Recently, staff from the Highlands County Natural Resources Department found out for sure about some of the wildlife that lives in the Sun 'N Lake Preserve. Jim Vokes, wildlife photographer, has been taking some fantastic photos of white-tail deer, opossums, coyotes, raccoons and many other creatures. But perhaps the most exciting photos and videos of all include a Florida panther and a Florida black bear.
We've seen signs, such as tracks and scat from the bears, but now we know without a doubt that these creatures pass through this area. Jim loves to walk different areas of the Preserve and photograph wildlife. He is more than willing to share his photos with county staff, which enables us to record his sightings and have a better knowledge of what travels through the Preserve.
Jim got started with the hobby of wildlife photography as a very young boy. He found joy while roaming the fields and woods around his home. He said, " My dad introduced me to fishing and hunting at a very young age and he taught me to enjoy my surroundings and my life in reverence to God's gift. Over the years, I came to understand what Dad meant as I sat in a tree stand and watched the doe, fawns, foxes, etc., living their lives while I silently observed with wonder. I began noticing the call of the geese and the ducks, the pheasants, the squirrels, the deer and especially the hawks. I thrilled at the sound of the beatings of wings in the air. I developed a strange relationship to the Chickadees, as every year a flock would visit me on my deer watch. It was like meeting old friends. I knew that all was well with the world."
Jim still enjoys his time in nature, but he finds that, with the years, he is no longer capable of roaming the hills and woods as he did when he was a young boy. So about three years ago, he decided to attempt wildlife photography, where he didn't have to travel far by foot but could still enjoy the wonders of nature.
Jim shared, "As I winter in Florida, I searched for an area to practice my hobby. As luck would have it, someone suggested the Sun 'N Lake Nature Preserve nearby. Well, what a wonderful place it is! Filled with manicured trails large and small, intriguing ponds, and woods of oak and cypress trees to be enjoyed by hikers, bicyclists, birdwatchers, fishermen, nature lovers of all ages and, yes, photographers. I found the Sun 'N Lake Preserve to be a serene place to relax the soul and place one's life back into perspective. I do not want to leave out the myriad of wild life that inhabits this awesome preserve. I have successfully photographed the elusive Florida panther, bobcats, Florida black bear, deer, coyotes, wild turkey, vultures, raccoons, opossums and those ever present armadillos. I have had occasion to meet with two of the folks who manage this Sun 'N Lake Nature Preserve and it is immediately obvious as to why this Preserve is one of the "hidden jewels" in this wonderful world of ours."
We meet with Jim often to see what he has captured on his cameras. It is always a pleasure and we wait with childlike anticipation to see what new photos he has. With limited staff and resources, the Highlands County Parks & Natural Resources staff is certainly grateful for folks like Jim. He benefits from sharing his passion and we benefit from learning more about this amazing treasure of Highlands County.
Friday, March 15, 2013 - www.newssun.com/031713-watershed