reefguard
Just livin it...
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REEFGUARD

As a nature parks manager in the Caribbean, with the main focus on protecting tropical coral reefs, the combination of “reef” and “guard” seemed fitting to me. Thus, in 1995, before the invention of social media handles, "reefguard" became my username on all platforms.

Photography in support of Nature Conservation!

The trail to The Bottom Lookout in the Elfin Forest on top of Mount Scenery, Saba, Dutch Caribbean

The trail to The Bottom Lookout in the Elfin Forest on top of Mount Scenery, Saba, Dutch Caribbean

INSPIRATION

“Mere communion with nature, mere contact with the free air, exercise a soothing yet comforting and strengthening influence on the wearied mind, calm the storm of passion, and soften the heart when shaken by sorrow to its inmost depths.”
— Alexander von Humbold

PURPOSE

Actively contributing to the conservation of nature and its advocacy have been some of my primary goals in life.
I regard good photography as a tool to bring the unique flora and fauna of the Lesser Antilles closer and dearer to those who can’t experience it in person. The purpose of this site is to encourage and inspire new-comers, both, aspirants in nature management and photography, share experiences, link to useful resources and offer training opportunities.

Heleen Cornet’s “Elfin Forest”

Renowned local artist, Heleen Cornet, was inspired by the above featured image and used it as a template for the creation of a 6 panel mural, measuring 48 by 48 inches each. It is being displayed in the restaurant at Tropics Café in Windwardside, Saba, Dutch Caribbean.

Featured Seabird - Osprey
Pandion haliaetus

Female ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) usually show dark necklace across white breast. They fly with a marked kink in their wings, making an M-shape when seen from below.

Pandion haliaetus

Inspecting the hunting ground. Ospreys are very large (53cm - 61cm in lenght), distinctively shaped hawks. Despite their size, their bodies are slender, with long, narrow wings and long legs.

Pandion haliaetus

Well blended into its surroundings. Ospreys are brown above and white below, and overall they are whiter than most raptors. From below, the wings are mostly white with a prominent dark patch at the wrists. The head is white with a broad brown stripe through the eye.

Pandion haliaetus

Too many distractions. Juvenile shows buffy chest and darker orange eyes than adults. Her pale scaling on back and wings fades to dark as she ages.

Pandion haliaetus

Location change. 
Juvenile ospreys have white spots on the back and buffy shading on the breast.

Pandion haliaetus

Attacking prey. Live fish account for about 99% of their diet. Barbed pads on the soles of its feet help it grip slippery fish. When an Osprey takes a large fish to its nest, it carries the fish headfirst to make it as aerodynamic as possible.

Pandion haliaetus

The Osprey species name, Pandion haliaetus, is derived from the Greek "hals" (salt or sea) and "aetos", eagle, is the only bird of prey that feeds exclusively on live fish. 

Pandion haliaetus

Our young Osprey lady, lets call her Irma, after a successful hunt for a trumpet fish

Pandion haliaetus

Found prospective prey. Her outer toe is reversible so that it can grasp with three toes forward and one toe backward or with two forward and two backward, which provides a more stable grip in flight.

Pandion haliaetus

A well deserved meal!