On almost every one of the 30 evenings when Sharon and I were in Florida during January we went to the Gulf shore of Pine Island to watch the sun set over Pine Island Sound and the barrier islands Cayo Costa, North Captiva, and Captiva.

On most nights we met our new friends Tom and Connie there. Tom and I usually use the same photographic equipment, a Canon 7D camera and a Canon 100-400mm lens. But sometimes he is even more determined that I am to get the shot.

Tom Walks Through Pine Island Sound to Follow a Bird

Click on the picture above to enlarge

On the other hand, I went right down to the water but not farther. Sharon got this shot of me focusing on another bird.

A Photographer in Silhouette

Click on the picture above to enlarge

I was probably looking at a Yellow-crowned Night Heron or a Tricolored Heron. On many evenings we shared the sunset with both of these beautiful birds.

A Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) Rests on its Favorite Perch Until Night Comes

Click on the picture above to enlarge

A Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) Looks Out from its Cove onto Pine Island Sound

Click on the picture above to enlarge

Sunset came like clockwork just before 6 every evening. I took hundreds if not thousands of images of the sun setting on Pine Island Sound. Sharon didn’t take nearly as many, but she made the best capture.

A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) in Silhouette at Sunset

Click on the picture above to enlarge

Eventually, our schedule called for us to leave balmy Florida and return to Colorado. During our final day in Florida a little rain brought somewhat cooler temperatures. That helped to prepare us to go home.