (A way to learn how to shoot in the dark with fast-moving subjects) I ALWAYS asked the club owner and the band for permission first - clubs are private property. I was never refused permission and always gave the bands copies of the photos.

So, to summarize. I could have walked out onto the street, and with my long lens, I could easily get all the same shots. But, I felt the TV employee intended to be polite and let me know they prefer I NOT photograph people who were there to have fun and possibly be made uncomfortable by my imposing camera.

Also, as I said, the fact I could do something doesn't mean I should.

I have been shooting candid street photography all my life. I love photographing people in the act of living. And having photographed people in public for decades, I have learned it's more important to be considerate than it is to be right.

There, you asked for some further explanation, I hope that explanation is adequate and answers your questions.

[Shutterbug]

Hint, I think the Hibiscus sucks - lol - that is one that would normally have been cut.

The Hibiscus is okay, but I see what you are saying. The B&W of the lighthouse is great: good contrast and sharp edges.

[fcfromnc]

All of your pictures are exquisite! The 2nd of the three egret pictures is my favorite. It shows two factors that are goals for which I strive - the soul of the animal via its eyes and motion. Don't edit out the Hibiscus! While you may have wished the stamen to be more in focus, the focus on the petals captures its gorgeous texture with the stamen. Anxiously waiting for more of your work!

[GrumpyOldMan]

Good stuff! Lots of keepers!

I’m surprised with the apparent new policy limiting photography. I’ve taken lots of photographs at LSL during “happy hour performances”, even more video which I’ve uploaded to YouTube. I was never approached to stop photography or video, even though in several cases I was actually standing on the stairs to the gazebo to get an elevated view of the crowd and closeups of the performers. Obviously, there must be new language in the contracts with the performers prohibiting photography, much like the pre-show announcements at Savannah Center or The Sharon. What would the world be like without lawyers?

It is not a "new policy", read my extended explanation above.

[GrumpyOldMan]

All of your pictures are exquisite! The 2nd of the three egret pictures is my favorite. It shows two factors that are goals for which I strive - the soul of the animal via its eyes and motion. Don't edit out the Hibiscus! While you may have wished the stamen to be more in focus, the focus on the petals captures its gorgeous texture with the stamen. Anxiously waiting for more of your work!

Thank you very much.

Here is an example of hibiscus in my backyard. This is closer to what I want, but still not quite perfect - :) I need to get the depth of field a little bit deeper to get the base of the stamen in focus.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176534581_b997c80555_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYi7Lv)

[sally123]

Wonderful pics!!!

[Kingkong]

We have photos of our up north place at our home in The Villages. We would love photos of The Villages in our up north place. Are your photos available to buy?

[tedquick]

Hey Grumpy, I enjoyed the pictures a lot but it would have been fun to also see the "old coots" that you had to delete! :)

[billlaur]

you r correct but there is nothing wrong with exercising your 1st amendment right,freedom of speech, press,etc..you know what happens if we dont use our rights they will and are slowly dissappearing....:bigbow:

[Chi-Town]

Here are a few from today's walk around Sumter Landing.

I kind of got chased out of where I was doing most of my shooting - it was in the Square where a live music show was going on.

It turns out The Villages doesn't allow photography there, maybe because of a bunch of old people dancing outside - LOL... but, it is private property, so, to avoid a fuss, I left and deleted all the potentially "embarrassing" candid photos.

Most of my shots today were candids of the crowd watching the music, so there aren't many left.

Here are a few I took out by the lake and I left in a few that normally would have been "outtakes" so you get to see what they look like before I edit out some duplicates.

I would be interested in which of the duplicates you all prefer. I know which I would normally have left in, so, let me know your choices.

---
EDITED: The vote is in and the B&W Light House and the Anhinga appear to be the favorites, with the B&W edging out the win. And thank you to those that identified the blackbird sunning itself as an Anhinga, I hope to learn the names of all the birds I photograph. The Lighthouse made me think of The Great Gatsby - and hence the B&W.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543398_875637335a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd389)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321166_c6e0c93267_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4y)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175321146_aca4c46abf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYbU4d)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411430_4868826131_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhuad)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108719_82dc9592ec_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWb4)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411360_8cd7c6aa7d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu91)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51175543363_7208a04acb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYd37x)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176411320_448d4849e4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYhu8j)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51176108669_c9eb94b033_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYfWac)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51174644557_0016b0d440_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kY8qVT)

I think I see Rodan

[Gulfcoast]

These pictures are wonderful! I love them all. That squirrel picture is adorable.

[GrumpyOldMan]

These pictures are wonderful! I love them all. That squirrel picture is adorable.

Thank you

[Gator_Girl]

I love the squirrel💕 part of the fun of having too much to drink and hitting the dance floor is knowing somebody is recording you and they're going to put it on YouTube! 😂

[stebooo]

I can't spell the name of the black bird . The only thing they do is eat fish. In Minnesota if you're in a boat you have a license to kill them because they destroy all of the fry as it's growing up so you it can literally ruin a lake. Just FYI