Friend of Stateparks Photo Gallery
Photographer: Richard Vogel
Copyright Notice: Contact Photographer for questions concerning use of photographs.
Lime Sink
Found along the Lime Sink hiking trail is a beautiful example of a sink hole. The color is from aquatic growth in the often stagnant water and filtered sunlight of the tree canopy.
Looking Through the Cypress Trees
Looking through the cypress trees is a common sight as you wander along the Balance Rock trail.
Lime Sink and Cypress Guardians
Cypress trees act as guardians surrounding a portion of the Lime Sink. The sink is actually a sinkhole and the lime color aquatic life.
Lime Sink Trail
A wooden bridge spans part of the Lime Sink trail where it crosses the most captivating part of the sink. Photo opportunities abound, and taking this trail is highly recommended.
Balance Rock Trail
A view down river as you hike along the Balance Rock trail.
In Search of Bait
Who said that fishermen just sit around all day
An experience fisherman is always on the hunt for live bait, before sitting around the rest of the day.
Timucuan Indian Monument
A monument to the legend of the Timucuan Indians who inhabited this land.
Cypress Trees
A dense forest of cypress trees can be found along the shore of Wakulla Springs
Jungle Like Setting
A merganser, ibis, and moorhen all foraging for food.The spring allows for a jungle like setting with its life giving water.
Reminiscent of the African Queen
A tour boat glides along the edges of the spring, stopping to view alligators, manatee, and a wide assortment of other inhabitants of the spring.
Manatees
Manatees can often be seen swimming in the springs.
A View Down River
Spanish moss hangs from huge cypress trees. This adds to the mystique of the incredible place.
Rest and Sun Platforms Abound
Spacious rest and sun platforms are found just off of a sandy beach. This gives you a place to rest while snorkeling or just enjoying a little sun.
Tour Boat
The fall colors select off of the water. This shot was taken of an empty tour boat looking down river.
Ibis feeding on crawdad
Lush landscapes and fall colors bring out the best in Wakulla. Birds winter there, and are magnificent to see in their breeding plumage.
Choose Your Path
The cypress swamp fed the the spring has it's own special beauty. A photographers paradise...
Natures Painting
Turtles and alligators sun themselves on a small patch of earth. The fall colors reflect in the water to create this impressive painting.
Synonymous with Florida
Sunning himself on the shore, an alligator, poses for the camera.
One of the Locals
American alligators were found in abundance within the park.
Hide and Seek
A lot of photographic opportunities exist while hiking.
Sun Bathing Turtles
The park has a wide assortment of wildlife and habitats.
The views go forever
Wild horses, bison, deer, hog, and birds of prey are but a few residents of the prairie.
Three Amigos
Zoomed in view of palms shown way off in the distance in previous photo.
Manicured versus Natural Grasses
A blend of beauty
Wild Horses Feed in the Morning Light
Just after sunrise.
One of many hiking trails in the park
Huge live oak trees offer plenty of shade while hiking.
Tree Canopy
Filtered light - as beautiful as it looks.
Bison roam the prairie
Living off the land was never so easy.... Easy for me to say.
Return of the Bison
A small herd of bison roams lands that they once inhabited.
Paynes Prairie Observation Tower
Nestled in the tree canopy overlooking the prairie.
Alachua Sink
A rare glimpse straight into Florida's Aquifer.
Youll Have no Problem Spotting an Alligator
Warming up in the sun.
Alachua Sink
The La Chua trail takes you along the Alachua Sink.
View from Observation Tower
Over 22,000 acres of wilderness in the center of Florida
A Proud Fisherman
An osprey, with catch in hand, has that determined look in his eye not to loose his hard won prize.
Juvenile Gannett
A juvenile gannett spies his meals and goes for the capture.
The Snow Princess Arrives
The snow princess meets the locals.
A Secret Fishing Spot
Fisherman have the whole beach to themselves
Caught on the Inside
Wrong Side of a Perfect Peak
Pirates of the Sky
It seems that it is easier to steal someone else's catch, than do catch you own.
Last Light Before the Barrel
A body boarder is about to get tubed.
Just Washing Up
A shorebird bath in progress
A Perfect Day for Surfing
Waves were going off that day.
Sebastian Inlet southern shore
View overlooking the south jetty and beaches. Fishermen spend a relaxing day, with hopes of a fresh catch, to bring home to the family.
Sebastian Bridge
This shows the Sebastian Inlet bridge with the museum in the distance.
Willet in Flight
A flock of willet take to the air and are caught mid turn as they display the markings on their wings.
Shorebirds on the Coast
A mix group of shorebirds glide in for a landing after a brief time feeding at the waters edge.
Black Crowned Night Heron
A black crowned night heron patiently waits for bait fish to get chased to the shore where he can grab a fast meal.
Brown Pelican
A brown pelican, in full breeding plumage, glides over the water.
Up Before the Sun
Fishermen stand on the tip of the south jetty and typically arrive well before the sun breaks the horizon.
Sir Laughs A lot
Pelicans squabble for prime position on the rocks. This photo could also have gone with a funnier caption
Heading Out
Serious fishermen head off shore in hopes of filling the cooler.
Lunch in Hand
A royal tern returns to shore with lunch in hand.
Black Skimmers Grace the Shoreline
A group of black skimmers fly along the shoreline in search of a treat.
The Game is On
Shorebirds try to steal each others catch, but intimidation, or any other means possible.
Flaring Tail Feathers
A seagull flares its tail feathers are it turns into the wind.
Sunrise over the inlet
This show the sun just about to breach the horizon. The setting is Sebastian Inlet, Florida.
Strolling Along the Shore
A willet strolls along the shore in search of a place to settle down and relax his bones.
Nap Time
An adult brown pelican snuggles in to take a nap. The pelican is framed looking through hole of a large piece of driftwood that found its way to the shore.
Ruddy Turnstone Embracing the Morning Sun
A lone ruddy turnstone embracing the morning sun.
North American Stork
The north american stork is most beautiful in flight. The pattern on the outstretched wings can be identified easily from a distance. He does have a face that only a mother could love.
A Black Skimmer in Action
Black skimmer get their name from the way they forage for food. The skim the surface of the water, looking for small fish that inhabit the surface.
Heading South for the Winter
There is no place like Florida in the Winter... Birds of all different feathers wait their turn to take flight in search of a meal.
Early Morning Fishermen Arriving
A trio of early morning fishermen arrive for a day at the beach. After breakfast, there's plenty of time for laying back and soaking up a little sunshine.
Even the Birds Know Where to Go to Get Away
Black skimmers hang out along the shore. These birds skim the waters surface for small fish.
The North Jetty
There is lots of space for fishermen. Huge redfish, snook, and other prize fish are commonly caught during season.
Sports Fishing in style
Big boys come to play at the inlet. This guy is rigged for some serious fishing.
Friends Just Hanging Out
The brown pelicans are on the prowl for a mate. Dressed in their breeding plumage, these guys put on quite a display.
Silhouetted Fisherman
Rough seas and morning skies gave a nice backdrop to this icon photo of a true sportsman.
South Jetty
Fishermen crowd the south jetty on a windy day. The north jetty provided a little protection from the oncoming winds, allowing a break from the wind and waves.
Large Fish is Landed on the Beach
The women on the beach lands a rather large fish, while a couple of men watch in awe, as she drags it ashore.
Always Sunny Somewhere
Florida weather - if you wait and hour it will change. You can always find it sunny somewhere
You Know When the Fishing is Good
You know the fishing is good, when the tide comes in, and the fishermen won't give up their spot.
Morning has Broken
A man casts a silhouette as he watches a boater haul in a net full of mullet. In the distance fishermen have already arrived. The day has just begun.
A Sign that the Storm is Over
A break in the storm clouds, silhouetted by one of the locals, signaled the end the storm was upon us.
Being Escorted by Experienced Fishermen
Walking the coast with an escort of experienced fishermen, an old salt waits for his cue from the local guides before casting out.
Searching for Food
A willet searches for a quick snack as the tide gently sweeps over the rock he was standing on.
Pilates Instructor
While on vacation in Florida, even the birds are staying in shape with pilates.
Dressed for Success
A fishermen stands along the rocks of the south jetty in his favorite spot. Dressed for success, he doesn't worry about the water breaking over the rocks.
Some Locals are More Engaging Than Others.
If looks could kill. I wasn't sure if I was standing on his rock, or just imposing by taking a photo, but this guys was quite engaging none the less.
Endangered Species
A lone surfer walks along the shoreline after a full filling day of surfing.
A Family that Plays Together...
Silhouetted by the rising sun, it was obvious that a father and son were there to pass the time, as generations before them did.
Just for the Fun of It
The only thing that these guys were sure to catch was a cold. Some guys will go fishing in any conditions, more for the sport of just killing time.
He Couldnt Resist
Who could resist taking a dip in a natural bubble bath. No this guy. He looked as if this was more than just a normal day at the beach.
More Than a Feeling
A black skimmer comes directly at the camera. The razor sharp bill is used to cut through the water as is skims the surface is search of food. A magnificent view to behold.
Closer Inspection
The brown pelican in breeding plumage is quite a sight to see. The colors are vivid and these majestic birds love to be photographed
Sebastian Inlet - view from the bridge
A breathtaking view of the restaurant and bait shop on the north side of the inlet. Nothing but sunshine and blue water are on the menu - all year long.
Sebastian Inlet - searching for bait
A fisherman tries sneaking up on some bait fish, with the hopes of filling up his bait bucket. This is a common morning ritual shared by all avid fishermen.
Sebastian Inlet - drift fishing through the inlet
A solitary fishermen lets the tide do the work, as he drift with the current, through the inlet. The biggest catches are those made drifting along with the bait.
Pelicans Grace the Shoreline
Brown pelicans are found in and around the park. They are constantly diving into the water and soaking up sun on the shoreline. Great photo opportunities exist at the park.
The Early Bird Gets the Beach to Himself
With nothing but sand between his toes, this early bird gets a front row seat along the seashore.
Clean Waves and Cleaner Water
Sebastian Inlet is infamous for its beautifully formed First Peak break. Clean waves and even cleaner water make this an epic place for surfing.
Natural Framing
A brown pelican in breeding plumage is framed by the remnants of a fallen tree. Photo opportunities are abundant, since the pelicans are so friendly.
Morning Commute
Local fishermen on their way to work parade through the inlet during the early morning hours.
Ruddy Turnstone
The ruddy turnstone is a handsome bird. Their small size doesn't deter them from turning over rocks, almost as large as them, when foraging for food.
The Green Room
They call it the Green Room for obvious reasons. Sebastian is a surfers, boaters, and fisherman's paradise. Beach combing isn't so bad either.
On Alert
A pair of ruddy turnstones appear to be on alert. The grass is always greener on the next rock. A watchful eye is needed to move quickly when food has been located.
Bringing Home the Bacon
An osprey, flies slowly in front of the fishermen, with proof of who is the better fisherman.
Warmth from the Morning Sun
A willet closes its eye as the sun rises over the horizon. Who can resist that feeling you get, when you feel the warmth from the sun, as it falls upon your bones.
A Winters Day
Heavy seas don't deter the avid fisherman. Proper gear and determination is all that is needed.
Frozen in Time
A willet stops to pose for a picture, not paying attention to an incoming wave. He was able to move out of the way and actually enjoyed some playtime in the surf
At the Speed of Flight
A seagull drifts along over the water without a care in the world. Life is so much simpler when all you have to do is exist.
Mid Turn
A flock of black skimmers are mid turn with the north jetty as a backdrop. From the side the bird bills appear quite thick. A straight on view will show the bill to be razor sharp to be able to cut through the water - hence the name Black Skimmer.
Gangster Stare
A brown pelican, in his breeding plumage, gives the photographer the gangster stare, after being awoken by the click of the camera.
Restaurant and Bait Shop
Peering through the bridge, the Sebastian Inlet Restaurant, and bait shop are shown on the north side of the inlet.
Sea Turtle
A juvenile sea turtle surfaces for air momentarily before going back under.
Juvenile Sea Turtle
A juvenile loggerhead sea turtle can easily be viewed on an incoming tide.
American Avocet
An avocet hunts along the shoreline of the tidal pool adjacent to the inlet
Locals Only
A pelican catches the perfect wave, without a surfer in sight.
A Hard Time Staying Dry
Wind driven waves keep the fishermen on their toes.
A Perfect Day
A kayak pauses to take in the view along the Sebastian River Preserve. A mirror finish on the water make the scene that much more enjoyable.
