A Thousand Words by Christi

Welcome Christi Cofield our newest blog contributor. Christi is an award winning freelance photographer and a native Floridian. She is a wildlife enthusiast who rehabilitates orphaned and injured animals in her spare time. She will be wowing us on a monthly basis with her beautiful & unique photographs from her "On the Trail" experiences. Enjoy!



BURNING DAYLIGHT
"A controlled burn rolls into the evening hours casting a stark contrast on an otherwise picturesque sunset."



TOADAL CHAOS

"Toads secrete a poisonous toxin called bufotoxin from their paratoid glands which are easily visible in the top of the head behind the eyes. This is a clear warning to predators that says, 'do not eat me!' This green checkered garter snake does not heed the warning."



JACKSON BLUE BIOSPHERE
 "There is an alien landscape just below the surface of the spring water of Jackson Blue. This underwater forest is where the bass and brim make their beds and raise their young. The intense blue color is a result of high levels of magnesium from a nearby underwater cave."



VIEW FROM THE TOP

 "This pair of Purple Martins seem to be enjoying the sunset from their own front porch. The tradition of erecting houses to attract these bug eaters was believed to have originated with the Native Americans."



DOCK OF THE BAY

 "The salinity and sun of the Apalache Bay is making quick work of weathering the planks of the local marina. This area near Tucker's point has seen many inhabitants over the years, build their towers, then tear them down. But just under the surface where the fresh waters of the St Marks River joins the Apalache bay is a unique ecosystem that houses both redfish and largemouth bass."



HEAVENLY BLUE

"Three blooms elbow each other to capture the last bits of the soft morning glow. Each blossom will be tightly curled away only a few short hours after sunrise. Morning Glories, a close relative of the sweet potato, grow an average of 14" a week."



all captions and pictures by Christi Cofield