Florida Nature Photography

My New Sanibel Island Art Installation!

Earlier this year, I was contacted by the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society on Florida’s Sanibel Island about the possibility...

The Cuban Treefrog

The Cuban treefrog is my #1 hated invasive species for a number of reasons ranging from ecological damage to personally anger-inducing events and even...

Anhinga!

- One of America’s Most Overlooked Birds. When North America was split in half roughly 100 to 40 million years ago by a great inland sea...

We are extremely happy and proud to announce a new way of providing you with the very best professional prints for your office, home or gallery.

Now we are offering not only prints, but a whole new range of customized frames, mats, and other accessories! All prints are shipped within three business days and come with a no questions asked 30 day return policy.

Learn More

…Notes from the Field is our brand new and updated blog (complete with a new look) that will relate experiences and stories about photographing all that is wild in Florida. It has replaced our “New Photos” page, and all of our new images will be presented here - including stories of what was involved to get these shots - camera tips and tricks for other photographers who really enjoy nature and the outdoors and want to learn more. You might even get a chuckle or two out of it!

Read the Latest Post

Mammals!

Because Florida is world-renowned for its spectacular birds, dangerous reptiles, exotic orchids and other wildflowers, mammals are usually left out of the discussion of our native wildlife. Now it's time to give them a moment in the spotlight!

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Birds

Shorebird migration starts in mid-July, peaking in August.
Swallow-tailed kites begin gathering as do purple martins and tree swallows in preparation for migrating south for the winter.
Look out for nesting shorebirds, and keep your vehicles and dogs from disturbing them.
Look for magnificent frigate birds flying overhead in South Florida.

Mammals

Baby raccoons, foxes, armadillos, opossums, and bobcats leave dens and begin following parents.
Deer mating season in the Everglades.
Buck deer in new velvet may occasionally be spotted.
Second litters of gray squirrels are being born.
Black Bear breeding season starts.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Later this month, young alligators will begin to hatch.
In South Florida, young American crocodiles are hatching.
Listen for Eastern narrowmouth toads ("waaa", like a baying sheep) after heavy rains.
Lights out! Sea turtles emerge from their nests and head for the ocean. Females may become confused by lights on the beach.
Leatherback, loggerhead, and green sea turtles continue to crawl ashore to lay eggs.

Plants and Trees

Sea oats flower along the Atlantic.
Scrub morning glory and butterfly weed begin to bloom.

Orchids

Wild coco orchids begin to bloom in Southern Florida in swamps and pine scrubs.
Tall twayblade orchids start their summer blooming period in the Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress National Preserve.
The world-famous ghost orchid can now be found in bloom in the darkest parts of the Fakahatchee Strand.
Most species of fringed and crested orchids are in bloom in North Florida.

Data provided in part by UF Florida Wildlife Extension

FloridaNaturePhotography is a part of Leighton Photography & Imaging - our local photography business based in Tallahassee, Fl. Nature photography is a large part of what we do, but we are by no means limited to just that. Click HERE to find out more about our company.

Our photographs not related to nature photography can be seen HERE in our online gallery, or through Fine Art America.

If you are or represent a gallery, publisher/publication, exhibition, event, vendor/reseller, or any other group interested in our work, please contact Rich or Galina Leighton HERE for more information.

ALL SUBJECTS ARE PHOTOGRAPHED IN THEIR NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS. NO ANIMALS ARE IN CAPTIVITY OR POSED,
AND ALL PLANTS, INCLUDING ORCHIDS, ARE NATIVE AND NON-CULTIVATED.