Fabio 2272 Sanibel 0192 zenFamily 2021

Sanibel, Florida vacation for Santa's birthday. Traveling to different parts of the country, or the world, is always an adventure. Never would I find a green iguana running around my tomato plants in Michigan! Since I am always with my camera, I am prepared to create images of anything or anyone that crosses my path. My home away from home "backyard" was on Sanibel Island in Florida last winter. It offered some interesting visitors, which I will share here. (My research told me that Iguanas are considered pests and are being removed from the area.) This iguana actually let me get quite close before it scurried away, and the late afternoon light was perfect for its portrait. A 300mm lens helped too! It blends marvelously with the foliage of the island.

Imagine my surprise when I saw the sign behind our Airbnb that read "Do Not Feed the Alligators!"  It really meant there WERE alligators in the pond, and yes, the 300mm lens was still too close for my comfort! We had two separate alligators come visit in the week we were there.  Fabio 2272 Sanibel 0079Family 2021

Sanibel, Florida vacation for Santa's birthday.
Fabio 2272 Sanibel 0762Family 2021

Sanibel, Florida vacation for Santa's birthday.

Hanging out on our own private beach was the best part of all. It was a pleasure photographing this bird at sunset!

All creatures are beautiful, I just prefer ones that don't bite......Alligators and noseeums are included in that category!!!!