Parrot Head

Parrot Head

February 4, 2012. Parrot Head. Near Margaritaville Orlando.

There are few places on earth better for documenting the strange condition of Floridians than at a Jimmy Buffett concert. The next several blog posts will document the pre-show behavior of a number of these eclectic weekend pirates. I hope you enjoy.

Die hard Jimmy Buffett fans are kind of like Dead Heads, but more beach bum than hippy. Called "Parrot Heads," some of them take the nickname more literally than others.

Jimmy Buffett is to Florida what Celine Dion is to Canada. Most Floridians have at least a little place for him in their hearts, and Mr. Buffett has loved Florida right back. He's been involved in efforts to save the manatees, preserve Florida landmarks, and to clean up the mess caused by BP in the Gulf of Mexico.

Buffett mentions Florida in quite a few of his songs. One of my favorites is "The Bob Roberts Society Band." It reminds me of the Florida that I grew up in and love the best. It still exists in some places, if you look hard enough.

Leica X1. 24.0 mm. 1/500. f/8.0. ISO 200. LR 2.