SO WILD… The Final Adventures of the Year.

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As I prepare to wrap up the 2024 season, I am on the boat, motoring out to Tiger Beach as I write this.

The familiar sight of the open ocean and the anticipation of seeing my old friends (the tigers), fills me with excitement and gratitude.

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary. From unforgettable wildlife encounters to the incredible people I’ve shared these adventures with… 2024 has been a season to remember.

I’m deeply grateful for the moments that made it so special—the wildlife, the people, and the experiences that stay with you long after the trips are over.

These final two trips are my chance to soak in every last bit of the magic this year has to offer.

I’m looking forward to sharing what we see out here with all of you—I love bringing a little piece of the wild back to everyone following along.

While I’m excited about the possibilities of a new year and all the adventures to come, right now, I’m focused on savoring these last moments of the season.

Here’s to making the most of 2024’s final days, and to saying goodbye to an unforgettable year.

Stay tuned for updates from the field, and thank you for being part of this journey!

The Double-Edged Sword of Ecotourism... Are We Loving Wildlife to Death?

Over the past decade, social media has transformed the way we connect with wildlife.

Stunning photos and videos of humpback whales breaching, polar bears roaming the tundra, or tigers stalking through the forest inspire millions to explore these wild places.

This surge in interest has fueled a massive growth in ecotourism, bringing much-needed attention and funding to local communities and conservation efforts.

But as more people flock to wildlife hotspots, it raises an important question:

Can we love an animal to death?

Grey Whale watching off Magdalena Bay, Mexico.

There’s no denying the power of witnessing wildlife up close.

These experiences foster deep connections and inspire a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

Ecotourism provides vital economic support for local communities, often funding anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and education programs.

In my opinion, ecotourism is the key to the survival of many species.

The sad reality is that governments often don’t care about wildlife unless there’s money involved. They collect revenue either from ecotourism operators or from industries like fishing or hunting—and they don’t care which one it is… as long as the money flows their way.

This means that when wildlife has economic value tied to tourism, it’s more likely to be protected.

Ecotourism not only funds conservation efforts but also creates incentives for governments and communities to prioritize wildlife over exploitation.

Yet, there’s a darker side.

Increased human presence can disrupt natural behaviors. Animals may become stressed, altering their feeding, migration, or mating patterns. Some even become habituated to humans, which can put them at risk of harm or conflict.

The truth is, most animals don’t want us there.

Whether it’s a whale avoid boats, a fox fleeing at the sight of humans, or a bird scared off its nest, these are clear signs that our presence isn’t always welcome.

And I’m the first to admit—I’ve been guilty of this. I’ve wanted to see an animal and capture their beauty through a lens, even when they’ve shown signs of wanting to be left alone.

What I’ve learned over time, however, is that the true magic of wildlife encounters happens when an animal chooses to be in our presence… or tolerates it.

Grey whale asking for a face rub.

Through patience and respect, these moments are far more rewarding and meaningful. Watching an orca glide alongside our boat without fear or seeing a bear go about its life undisturbed—that’s when you truly feel a connection to the wild.

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Despite the challenges, I firmly believe ecotourism is the only way to save wildlife.

It gives animals an economic value tied to their survival, creating incentives for protection rather than exploitation.

With respect and care, we can still visit our favorite wild places and create positive experiences for both people and wildlife.

As travelers, we hold the power to ensure that our adventures leave a positive impact:

• Choose responsible operators who prioritize animal welfare and conservation.

• Be respectful with wildlife, avoiding behaviors that may stress or scare them.

• Use social media thoughtfully—avoid tagging/sharing fragile locations to prevent overcrowding.

By treading lightly and embracing responsible tourism, we can preserve the species we love while fostering deep connections that inspire conservation.

Ecotourism has the potential to be a powerful force for good… but only if it’s done right.

With patience, respect, and a focus on responsible travel, we can continue to explore the wild places we love while ensuring wildlife thrives for generations to come.

Thank you for reading.

A Day with Black Bears in North Carolina’s Alligator River Wildlife Refuge

There’s something truly magical about spending a day looking for black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. This place has become like a second home to me, where every bend in the dirt road promises a new adventure. I love it out here… the air is fresh, the bears are curious, and every moment feels like a gift.

Morning: The Journey Begins

My day starts early, just as the first light of dawn begins to break. I leave my hotel room, grab a quick breakfast, and head out with my gear. There’s something special about these early mornings; they always feel full of promise, where anything can happen. The drive to the refuge is quiet and quick, and I take in the peacefulness of the landscape waking up around me.

With my camera ready beside me, I hop into my truck and head out along the dirt roads of the refuge. The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge is one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time—wild, untamed, and full of life.

I’ve been coming here for a few years now, and yet, every trip feels like the first.

As I drive slowly, the crunch of the tires on the gravel almost seems too loud in the stillness. I wish I could keep my windows rolled down, but the horse flies here can be brutal sometimes. A small price to pay to find magic in wild places.

I keep my eyes peeled, scanning the sides of the road for any signs of bear activity. And then, there it is—a black bear grazing on tall grasses on the side of the road. My heart skips a beat. These moments are what I live for.

I stop the truck, grab my camera, and step out, staying close to the vehicle just in case. The bears here are used to people, but I never want to take that for granted.

Some of the bears here are shy, but most have become comfortable with our presence. I crouch down to try and get a low-angle shot. The bears back is to me. It stops eating, turns around to look at me. It watches me for a few seconds, then decides it wants nothing to do with me and disappears into the forest.

I drive on. Sorry I disturbed your breakfast buddy.

I drive for a couple hours, the day is heating up and not much is going on, so I decide to break for lunch, but Ill be back in a few hours, when the sun starts getting low. Late afternoons are always good here.

Later That Day.
I spend the afternoon driving through the refuge’s diverse habitats—dense pine forests, open fields dotted with wildflowers, and wetland areas where great blue herons stand perfectly still, like statues. Every corner of this place has its own story, its own secrets waiting to be discovered.

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It’s not just about the bears, although they are certainly the stars of the show. Along the way, I spot a barred owl hunting crayfish in the canals on the side of the road. The owl is completely relaxed around people.

A few cars see me stopped and drive up to see what I am photographing. The wildlife here is abundant and awe-inspiring, and I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it, even if just for a day.

Continuing down the road, I turn a corner and spot another black bear up ahead, right near one of the many irrigation ditches filled with water. I recognize this bear—one of the regulars. I’ve seen it many times before. I stop the truck and quietly get out to get a better view.

When dealing with predatory animals, I never forget what they are or what I am doing. I have had encounters with this bear for the past three days… She is well-behaved, very well-mannered, and comfortable around people. 

I jumped back in the car and moved ahead of the bear. I know where she is going… it is time for her afternoon bath. 

I stop the truck close to the area where I think she will stop at and get out.

Sure enough, she wades into the ditch, plopping down with a contented huff. For a good twenty minutes, I watch this bear take a bath. This is one of those simple joys that never gets old. It’s funny, almost endearing, to see this powerful animal so at ease, splashing around like a kid on a hot summer day.

There’s a sense of peace in these moments, a feeling that everything is exactly as it should be. I snap a few photos, but mostly, I just watch, soaking it all in. After a while, she finishes up, shakes off the water, glances in my direction for a second, then lumbers back into the forest to find a place to bed down for the night.

As the day begins to wind down, I make my way back to a familiar clearing where I’ve seen bears before. The golden hour light bathes everything in a warm glow, and I know this is my last chance for a sighting today. I park the truck and settle in, feeling that familiar mix of hope and anticipation.

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Just as the sun is dipping below the horizon, I see a few bears walking out of the forest. It is mating season so they approach the open fields cautiously. One of the bears is walking in my direction, making its way through the tall grass. I try not to move too much, not wanting to disturb the moment. The bear stops to eat wild-growing blackberries in front of me. I am on fire, and snap photo after photo.

Another bear decides it does not like the vibe and desides to walk back into the forest. But before it disappears, it walks over to a pine tree on the edge of the forest, stands up and begins scratching its back. I fire away! It is an amazing scene, and I am so appreciative of my luck. I just keep saying to myself, I hope some of these images are in focus.

After a while, I stop shooting and just watch the rest of the evening’s stories unfold. There’s something so pure about watching wild bears being bears. It’s these quiet, intimate moments that stay with me long after I’ve left the refuge.

Reflections at the End of the Day

Back at the hotel, I kick off my shoes and reflect on the day. I have to admit, there’s something comforting about returning to a warm, comfortable room after a day out in the wild. I go through the photos I took, reliving each moment—looking to see if I captured anything special… and I definitely did!

Tracking black bears in the Alligator River Wildlife Refuge isn’t just about finding the bears—it’s about being fully present in the moment, feeling the earth under your feet, and understanding that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself. It’s a reminder of the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

What’s truly remarkable to me is that these wild places still exist, so close to human habitation. They offer a glimpse into a world that is both fragile and resilient… a world we are privileged to share. 

To me it’s a reminder that we need to coexist with these incredible creatures and protect the last of these wild places. They are vital not just for the wildlife that calls them home, but for us as well, as they remind us of what it means to be truly alive. 

Today was a good day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Photographing Wildlife... Some Tips for Capturing Animals in Action.

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Photographing wildlife has always been one of my greatest passions. There's nothing quite like the thrill of capturing a great image of an animal in its natural habitat, whether it’s a tiger prowling through the forest or an orca, mom and calf swimming through the ocean.

Over the years, I’ve learned that getting the perfect shot is more than just having a good camera; it’s about understanding the behavior of the animals and being prepared to capture those fleeting moments.

Here are some essential tips I’ve gathered from my own adventures in the wild, which I hope will help you capture stunning wildlife photos of your own.

1. Understand Animal Behavior

One of the first things I realized early on is the importance of understanding the animals you’re photographing. Every species has unique behaviors, and being familiar with these can help you anticipate their movements.

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For example, if you’re photographing a fox, knowing that they tend to be more active at dawn and dusk can guide you on the best times to shoot. Similarly, understanding that a perched bird will often defecate right before flight can help you prepare for the perfect shot just as it takes off.

This type of knowledge has helped me capture some of my most cherished photos.

2. Choose the Right Camera Settings

When it comes to wildlife photography, your camera settings can make or break your shot. Fast-moving animals require a faster shutter speed to freeze the action. I typically set my shutter speed to at least 1/2000th of a second for fast-moving subjects like birds or big cats.

If you’re photographing slower animals, such as tortoises or resting deer, you can afford a slower shutter speed.

Aperture settings also play a crucial role. A wider aperture (like f/2.8 or f/4) allows for a shallow depth of field, making your subject stand out against a beautifully blurred background. This works wonderfully when photographing animals in dense foliage or when you want to isolate them from a busy environment.

3. Be Patient and Stay Ready

Patience is your best friend in wildlife photography. I’ve spent countless hours sitting quietly, waiting for that perfect moment.

Whether it’s waiting for a bobcat to pop out of the bushes to catch a bird, or for a breaching whale, those moments don’t come on command.

But trust me, the wait is always worth it… so always have your camera ready.

Wildlife is unpredictable, and you never know when an animal will make a sudden move. Keep your camera on and your finger on the shutter. A quick reflex can mean the difference between capturing a fleeting moment, or missing it altogether.

4. Focus on the Eyes

There’s a saying in wildlife photography: “If you can see the eyes, you can see the soul.” I find this to be true.

Focusing on the animal’s eyes can create a powerful connection between the subject and the viewer. It brings life to the photo and can tell a good story.

Whenever possible, try to lock focus on the eyes of the animal.

5. Respect Wildlife and Their Habitat

Last but certainly not least, ALWAYS respect the wildlife and their natural environment. Keeping a safe distance not only protects you but also prevents stress to the animals.

Remember, we are guests in their world.

Wildlife photography is an art that combines technical skill with a deep respect for nature. Every shot is a new adventure, a new story waiting to be told. So grab your camera, do your research, be patient, and above all, enjoy every moment in the wild.

Happy shooting!

Day One Was Fun... Love Dem Sharks!

Canon 5D M4, with an 8-15MM fisheye, in an Aquatica housing - my settings were 1/400, f9, ISO 800

Day one off Isla Mujeres for whale sharks is in the books.

It was a really good day, and the conditions were amazing. Thankfully there was quite a few sharks out here, maybe around fifty whale sharks. It was not the hundreds that we normally see out during this time of year. But it is early in the week, and I am predicting that the number of sharks will keep increasing over the next few days.

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We have had the same captains for our trips for the past 12 years. Captain Gabby and Rami greeted us at the pier this morning and asked Mari where Sophia was, she pointed her out, they did not recognize the young lady before them. She started coming out with us on our whale shark trips when she was 5 years old, she is now 16 years old. Because of covid, it has been two years since they have seen her. They were blown away. Captain Gabby got a bit teary eyed. It was so sweet.

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Heading out this morning.

Super happy with the day we had today, our captain told us that the shark action the previous weeks had been super slow. But that is nature, you never know what she is going to gift you with. Thankfully we arrived at the right time… and if this week goes the way I think it will, it should be a good week.

Today, it is official…when I jumped in the water with the sharks this morning, that made 18 years of swimming with the whales sharks in Mexico.

18 years!!!

We started running these trips back in 2005, and here we are all these years later, still out here, and still enjoying the hell out of it. I really love being in the water with these animals, it is still a lot of fun to me. That has not changed, and I don’t think it ever will.

Canon 5D M4, with an 8-15MM fisheye, in an Aquatica housing - my settings were 1/400, f9, ISO 800

Ok, headed to bed, just thought I’d share a little bit of our day’s adventure, and a couple shots I captured. There is a lot of food in the water so the vis and the images are a bit dirty, but that is why the sharks aggregate together in these kind of numbers. Lots of munchies and crunchies to eat.

Day two tomorrow.

Until then… good night my friends.

A GOLDEN MOMENT

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Life on Location.

In our last newsletter, I shared with you our new sponsor Cinebags. When I received the box with all my goodies in it, I was excited about everything sent to me. It is always fun getting new gear for your travels.

I can't wait to use it all.

However, what stood out for me was their product Thank You card and the small catalog in the box, promoting all their bags and merchandise. On the cards and catalogs were images of their gear, out in the world, being used by people just like me and you - experiencing life, with the words, Life on Location on it.

Life on Location is the company's motto or tagline. Their motto and their catalog got me so fired up. As I looked at those images and read those words, my mind magically transported me to my next adventure. I felt travel anxiety and wanted to be out there right now.

Receiving that package was an experience. I loved it.

Markus (the owner of Cinebags), left me in awe of not only his product but his storytelling abilities. I was sitting there, with my mind racing about my own storytelling skills, hoping that is what we are able to do when we share experiences with you all.

Jaguar off the Northern Pantanal, Brazil.

Every time I share images or write a trip report or a travel blog, my goal is to hopefully transport you to wherever it is we are. I want you to feel the excitement we feel when we photograph or find the animals we are looking for, helping you long for your own adventures.

I am sure we do not always accomplish this, but I hope that most of what we put out into the world gets you fired up. Of course, sometimes I think I over-share by writing about our bad days - talking about terrible seas or days that the animals do not show up.

Beluga whales in the Churchill River. Churchill, Canada.

That is not good business, I am told.

But to me, if I just shared only the good things from our adventures, my stories wouldn't be stories, they would be fairy tale sales pitches, and that is not me.

We have good days and bad days. That is just life and the reality of looking for wild things. I know our job when we write is to transport you to a magical place, but those far away sites are real, and this is not Disney - they sometimes have crappy weather and hard-to-find animals.

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Off the Beaten Path. Searching for anacondas on the Southern Pantanal, Brazil.

That is just part of the job, and what makes each interaction so special. 

To find the animals we photograph takes work. They are wild and free, and sometimes nature is not kind.

Leopard shark diving off La Jolla Shores, California.

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Night safari off Borneo Malaysia.

For me, it should not be easy, it should be a challenge. So that when you do find them, the emotions you feel are the true reward, and the excitement is just the best.

Of course, when we do find them, those are my favorite stories to write. Journaling my thoughts, and looking at the images we captured at the end of a long exciting day… I am filled with fire as I am writing. 

And that fire is what I hope comes out in the writing and images that I share.

Orca diving off Baja, Mexico.

I want to move you so much that you take action in your own life. I want you to create your own memories and write your own stories… all of those perfect and imperfect moments that you will happily carry with you forever.

Thank you for reading.

Crocodile diving off Banco Chinchorro, Mexico.

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Travel Day... Goodbye Dominica, See You Next Season!

August 18, 2021 - 9AM in Texas! I made it home. Well, most of the way home. I met up with my family in Houston, we are roading tripping the rest of the way.  My flight home was a painful one. I ended up booking flights on Kiwi.com which got me home through the crappiest flight plan possible. Four stops and all with super tight connections that had me sprinting from gate to gate. I also had to grab my bags at each stop and recheck in, going through security check points as well. That was painful, but thankfully I have TSA, so it made it easier. I recommend doing that if you do not have it yet. It is worth it if you travel more than once a year. 

 It was exhausting, but it made the 12 hours of travel pass quickly, and it made me appreciate myself and my journey much more. I mean, these are first-world problems. With all the real problems going on around the world, it makes my travel issues fall hard in comparison, so I am good.

What an adventure Dominica was… just wow! This trip exceeded my expectations, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more! Sperm whales are magical animals and true ambassadors for the whale species. I have spent time in the water with other species of whales, which are all special in their own way, but sperm whales are insanely amazing. 

Grey whale off Baja Mexico.

Grey whales are unique in that they willingly will swim up to boats and ask for interaction. However, the moment you jump in the water with them, they will swim away from you. I am not sure if this is true across the board or just how these whales off Mexico are conditioned? They do not allow people in the water with them either way, so it is hard to find out if they do. My belief is, they would enjoy it, or at least the juveniles and the females would. We are out there during mating season, and the females are incredibly flirty. So it is possible that they might want to interact with us if we got in. However, the males would probably be protective of the females and force them to move on if their behavior is anything like the humpbacks.

Female humpbacks often accept divers, but their male escorts will often move the females away from us. Putting themselves in between us, and the female and calves, and then swim off with them. My guess is an attempt to show the females they are brave and strong suitors.

Mom and calf humpback off Tonga. A male suitor in the back ground keeping an eye on me.

The sperm whales, however, showed us such fantastic behavior, and when they felt social, they all wanted to interact with us. A few of them came in close enough for us to touch. Of course, we did not. We all wanted to. I mean, who doesn’t want to touch one of these beautiful, friendly potato heads. But we were all respectful of the rules and did not. We just enjoyed the encounters and soaked up every single moment with them. 

The socializing whale encounters did not happen every day. Most days, the encounters with the whales were brief. The whales were in feeding mode and all business, and their time on the surface was limited. They spend an excess of 45 minutes underwater hunting down deep for diamond squids and giant squid. They would surface and rest for ten minutes, then drop down and do it again. It wasn't easy trying to figure out where they would emerge and when.

When they did finally surface, it was a race against time. The boat would motor over, and we would drop in for a chance at seeing and photographing the whales, as it or they swam past us. They are usually alone when they hunt. Those encounters were brief, but still fun, and what most of our time with them consisted of. 

Of course, the best was when the whales were done hunting for the day and then began calling each other to sleep together or play. That is when the magic happened and what we all were hoping for. When the whales do this, it is some of the greatest moments you will ever experience with a wild animal. 

How they call to each other is with clicks and sonar, as well as breaching. They do not breach often, but they use it as a way to get the attention of the whales in the area. Letting each other know that it is time to play or sleep, or notify them to change directions.

It is hard to describe what you feel when those moments happen. Imagine being in the water and having a pod of eight large whales swim right up to you, stop in front of you, and begin rolling and playing around each other - all of them looking at you. They were all clicking away, trying to talk to us; damn, I wish I understood what they were saying. Moments like that are pure magic and forever engrained in my memory.

One of my encounters with the whales. Image by Hunter Ledbetter.

So overall, it was a fantastic experience and a magical two weeks at sea. It was not always easy, and the whales were not always there. We spent twelve days at sea looking for whales, and we found them ten days, with three solid days of socializing. We experienced bits of social behavior on a few other days, but not for very long. All I know is I am leaving this island dreaming of next season and the amazing surprises these remarkable animals have in store for us. 

Thank you guys for reading.

A Dream Comes True!

It has been a while since I have blogged… Sorry, I have been quiet. I have been on a film shoot this week. I can't say much about this project, other than I am in Texas, and it is my first blue-chip film, which I am over the moon about. Through the years, the TV projects I have been involved in have all been host-driven or reality-based wildlife films. This one is my first full-on David Attenborough style show. Where wildlife is doing what wildlife does with a narrator. This is a big deal for me since I have been working towards this for a long time.

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Female nilgai jumping across the road.

So here I am, with 5 AM wake-ups and long full days out in nature seeking out wildlife. I can share a few of the images I have captured of some of the animals I have seen out here, which have nothing to do with the project or what we are doing. These are all Texas natives, except for the nilgai, which is an invasive species. I keep my camera around, snapping images during the down time and when I can of any animals that pop out of the bush and surprise us during the day.

Finally, getting to work on one of these shows is everything I dreamed and expected it to be; it is hard work trying to capture animal behavior - with a camera that is properly framed and focused, with the record button on. Capturing behavior is really hard, so my hats off to all the wildlife filmmakers for the magic they have brought to the world throughout the years. For that I say thank you for the art and inspiration.

Javalina. These little guys where not afraid of me,

The weather has been a big issue this week, my beloved Texas sun can be draining, and the wind has been harsh, and all of us despise the deer ticks we sometimes pick up from the tall grass… except for Christian, he doesn't seem to care. Lol. This is all part of the wildlife filmmaker's journey, and I am on fire and super happy that I am finally getting to be a part of it. I love it all, especially being around animals all day - truly a dream come true.

(Below Images; Getting a shot of a juvenile Texas tortoise. To try and capture a perfect image, you need to get low. )

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White-tailed deer.

Don’t get me wrong, I am crazy obsessed about the trips for SDM that I lead, but this is a different kind of wildlife experience because I am never anywhere long enough to get to know the wildlife, except Tiger Beach. When we visit a place, we are there for maybe 5 or 6 days, and then we are off to the following location. All we get to do is taste an area, it is never long enough to get to know an animal, or its behaviors and habits. Working on a film like this, I am learning intimate details about animals and their behaviors. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

Female White-tailed deer.

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Male nilgai.

Anyway, I wanted to update you guys on what I am up to. If you have tried to contact me during this time, I apologize if I have been slow to respond. The shoot is almost over, and I will get back to emails and upcoming expeditions for SDM shortly. For now, I am going to enjoy every second I have out here, learning as much as I can from the animals and the amazing crew that I have the privilege to work with on this project. When I get the green light I will share more about this show and what we are up to. I also promise to get back to blogging and sharing with you guys, much sooner than later.

until the next one… thank you guys for reading.

With the crew this week. Christian Von Preysing (TV Journalist and adventurer), and Tom Fitz (6 time Emmy winning Wildlife filmmaker.). It’s been an honor working with you guys.

Morning Birding Session

March 3, 2020 - Went birding this morning at the Butterfly center in Mission with my Sophia. I just got commissioned for an additional 8 images for the Mcallen Hospital. They have already purchased 100 plus images from us for their first floor decorations. They are looking to decorate a section of the hospital that has no images on it. For this section of the hospital they want Rio Grande Valley, Texas songbirds, and I wanted to get them something new. I have been lacking images of Altamira orioles, and Audubon orioles, two, extremely beautiful Valley natives. Well the Altamira oriole is a native, the Audubon is a migrant species.

We chose the Butterfly center, because I knew they had Audubon orioles there, which is a harder to find species than the Altamira. I knew they had Altamiras there as well, so I could kill two birds with one stone, no pun intended, lol. So we went to try and snap some images of these beauties. Of course, while there, I was hoping to improve my catalog of other colorful song bird species, and the Butterfly center is pretty good for that. The usual suspects were there as well; Greenjays, cardinals, kiskadees, and a few others.

Altamira Oriole, one of the Rio Grande Valley’s stars. Such beautiful birds.

Of course when we left it was still a bit dark out, but as the morning wore on, I could tell the light was not going to get any better. Thankfully, it was a warm morning, but sadly very overcast skies, which made photography difficult. We did manage to snap a few images, but with the high ISO, the birds had to be close to capture enough light on them, so that the images were not noisy. When the light is tough, and your ISO is high, try having your subject really close, so your camera doesn’t have to work as hard to capture information. The light was enough for me to snap a couple that once I put them in post, I was happy with, but I would of loved more opportunities… and much better light.

Sharp Shined hawk. This raptor swooped down and tried to grab a bird in front of us. It missed then landed on a near by tree. We managed to snap a few proof of life shots of this predator, as he was seeking out a potential meal.

So, it was a tough morning. Even with being at a good bird feeder (It is well positioned, and really good for morning light), the skies did not help us today. We did have the Altamira show up, but the audubon oriole was a no show. To top off the frustrations, a sharp shined hawk showed up, and scared off all the birds. Normally I welcome the predatory birds in. I admit, I do love when they show up. But today was supposed to be all about the song birds, so our hawk made photography a bit difficult. So after a slow, frustrating few hours, we called it a day. Going back out tomorrow to see what we may find?

I managed this portrait of a greenjay. Which is the RGV’s superstar. People fly from around the world for a chance to photograph these beauties. It was overcast skies, but with the bird so close to me, I managed to capture a lot of detail in this shot, and I am really proud of it.

Travel Day... Croc Diving Trip 2.

July 5, 2019 - Travel Day… Headed to Xcalak Mexico for our second croc diving trip of the 2019 season. Yes, we are taking our new group of friends out there to swim with crocodiles. The down side, it is another 5 hour drive to get from Cancun to Xcalak, and then a minimum 2 hour boat ride to get to Banco Chinchorro. Why are all the best places so freaking hard to get too? This week we are taking 6 people from very different parts of the world; Belgium, Australia, Guatemala, Bermuda, California and New York. The accents you hear are always fun. Super pumped to introduce them to the crocs tomorrow. The weather looks favorable for us and I am referring to the crossing from Xcalak to Banco Chinchorro, because once you are at Chinchorro, the weather is always good.

Last week, the crossing kicked our ass. It normally takes about two and half hours to get there, and less than two hours on a smooth glassy day. But last week’s crossing took us 5 hours of crap weather. It was a beating on the body and soul man. The winds and the swells kicked us around and kept us wet the entire ride. Hoping for a nicer ocean crossing for this group, and not going to lie, for me!

The croc action last week was pretty good, Gambit (the star croc of Chinchorro), was with us two of the three days. She/he is getting big. I know it is a slow growth, but finally she is starting to girth up. Hoping to see her get in to the teen sizes, here in the next few years. It always makes for a more amazing dive when you get these monster sized animals coming in to play with.

So an update from yesterday’s blog, and my new art project. I am super pumped that I am almost finished with the photos for my friend Sandra, the amazing soul that gave me the honor of allowing me to share my work on the walls of our local hospital. So far I have sent about 46 images to my buddy Chris, who is printing them up for me, and drop shipping them to the framer. I still need 6 more and then I am done with my part until they do the red carpet opening party they have planned, which should be fun. I just hope I am in town for that. Excited that my daughter Sophia will have a few images up there with me, along with my brother in law, AJ. 

We need to add some variety to the art we are displaying for local wildlife and it wouldn’t be complete without some RGV reptiles, and sadly, I didn’t have any, but AJ for sure did. He loves capturing images of local wildlife as well, so I asked if he had a few images that he would allow us to use for the project. He was fired up about it and sent me a lot to choose from. I found three that were pretty amazing. So anyway, this is today’s update for the blog. I will try and finish up a video for the trip before I return from Chinchorro, to share with you guys when I get back to Playa for our final night of the trip.

This one didn’t make the cut, but one similar to it did. This shot is pretty amazing though.

I am going to try and write up a daily blog when I can and I wanted to write one up before we left to the island tomorrow, but not sure if I can, since we are leaving at 8am tomorrow morning. Tomorrow will be a bit of chaos, because we will be packing for a two night stay at Casa Matracka’s fishing cabin. So not sure if I will have time, but will try. For now, good night my friends…