2017 was the busiest nesting season the swamp has seen since 2011 resulting in a max count of 706 nests! Many factors came into play, but in particular the end to the drought and the swamp rejuvenation efforts made the biggest difference. Hurricane Matthew arrived in October 2016...
Congratulations to this year's photo contest winners! The 2017 Best in Show image was taken by St. Augustine photographer Charles Wesley. This stunning photo of a preening Roseate spoonbill was captured with a Canon 7D Mk II camera, Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II lens...
CHAS GLATZER Chas is a Canon Explorer of Light, the group is comprised of the most influential photographers and cinematographers in the world, each a master of their creative specialty. Since founding Shoot The Light in the mid-nineties, Chas has cemented his place in the world as...
Best in Show Digital Art David Long, Shrewsbury, MA Congratulations to this year's photo contest winners! The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park was pleased to host its 23rd Annual Photo Contest this year. Entries were received from all over the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. With just...
MAC STONE is a conservation photographer from Gainesville, Florida. Growing up exploring the springs, swamps, and hammocks of North Central Florida, he developed a passion for photography at a young age. Through photography, Stone strives to start new conversations and expose the dynamic relationship between mankind and...
Photo by Robert O'Toole This year's total nest count was a little on the low side, so we are working hard out in the swamp this winter to maximize the future potential of the rookery's nesting success. Major maintenance is long overdue in the swamp and...
Best in Show Lynn Long Beaufort, SC Congratulations to this year's photo contest winners! The award-winning photojournalist Daron Dean, Manager of Photography for the St. Augustine Record, had the difficult task of selecting one Best in Show image plus nine additional winning images. Doug Heimstead Vadnais, MN John Zeiss Sarasota, FL Richard Curtin Anniston,...
All photos by Karen Willes What happens when these chicks leave the nest and start fending for themselves? We're partnering with Audubon Florida to band Roseate spoonbills so their movements can be tracked. Knowing where these birds spend most of their time can be useful to...
Daron Dean has been a working photojournalist since graduating from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Journalism in 2004. The Florida native interned for The Gainesville Sun, the Anchorage Daily News and The Dallas Morning News before joining the staff at The St....