Nature Photographer Magazine


	Reciprocal Adaptation—The Burrowing Owls of Cape Coral, Florida Text by Ann C. Anderson Photos by Robert B. and Ann C. Anderson posted September 30, 2003

“They have adapted to us, now we must adapt to them” is the approach being taken in Cape Coral to support and nurture Florida’s largest population of burrowing owls. These adorable pint size raptors are at home in short grass prairies—just the habitat provided by the new subdivisions of Cape Coral that are at a stage of moderate development. When the 100 square mile of virgin mangroves, freshwater swamps, pine lands, and oak hammocks were cleared, miles of canals dug, and the land filled for development, man made short grass prairies were the result—and the owls responded by becoming suburbanites.

These little creatures are most amenable to people and urban life—so much so, that they have been designated as a “species of special concern” by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This is the first of three designations for creatures that need protection. This designation means that the owls are on a threshold and face a moderate risk of extinction in the future. By contrast, species classified as “threatened” face a very high risk and “endangered” species face imminent risk of extinction. Steps are being taken to assure that Cape Coral’s mascot stays off the threatened species list.

One of the owls greatest risk is the same as for many wildlife species trying to live in harmony with people—automobiles. In the case of the owls, their homes are often just feet from curbside and street corner and the fledglings are the most vulnerable while being taught “street smarts.” Residents are cautioned to be especially watchful during early summer when the owlets are fledging. Home owners are asked to use pesticides with caution, since the owls eat insects that we consider pests and thus are susceptible to contamination. Most importantly, the community is cautious of nesting sites. Burrows are cordoned off within a radius of 10 feet so that lawn mowers, construction crews and neighbors will know to stay clear. White PVC pipe, flagging, and wooden perches mark many nest sites.

The owls are territorial and will return to the same nest site each year. Therefore, if a nest is located on a vacant lot, prime for development, a home may be built alongside the owl’s home, as long as the 10 foot protective zone is maintained. In fact, the city encourages it! If the burrow is in the planned living room, however, the developer must obtain a permit to destroy the nest—which would be effective only after the nesting season. The evicted owls may be encouraged to relocate nearby by providing a “starter burrow.” Cape Coral’s Department of Community Development distributes brochures explaining how to prepare such a starter home, as well as other tips for attracting and protecting these special neighbors.

The state has an active bird banning program in place to aid in the observation, conservation, protection of the owls, and to track their seasonal movements. The city protects the owls through ordinance and by providing informational publications. There is a passionate community group dedicated to the safety of these cute creatures. At the individual level, there are many home owners who are protecting and nurturing owl families that are, literally, in their front yards. With the attitude of “reciprocal adaptation,” Cape Coral is on the right track in protecting these adorable little creatures for many generations—owl and human—to come.

©Ann C Anderson, PhD

Text and photo by Ann C Anderson, PhD

posted June 21, 2002

Banff, Alberta is a town in tune with its environment. Situated within Banff National Park, there is an emphasis on preserving and/or restoring ecological integrity. The Canada National Parks Act mandates this approach, stressing that park ecosystems have integrity when their native components are intact and when ecosystem processes ( fire, flood, etc.), abiotic (non-living) components, and biotic (living) components all function in unison. The vision of ecological integrity is the basis of park management.

To the visitor, the effects of this approach are perhaps most apparent in the biotic realm—from the biological diversity of breathtaking landscapes to the abundance of plants and animals. Protecting species diversity is a way of life in the town of Banff—and wildlife is respected. There are, of course, reciprocal benefits—for example, deer weed gardens and trim hedges. Wonder if big horn sheep mow lawns or do edging…


	© Robert B. Anderson

We’ve all heard the adage “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” During a peak month at beautiful Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, as many as 36,000 visitors may enjoy the relatively small refuge. However, there is never a scrap of litter, and the signs admonishing visitors to respect the environment serve primarily as convenient perches. Conversely, at an “unnamed” national park, there is a gondola ride to a mountain top and a convenient snack bar at the summit. Crowds are controlled via the cost of the ride and the number of gondola cars available. Even with restricted access, there is enough litter at the summit to spoil the otherwise pristine view and to create “welfare wildlife.” The difference in “culture” at the two sites is, unfortunately, all too apparent. Sure hope the JAVA was decaf!

Caring for Wildlife—Two Views
Text by Ann C. Anderson

posted January 22, 2003

A Green Heron and cola can!
Cleveland Metroparks—Rocky River Wetlands
Text and photo by Scott Alan Johnson

posted October 2, 2002

There is an endless supply of subjects to photograph along the rivers and trails of the local parks. The animals seem to beg to have their pictures taken. The trees and ponds are primed for the sound of a camera shutter. The rich blue sky hold those puffy clouds that work so well with color or black and white film. Then, as you hike along the wild flower trail your eye catches a perfect photographic opportunity. You spot a single golden lily with a backdrop of deep forest greens and speckles of glitter. Soon you realize that the glitter comes from a half smashed beer can and bits of a silvery potato chip bag. Yes, chips and beer, the garbage of champions.

I know it ’s a sad truth, but many of our public parks are being trashed with litter. Litter, randomly discarded by some of the same people who go to enjoy the scenery. Litter that not only ruins the nature photograph, but the natural beauty of the landscape, as well.

Last year, in a photo workshop, I watched another photographer compose his shot, then walk up to a distracting cola can that was within the frame, and, with disgust, pick it up. The guy muttered something about how it was such a terrible disgrace, but then he tossed it under a nearby bush. It shocked me, and most of the others, as the man shot his beautiful picture and moved along leaving the now second hand trash.

A young woman, the youngest in the group, climbed into the bush, retrieved the can and placed it in a plastic bag she pulled from her pocket. As we passed a trash can, not far from the site, she emptied her bag which contained about four bent and muddy old cans. By the time we reached the next set of trash cans, less that a quarter mile from the last, several of the class, including me, had our own collections of assorted trash to dispose of. By the end of the day, our group had taken several wonderful pictures and removed a lots of litter from the park. We didn't clean the park of every bit of garbage out there. We didn't even go out of our way to look for it. What we did was take a few seconds of our time to pick up what we could.

Now, because someone climbed into a bush just to remove an old dirty can, when I photograph along the trails, I carry a plastic bag in my pocket and almost always pack-out a little bit of litter. Will this change the world and end littering? I don't think so. But will it make a difference? I think so, I really do, especially if other nature photographers do the same thing.

Text and photo by Sherie Haunzwickl

posted June 7, 2002

In the springtime, the countryside of Germany resembles a huge yellow and green checkerboard as the Raps (Brassia napus) bloom, beginning their life cycle that may ultimately end at the gas station or on the dinner table.

The Raps plants (known as Rape in English), are planted by the farmers in Germany every third year as a way to fertilize the soil and to provide a natural fuel and food alternative. The plant serves to replenish the nitrogen in the soil that has been lost by leaching, enriching it for the next yearís crop. In April, the Rape fields bloom a golden yellow, which continue to grow and set seed for five to six weeks. In August, the plants are harvested for their dark brown seed pods.

Since 1993, biodiesel fuel produced from rapeseed has been on the market in Germany. Through the transesterification process, the esters, which are the part that is valuable as fuel, is separated from the rest of the plant oil and stored. The remaining part of the oil, the glycerine, is also drained and stored, later to be used to make products such as soaps and lotions. Since biodiesel is non-toxic and biodegradable, it can be handled and stored exactly like petroleum fuels. Not only do you notice the somewhat cheaper price in biodiesel, but you also notice a decline in auto tailpipe emissions. The carbon molecules released through the burning of the fuel is the carbon dioxide taken from the atmosphere that has previously been ingested by the plantís cells, unlike petroleum fuels which release carbon that has been trapped for millions of years. Since, with biodiesel fuel, no added carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, a reduction in the global production of carbon dioxide is possible.

And, not only is rapeseed a more natural fuel alternative, but also a healthier cooking oil. The dark honey colored oil has a milder taste than other oils, is lower in cholesterol and fat, and is great in salads, dips and marinades.

The potential of such a beautiful plant certainly gives a new meaning to the term “flower power.”

Text and Photo by Ann C. Anderson

posted May 31, 2002

Protecting environmental quality is a “way of thinking” as much as a “way of doing.” On beautiful Sanibel Island, there is a culture of enjoying and living with nature while holding dear the stewardship of the environment. The result is a tourist mecca and a true wildlife sanctuary where great egrets enjoy the beach as much as human visitors and may even adapt their fishing techniques!

Text and Photo by Marie Kluttz

posted May 31, 2002

On a beautiful winter day, my husband and I hiked in various wildlife areas at Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina. We were delighted with the amount of wildlife that we saw, and the unspoiled landscape that surrounded us. I decided to photograph a sunset at the Lake Mattamuskeet Observation area later that day. As I set up my equipment, I was shocked to see smoke bellowing up from one of the areas that we had frequented earlier that day. We were told that the fire was in a marsh near Swan Quarters. It made my heart sink to think of all the wildlife that would surely perish, and the habit that would be destroyed by this fire.

We, as nature photographers and enthusiasts, have a real responsibility to exercise caution and good judgment with any type of fire or debris in order to help prevent such tragedies. Something as simple as throwing down a cigarette butt or leaving a smoldering campfire could result in significant loss of animal life and habitat. Although we never discovered what caused this fire, this tragic scene should serve as a good reminder for each of us to do our part to preserve the beautiful world in which we live.

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