Richard Blonna
As a kid growing up in Newark New Jersey, I dreamed about moving to Florida and exploring the Everglades. I was always attracted to the crystal-clear water, the endless islands, and the natural beauty of the area. Fifty years later, after exploring Southwest Florida at length, my wife and I decided that Marco Island offered everything we were looking for in a retirement area: beautiful beaches, perfect weather, and easy access to the upper reaches of the Everglades. Since moving to Marco Island in 2012 I’ve been living that dream every day. I’m a morning person, and I’m usually out the door to run, bike, or paddle, before 6:00am. Not only is it cooler and quieter that early, it is the best time to view the creatures that thrive here. On an average morning run or bike ride I might see a Coyote, Bobcat, or other exotic animal. On the water I often see Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles, and many other species of fish.There are scores of different birds that share the mud flats and mangrove roots with other creatures who come to eat and drink at sunrise. I routinely see Ospreys, Herons, Roseate Spoonbills and many others from both the land and the water.All of the pictures in this book were taken by me at sunrise using my Samsung Galaxy A51 (48 MP) or S23 (50MP) cell phone cameras. None of the photos have been altered in any way.
