The best time to get out and take photos of nature is right after it rains. There are pools and ponds to create reflections and of course everything feels refreshed. I’ve posted other shots from this exact spot but lucky for me the clouds are always different. Clyde Butcher, perhaps Florida’s most well known photographer, said that the clouds are our mountains. It’s true, the clouds here are spectacular and ever changing throughout the seasons. The main thing is to get outside after the rain and you will not be disappointed.
Neal Preserve Pond Path
The path around the pond at Neal Preserve in Bradenton Florida. One of my favorite places to watch the local birds and take in the lush landscape of central Florida. I’ve been traveling so much lately and am overdue for a visit in my own backyard to one of my favorite spots.
Neal Preserve
I left home this evening knowing I wanted to take pictures but with no clear destination in mind. I was headed to the beach to capture a sunset when I noticed this preserve. Two days ago Neal Preserve in Bradenton Florida opened to the public after about a year of construction. I’ve been anticipating this for ages and this evening I lucked out. I’m not sure construction adequately describes the work that goes into the creation of a preserve, it’s part ecology, part terraforming and a good dose of trail construction. Many of the pathways are elevated above the mangroves, and the scrub is perfect for nesting and burrowing. Just after sundown I saw owls and raccoons coming out for their nocturnal routines. In any case, I took a more photos which I’ll post in the coming weeks. I’m so happy and excited that I’ve found a new place to take photos of nature near my home.