wings of resilience
A Tribute to the Birds
of the Florida Wildlife Corridor
In the winter of 2024, ChoZen Retreat was honored to host distinguished photographer Pablo Cersosimo, celebrated for his extraordinary nature photography that captures the essence of life on Earth. Pablo’s residency focused on chronicling the rare and vital bird ecology within ChoZen’s connected ecosystems, showcasing the remarkable diversity and beauty of avian life in the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Positioned at the heart of a critical pathway for migratory and resident birds, ChoZen Retreat offered Pablo a unique vantage point. His work meticulously documents the lives of birds within the St. Sebastian Preserve, an integral part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This corridor, linked to the headwaters of the St. Johns River, plays a vital role in supporting the Indian River Lagoon, the most biodiverse estuary in North America. Each photograph serves as a testament to the vibrant bird communities that thrive here.
Pablo’s focus on bird ecology during his residency illuminates the area’s significant conservation history, including pioneering protection efforts at the Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Blue Cypress Refuge. These sanctuaries are critical for the survival and prosperity of many bird species, mirroring the broader narrative of environmental protection that Pablo captures with his lens.
At ChoZen, our deep commitment to nurturing the delicate web of life within our bioregion lies at the heart of our mission. Pablo Cersosimo’s residency has underscored our identity as a sanctuary, inviting visitors to connect deeply and become active supporters of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. His collection not only invites viewers into the captivating world of these exquisite creatures but also highlights their essential role in our ecosystem and the urgent need for conservation.
As we unveil Pablo’s captivating bird-centric portfolio from his time with us, we invite you to explore the stories he has beautifully framed—a celebration of the resilience and splendor of bird life. We hope his images inspire a deeper appreciation for these avian wonders and a stronger commitment to protecting their habitats.
Join us in marveling at Pablo Cersosimo’s artistic tribute to the birds of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Together, let’s pledge to preserve and regenerate these vital ecosystems for generations of birds—and all life—to come.
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Wild Turkey
Native to Florida’s forests, wild turkeys play a vital role in seed dispersal and woodland health. Their shimmering bronze feathers and elaborate mating displays make them one of nature’s most charismatic birds—symbols of abundance and grounded connection with the Earth.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Anhinga Bird
Often called the “snakebird” for its long neck, the Anhinga dives beneath the surface to spear fish, then perches with wings outstretched to dry. Found near ChoZen’s wetlands, it embodies balance between air and water, stillness and movement.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Northern Cardinal
A flash of red among green leaves, the Northern Cardinal’s song brightens Florida mornings. Male cardinals fiercely defend their mates, representing devotion, vitality, and the beauty of daily presence in nature’s rhythm.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Pileated Woodpecker
The largest woodpecker in North America, the Pileated’s deep rhythmic drumming echoes through ChoZen’s forest canopy. Its striking red crest and persistence in carving new life from old trees remind us of renewal through creative force.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Blue Jay
Playful and intelligent, the Blue Jay is both a mimic and a messenger. Known to warn other species of predators, its bright plumage and bold calls symbolize curiosity and communication across the natural world.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Osprey
Ospreys, or “fish hawks,” are incredible hunters found along Blue Cypress Lake. This young bird’s wing-training moment captures the threshold between dependence and mastery—a poetic reminder of freedom earned through patience and practice.
Blue Cypress Lake, Sebastian, Florida
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Great Blue Heron
Elegant and patient, the Great Blue Heron waits motionless before striking with lightning speed. A master of timing, it teaches the art of stillness and observation in a world often moving too fast.
Pelican Island, Sebastian, Florida
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Osprey Family
The tender scene of a mother osprey feeding her young celebrates the continuity of life and the fierce maternal instincts found in the wild. It mirrors ChoZen’s own ethos of nurturing growth and interdependence.
Blue Cypress Lake, Sebastian, Florida
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Wild Turkey
The female turkey, more subtle in color but equally vital, protects and raises her brood with quiet strength. Her camouflage plumage is nature’s artistry in adaptation and care.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Red Shouldered Hawk
Perched along ChoZen’s forest edge, the red-shouldered hawk is both fierce and graceful. Its keening cry carries through cypress groves—a wild anthem of guardianship and focus.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Roseate Spoonbill
A splash of pink against blue sky, the Roseate Spoonbill is one of Florida’s most dazzling wading birds. Its spoon-shaped bill sweeps shallow waters for food—a reminder that beauty and function coexist perfectly in nature.
Pelican Island, Sebastian, Florida
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Peregrine Falcon
The fastest creature on Earth, peregrine falcons dive at over 200 mph to catch prey mid-flight. This image freezes power in motion—a fleeting glimpse of perfection in evolutionary design.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Little Blue Heron
Found in Florida’s wetlands, the Little Blue Heron’s slate-blue feathers glow like watercolor at sunset. Shy yet elegant, it thrives in balance with the tides, embodying serenity in motion.
Pelican Island, Sebastian, Florida
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Pileated Woodpecker
This capture emphasizes the woodpecker’s solitary silhouette—an artist of the forest crafting rhythm and renewal through the percussion of life itself.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
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Frigate Bird
The male frigatebird, with its vast wingspan and crimson throat pouch, is the pirate of the tropics—stealing fish mid-air and soaring effortlessly for days. A symbol of wind, sky, and untamed flight.
ChoZen Retreat, Sebastian, Florida
Interested in purchasing a print?
Purchasing Wings of Resilience photography by Pablo Cersosimo directly supports ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living’s Restore Nature initiatives. Your contribution helps fund wetland revival, biodiversity conservation, soil health regeneration, and wildlife rescue efforts at ChoZen. Learn more at chozenretreat.com/ccrl-impact
Pablo cersósimo
I have always felt a deep connection to animals and nature, even though my early training as a photographer took place in big cities like Madrid and Buenos Aires. What began as photographing landscapes to escape noise and routine evolved into a way of listening—to silence, to light, to the quiet presence of life unfolding without direction. Through travel, I came to understand the significance of every ecosystem I captured: the delicate interdependence among species and the undeniable truth that the health of these habitats directly affects our own.
My time at ChoZen was a turning point. Nestled within the 18 million acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, along the banks of the St. Sebastian River and near the biologically diverse Indian River Lagoon, ChoZen is home to a stunning variety of land and sea life. Invited by founder Tony Cho, I immersed myself in this vibrant sanctuary where wildlife thrives, supported by a human community committed to stewardship and reverence for nature. Here, the work was not just photography—it was communion.
As a wildlife photographer, I have learned to approach my craft with patience, humility, and respect, knowing that nature includes both beauty and struggle. Our planet is fragile, and as the only species capable of conscious choice, we hold responsibility for its care. If my images awaken even one person to the importance of protecting our ecosystems, then every early morning, every difficult journey, and every quiet moment behind the lens has been worthwhile.