Sharon Avila Photography

09/03/2026

Captured this image today as a Loggerhead Shrike with a frog already impaled for breakfast eyeballed a dragon fly. Initially, I saw the Shrike but didn't realize what else was in the photo until it was downloaded this afternoon. Nothing like getting a little bit more out of a snapped shot. :-) Here is some interesting info about this tiny but mighty bird:

The Loggerhead Shrike is a permanent breeding resident in Florida, famously known as the "butcher bird" for its unique habit of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire.

A songbird with a raptor’s habits the Loggerhead Shrikes skewer their kills on thorns or barbed wire or wedge them into tight places for easy eating. A Loggerhead Shrike can kill and carry an animal as massive as itself. It transports large prey in its feet and smaller victims in its beak.

Their numbers have dropped sharply in the last half-century, and they are now listed as threatened or endangered.

09/02/2026

Just a little Red Panda munching on some "cookies." Smile!

09/02/2026

08/29/2026

This morning's lone Osprey in the Indian River Lagoon
Now that we have moved to the East Coast, I no longer have to plan a trip over to photograph the Osprey.
Things will really start to pick up in October when migratory fish move through Sebastian Inlet and the Ospreys (and photographers) come out in record numbers.
If any of my photographer friends have questions about where to see the "Osprey show," let me know and I'll point you in the right direction.

08/28/2026

Sharing a great spot for BALD EAGLE PHOTOGRAPHY ENTHUSIASTS:

SEABECK WASHINGTON - A little over an hour outside of Seattle.

"In June, bald eagles near Silverdale congregate heavily along the Hood Canal shorelines, specifically at Big Beef Creek in Seabeck, Washington.

Why They Go There: Eagles travel to this specific area to feast on plainfin midshipman fish. These fish come up into the shallow intertidal oyster beds to spawn during late spring and early summer.

Best Viewing Conditions: Big Beef Creek Estuary: Located just a 15-minute drive west of Silverdale. Low Tide: The best time to visit is during extreme low tides or negative tides. The receding water traps the spawning fish in shallow tide pools, making them incredibly easy targets for the birds.

High Concentrations: It is highly common to see dozens of bald eagles interacting, fighting over fish, and diving along the shoreline alongside great blue herons.

Tips for Visitors: Timing: Arrive roughly 2 hours before low tide to secure parking along the Seabeck Highway causeway.

Ethics: Photographers and bird watchers flock to this area; always stay off the fragile oyster beds to protect the ecosystem and avoid disturbing the wildlife."

08/26/2026

We first spotted this bear while on a tundra tour as he was walking through the mud flats. We encountered him again in the wildlife management area where we were able to leave the bus and observe him a bit closer. If you look behind where I am standing you will see him up on the rocks. Thankfully, shooting at 560mm, I was able to get some closer shots.

08/25/2026

They lifted their heads. Noses in the air. The scent of humans evidently reaching them as we photographed from a boat off the shoreline. The largest land predators on earth knew we there, in the territory they called home. Their interest in us unparalleled to the awe-inspiring interest we had in them. Life's Blessings!

08/24/2026

This photo was taken of a Mama Bear with a “criminal history.” LOL! Note the ear tag signifying that she has served time in the Polar Bear Jail.
Located in Churchill, Canda the “Polar Bear Jail” was established with the intention of preserving human life, as well as the Polar Bear species. Coexistence with these beautiful creatures meant that a new approach had to be taken by the people who lived in the Bear’s habitat. Prior to the existence of the holding facility, Polar Bears who entered the town were shot and killed. That philosophy thankfully changed in the early 80s when barbarism was replaced with conservation efforts.
Today, when hazing attempts are unsuccessful, dangerous bears who enter town are tranquilized, captured and placed in the Polar Bear Jail facility. Initially, they are held there for two weeks and fed only ice to deter them from returning to town. They are tagged so that they are recognized as a “repeat offender” should they enter town thereafter.
Recidivists have their length of stay at the facility increased to 30-days. No Polar Bear appreciates captivity and quickly learns to stay out of town. Although it may initially sound cruel, this facility represents a life-saving effort for both humans and bears that has been very successful.