The tidal mangrove forest estuaries of Whiskey Creek, in Florida’s Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, are filled with wildlife everywhere you turn.

This was my first time exploring this section of Whiskey Creek, which provides easy access to a nice tidal mangrove estuary. I scoped it out in midday, to get to know the location before trying for photographs which may require trekking in darkness. While softer light would be nice, the deep blues of midday were beautiful too. And I suspect I’d see more wildlife around dusk or dawn, but I saw tons of wildlife in midday as well. There were baby barracuda, hawks, and many puffer fish. Butterflies everywhere. Someone I met said he often sees spotted eagle rays, tarpon, and snook, though I have yet to see any of those. While taking this photograph, two blue crabs fought for position right at my feet, so close that I worried I’d get a collateral pinch. If you look closely, you can see the winner in the photo!

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