2022 US Gulf Coast RV Trip

Matt, Matt Kloskowski Photography, made the recommendation when in Florida, to schedule a tour with DV Wildlife Photography. I did, planning this tour well in advance that is located near Citra, Florida and somewhat close to Gainsville. I met Dick Vantrionot early in the morning at his boat ramp and were on our way into the lake. It wasn’t long before we started our 4-hour tour of the lake. Dick’s knowledge of the lake, and most importantly, his unsurpassed knowledge of the Bald Eagles. We covered over 34 miles of up & down, back & forth, following the birds at speed to catch them either fishing on their own, or the spectacle of an adult stealing a fish from a juvenile eagle. This tour was absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to capture amazing photographs of these magnificent birds, in flight, that you contact Dick at DV Wildlife Photography and reserve your seat. You won’t be disappointed! He taught me some very valuable techniques and camera settings on how to shoot birds in flight. 

I was also very fortunate to join Dick and a few of his buddies photograph the rare Snail Kite. About the Snail Kite: The Florida population is endangered; disruption of water flow (with impact on habitat and snail populations) is the main cause. Recently an exotic species of apple snail, larger than the local native species, has become established in Florida. The impact of this exotic on the Snail Kites is still uncertain: it might harm the birds by outcompeting the native snail, or the kites may adapt to feeding mainly on the newly established species.