High Key WP

While visiting the panhandle of FL last week, I obtained a permit to drive the dirt roads on Eglin AFB. They made me watch a video about bombs and what to do if you come upon a shell, flare or rocket, and provided me with a very nice map of the entire base. Since they were actively practicing bombing runs, some of the areas were closed to me (but marked very clearly in red!). While we were out fishing in the Gulf, we saw tons of F18's and other planes, and could hear the explosions and see the mushroom clouds. We also witnessed a drop of 2 boats and then 12 guys/gals righting the boats and paddling like crazy towards the CG station. A BIG hat's off to our servicemen!

Birds were very scarce, but I did come upon a pair of these Red-headed Woodpeckers, another first for me, near a pond on the base. I wonder if the bombing keeps this area from being a decent flyway for migrating birds?

I guess this image won't appeal to many with the hk bg, but I like it, and would be interested in your comments/critiques.

50D, 500mm, Iso 200, 1/80, F10 From beanbag on very overcast day. Larger version provided and thanks for looking! Sharon