Yesterday morning I drove out to the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. It’s one of my favorite places for birding, and I was hoping to photograph a Yellow-breasted Chat that had been located there the day before. I heard two calling and singing in different places, but neither was interested in coming into view so I could get his photo. Still, it was a fun drive.
My favorite moment, though, had nothing to do with birds. I saw an opossum walking towards me. At first I thought it had some sort of deformity. It looked like it had a growth coming out the left side of its head. But as it came closer, I noticed she had 4 little ones clinging on to her! Because one was covering her eyes, I think she was more concerned with her young than with me.
So I crouched down and remained motionless to let it get closer. When it came closer than my camera could focus, I backed up. She seemed totally unconcerned with me until I stood up to walk away, at which point she wandered into the taller grasses. These moments made my day.
Scott Simmons
Scott Simmons, based in Florida, is a lover of nature, landscape, and wildlife photography. Scott became interested in photography in 2001 when he was given his first SLR camera. When he acquired a telephoto lens, he became progressively more interested in birds and other wildlife. Scott enjoys learning about bird habitats and behavior, striving always to take images that are both beautiful and interpretive. Scott believes photography is a great vehicle to help others to appreciate the wonder for the stuff of earth.
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