Showing posts for '#wildlife photography'. Clear search
On Time Arrival
September 27, 2023 - It was near full moon and the tides were strong so at low tide this morning the conditions were right for great fishing...
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Submarining
September 25, 2023 - I have seen many brown pelicans dive from various heights to scoop fish from the ocean. This was the first time I watche...
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Harmony
September 22, 2023 - What could be better. A butterfly and a honey bee sharing the same blossom on our butterfly bush to feed and to pollinat...
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Hard to Swallow
September 20, 2023 - In between tides at the flats this morning made for deeper water. Among the normal mix of herons and egrets, the pelican...
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Bee for Me
September 18, 2023 - The feeding activity for the birds, especially the hummingbirds, has increased significantly over the past couple of wee...
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Fishing Partners
September 15, 2023 - Apparently this pair of snowy egrets decided to work together to cast a bigger shadow on the water in the hope of attrac...
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Skimming Fisherman
September 13, 2023 - This white heron came in quickly to join all the other wading birds enjoying breakfast in the flats. The extremely low t...
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In the Mix
September 12, 2023 - Here's a familiar backyard bird that usually is attracted to see feeders. In fact, it usually is the first bird to disco...
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Ready to Fish
September 11, 2023 - This osprey seemed to appear out of nowhere and alighted upon a branch at the end of the lake. Given its exceptional eye...
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New Nectar
September 08, 2023 - Until this week the coleus has not blossomed, but as soon as it did, the bees and the hummingbirds were soon there extra...
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Priming the Tongue
September 06, 2023 - While hummingbirds have proportionately long beaks, it is their tongue that is used to extract nectar from the flowers o...
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Checking the Plant Selection
September 05, 2023 - It has become apparent that colder weather will be arriving soon. The hummingbird feeding activity has increased both in...
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In Between Catches
September 04, 2023 - This cormorant had just landed on the lake and began swimming and circling in its search for a meal. Within a few minute...
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Amazing Migration
September 01, 2023 - Monarch butterflies are the only ones to complete a two way migration as do some birds. While Monarchs normally fly at a...
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Butterfly Bush
August 30, 2023 - From this perspective you can get a sense of how large the wingspan of this male eastern tiger swallowtail is. The femal...
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Profiled Swallowtail
August 28, 2023 - The eastern tiger swallowtail is very common throughout the eastern US. It is large with a wingspan of 3-6 inches and br...
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Papilio Glaucus
August 25, 2023 - The swallowtail butterfly are the second most easily recognized butterfly in the US. It is only second to that regal mon...
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The Monarch
August 23, 2023 - Several weeks ago the milkweed began to bloom in the wetland area behind our home. Shortly afterwards, first one monarch...
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Deception
August 21, 2023 - I called this capture "deception"because at a distance you think you may be looking at a small hummingbird or a large be...
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Hemaris Thysbe
August 20, 2023 - I was relaxing and watching the hummingbirds and the bees extract nectar from the bee balm and butterfly bush plants on...
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The Getaway
August 18, 2023 - For the second time this week, the doe and her two fawns showed up in the wetland behind our home. This time as they app...
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The Great Pollinator
August 16, 2023 - Honey bees are very important pollinators for flowers and fruit and vegetables making them "Super Pollinators". They tra...
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Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus)
August 14, 2023 - A year round Michigan resident. Even though its name implies that it is purple in coloring actuality it is reddish. The...
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Full View
August 11, 2023 - Finally managed to capture a monarch butterfly coming directly toward me leaving the butterfly bush on our deck. This wa...
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Newborn
August 09, 2023 - For the second time since returning back here in mid-April, the deer herd has expanded. Just within the past few days, a...
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Catching the Light
August 07, 2023 - While I am not a big fan of photographing birds on feeders, I couldn't resist sharing this capture as the light was just...
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Busy Bee
August 04, 2023 - Worker bees cannot carry very much pollen from that many flowers at any one time. As a result, a worker bee will visit b...
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All Natural
August 02, 2023 - I took a chance last winter and left a planter on the deck with the remnants of a bee balm plant hoping it would come ba...
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The Host
July 31, 2023 - When we smell and taste we are actually sensing chemicals in our environment. To accomplish this task, we have chemorece...
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Monarch or Viceroy (?)
July 28, 2023 - A few facts about the monarch butterfly like the female shown in this photo.
The main difference between the female & m...
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Our Friend
July 26, 2023 - While many insects are bothersome, and some even disgust us because they bite us, the blue dasher dragonfly always is we...
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The Great Debate
July 24, 2023 - When the finch flock shows up to feed and there are 5 or 6 attempting to feed at the same time, the branches above the f...
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Refueling Stop
July 21, 2023 - With it's back toward the finches and orioles debating over the grape jelly, this hummingbird kept coming and going undi...
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Not Here
July 19, 2023 - Recently, the finches have discovered the grape jelly enjoyed by the Baltimore orioles every day. When it began, only 1...
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Dining Together.
July 14, 2023 - Just before the thunderstorms began, the orioles worked hard to empty the feeder of all the grape jelly that was put out...
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Bathing Beauty
July 10, 2023 - This female muted swan is about to begin her morning bathing ritual in earnest. Always graceful.
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Looking for Lunch
July 07, 2023 - Recently, a pair of great blue herons have taken up residence nearby and visit the lake behind our home on a daily basis...
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Fast Approach
July 05, 2023 - This ruby throated hummingbird suddenly appeared as it came up from below the deck railing. Without hesitation it procee...
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Cautious Approach
July 03, 2023 - Before heading down to feed, this ruby throated hummingbird took the cautious approach and surveyed the area around the...
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Staredown
June 23, 2023 - Normally, swans mate early spring and only mate once per year. This year, the muted swan couple (Pen and Cob) had lost a...
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True Color
June 20, 2023 - The male of this species has darker colors and deeper orange than its female counterpart making them easily distinguisha...
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Hot Foot
June 19, 2023 - This finch had just finished feeding on grape jelly in the oriole feeder and had landed on the deck railing. It almost i...
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Splashing Around
June 16, 2023 - After mating for the second time this season and separating, they bathing ritual began in earnest. Here is the female mu...
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Rest Stop
June 14, 2023 - Once in a great while I am fortunate enough to be ready when one of the ruby throated hummingbirds takes a very brief re...
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Pedicure Time?
June 09, 2023 - After having her fill of grape jelly and cleaning her beak on the branch, this female Baltimore oriole appeared to be ch...
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Family Time
June 07, 2023 - Last fall the resident female swan, the Pen, disappeared from view on our lake. Shortly afterwards the male, the Cob, al...
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White
June 05, 2023 - This white heron fun a spot in the sun between the shadows cast by the mangrove trees. My best guess is that it knew the...
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More Monkeys
June 02, 2023 - There is no specific time of the year for the Rhesus Macaque monkeys to mate.As long as they have food and shelter adequ...
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On the Hunt
May 31, 2023 - While the cormorants were diving below the surface for their meal, this osprey was circling overhead looking for its pre...
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The Chase
May 29, 2023 - This male muted swan (the Cob) was angrily chasing the Canadian Goose from its mate and the 5 cygnets swimming with "Mom...
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The Prize
May 26, 2023 - Cormorants are expert divers. They can dive as deep as 150 feet. They speed along underwater via their webbed feet, usin...
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Safety First
May 24, 2023 - Sitting high above the feeder holding the grape jelly, this young female Baltimore oriole was checking out the area to e...
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Happy Face
May 22, 2023 - Although rhesus macaque monkeys reportedly are not territorial, the look on this one's face led me to believe otherwise.
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Hawkeye
May 12, 2023 - Slowly drifting down the Silver River when we had a chance encounter with a red-shouldered hawk. Surprisingly it perched...
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Woody
May 10, 2023 - I only have since a pileated woodpecker near my home in MI one fall season. Today I saw 5 within a 1/4 mile along the Si...
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True Blue
May 08, 2023 - After the sun came up, the wading birds, including this blue heron, came out to begin the day. This heron was out lookin...
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Going for A Boat Ride
May 05, 2023 - Latin name is Minus polyglots which actually translates to "many tongued mimic".
These birds reportedly are known to si...
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Which Way
May 04, 2023 - I don't know if this monkey was taking a break after swinging through the trees to get here, but to me it seemed as thou...
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Warming Up
May 03, 2023 - Now you can get a good look at one of the bigger 'gators we saw as the morning warmed out and they came out to catch the...
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Young & Old
May 01, 2023 - Once again while drifting along the banks of the Silver Springs River, I encountered a juvenile ibis alongside an adult.
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Possible Target
April 30, 2023 - Ospreys are seen fairly often circling the beaches, especially near the inlets here in southeast Florida. They are excel...
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Challenging
April 27, 2023 - Here we go again. Took a couple of hours t explore some water out west of Vero Beach hoping to capture a few alligators...
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Alongside
April 24, 2023 - As we spent a few hours out on Headwaters Lake west of Vero Beach Florida, we encountered a lot of alligators, some real...
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Breezy
April 22, 2023 - I sat for almost 15 minutes watching this osprey stay perched above the inlet in Sebastian while the wind picked up. I w...
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Observation Tower
April 18, 2023 - Pole sitting on top of the bridge high above the inlet in Sebastian patiently searching for its next meal. With it's kee...
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Broadside
April 17, 2023 - As the morning progressed on our search for alligators, we not only found more, but they seemed to grow larger as time p...
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Watchful
April 15, 2023 - The mockingbird shown here is a great mimic. They memorize sounds from their surroundings from other birds to animals li...
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Gotcha
April 13, 2023 - To catch their prey, the wood stork submerge their beaks into the water effectively setting up a trap. While their beak...
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Where Are They?
April 12, 2023 - Wood storks are among the largest wading birds. To put them into perspective, n North America, only the great blue heron...
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Hidden
April 10, 2023 - From a distance I thought this might provide a good opportunity to get some floral closeups, but the gator fairly well c...
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Family Time
April 07, 2023 - Both the male (left) and the female (right) anhinga were close to home guarding the nest while awaiting the hatch.
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Breeding Season
April 07, 2023 - While out on Headwaters Lake, we found ourselves surrounded by nesting anhinga, aka Snakebirds, most of which were sitti...
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On the Nest
April 06, 2023 - While out searching for alligators to photograph, I found myself close to dozens of Anhinga sitting on the nest waiting...
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Portrait
April 05, 2023 - Tricolored herons are one of most abundant herons in the South.
When stalking its prey, the Tricolored heron will go de...
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Go Away!
March 31, 2023 - This mockingbird seemed to be looking at its reflection in the chrome steering knob of the steering wheel in the boat to...
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Fun Time
March 30, 2023 - The Rhesus monkeys are small. They have pink faces that have no fur on them. They could be either brown or grey in color...
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Slow Drift
March 29, 2023 - While slowing wandering around and exploring the many ponds at Osprey Acres, I happened upon this mottled duck drifting...
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In Flight Profile
March 24, 2023 - This great blue heron posed for a bit before taking flight. In both cases, stationary or in flight, it is a very stately...
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On the Wing
March 22, 2023 - This roseate spoonbill just left the rookery and was in clear view as I stood on the shore some 3-400 feet away admiring...
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Searching
March 20, 2023 - Cormorants are a group of aquatic birds containing about 40 different species.
Like many other aquatic species, these b...
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Still Life
March 17, 2023 - Great blue herons are large birds standing between approximately 3 feet and 5 feet tall. Surprisingly they typically wei...
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What's the Message?
March 16, 2023 - Size wise the length of a rhesus monkey ranges from 18-21 inches. Males are bit larger than the females.
They communica...
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Turning the Catch
March 15, 2023 - Once the prey has been caught and the osprey is off to ha higher perch to eat its meal, it will gradually turn the fish...
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Perched & Alert
March 13, 2023 - A few seconds before capturing this osprey locking on to its prey, this osprey
was lower on the tree top and appeared t...
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Almost Hidden
March 10, 2023 - Great horned owls have the largest and widest distribution range of any American owl. They tend not to migrate, but rema...
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Breeding Season
March 08, 2023 - Once again out at Stick Marsh photographing the birds from the shoreline. The rookery is very active primarily with spoo...
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Diving Ducks
March 06, 2023 - The lesser scaup is a small North American diving duck also known as the little broadbill or bluebill.
These are small...
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Coming Home
March 03, 2023 - This anhinga was returning to the rookery at Stick Marsh to seek refuge in the mangroves where all the birds are nesting...
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Another View
March 01, 2023 - Normally I don't keep or share photos of birds flying away from where I stand to capture the photo. I much prefer shots...
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Great Catch
February 27, 2023 - I have watched this osprey come and go for several weeks now, always circling the small harbor off the Indian River. Mos...
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Windblown
February 24, 2023 - This great white egret had just landed in this tree high above the area to preen itself early in the morning at osprey a...
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Profiled
February 23, 2023 - Fortunate timing. I happened to be ready when this roseate spoonbill stepped out from the mangroves into the sunlight. T...
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Returning to the Rookery
February 22, 2023 - This great white egret was flying low to the water on its way back to the rookery. I could not tell if it had been out s...
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Nesting
February 20, 2023 - Out at Stick Marsh photographing all the birds busily building and sitting on nests during the breeding season. At this...
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Quizzical
February 17, 2023 - While photographing egrets and spoonbills at Stick Marsh, I noticed an anhinga studying a roseate spoonbill one branch a...
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Blending In
February 15, 2023 - When in the shade of the trees these monkeys were sometimes difficult to see. Fortunately the day was partly cloudy and...
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Oh What A Web
February 15, 2023 - This large spider has three different names, the golden orb spider, the giant wood spider, and the banana spider.
The g...
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Tension
February 13, 2023 - The Amur Leopard also is known as the Russian Leopard, the Far East Leopard and the Manchurian Leopard. It is the rarest...
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Getting Down
February 10, 2023 - All leopards are strong and nimble footed as you can see here. The Amur Leopard seen here can run at speeds approaching...
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Going Fishing
February 08, 2023 - Raptors of many kinds abound in Florida near inland lakes and waterways as well as along the coastal areas. Ospreys are...
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"Woody"
February 06, 2023 - Pileated woodpeckers can be found throughout mainland Florida, Anyone who has seen a "Woody Woodpecker" cartoon will rec...
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Circling Offshore
February 03, 2023 - This "great fisherman", the osprey was circling just offshore looking for its next meal. I watched it fly in ever wideni...
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Peaking Out
February 01, 2023 - On one trip to Montana I was told by an older Native American that my spirit animal was "the wolf". Since my childhood,...
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Dabbler
January 30, 2023 - While the female makes a familiar "quacking sound" this male mallard mostly is quiet except when fighting.
The male is...
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Colorful
January 27, 2023 - The wood duck is Florida's most colorful duck. It migrates down from the northern US and Canada.
It is a "dabbling duck...
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8 Pointer
January 25, 2023 - Fortunate enough to live in southeast Michigan where the deer and other wildlife come to roam and play. This buck is the...
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About to Pounce
January 23, 2023 - While watching these two youngsters, it seemed to me that playing or fighting was imminent. As it turned out they leaped...
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Natural Setting
January 20, 2023 - Early Morning drifting along the edge of Lake Lochloosa waiting for the sun to burn off the fog so the eagles would beco...
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Up and Away
January 18, 2023 - After almost 10 minutes perched on top of the flagpole, it was time to find another perch and search for prey.
Although...
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Belted Kingfisher
January 16, 2023 - The sun finally broke out after a couple of hours drifting around in the fog. While waiting we were fortunate enough to...
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The Munchies
January 13, 2023 - The environment along the Silver River in Ocala State Forest provides these monkeys with a great supply of food. They fe...
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Family Affair
January 11, 2023 - The Rhesus monkeys typically like open areas that are arid, but can survive in diverse habitats like the wooded areas al...
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Flagpole Sitting
January 09, 2023 - I was very fortunate that this osprey landed atop the flagpole and rested there for almost 10 minutes before moving on....
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Talons Ready
January 06, 2023 - Almost immediately after leaving its perch, once its prey was in focus, the osprey got ready to dive on it and strike....
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Quick Departure
January 05, 2023 - After sitting on the flagpole for almost 10 minutes, this osprey decided it was time to move on to another perch. Appare...
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Thinking
January 04, 2023 - This younger monkey seemed to be contemplating its next move rather than running around, jumping and climbing at high sp...
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Make A Move
January 02, 2023 - Right after i captured this moment the monkey on the right jumped up on the tree just above the other monkey and the cha...
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Target Sighted
December 30, 2022 - We were drifting along the Silver River in the Ocala National Forest when we spotted this osprey perched atop[of a dead...
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Nodding Off
December 28, 2022 - These Rhesus monkeys are active throughout the day and night. The adult must have been real active as it appeared to be...
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Wanna Play?
December 26, 2022 - Rhesus Macaque monkeys also known as Rhesus monkeys, are active during both daytime and at night. Right after I captured...
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Who is This
December 23, 2022 - Once again, early morning in the fog drifting around the edge of Lake Lochloosa. It was low light and a bit eerie given...
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Leaving Home
December 21, 2022 - Just as the fog started to lift this great blue heron decided it was time to leave its resting place among the cypress t...
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Incoming
December 19, 2022 - The great blue heron we had been photographing among the cypress trees had just taken flight. Just as we were about to l...
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Posing
December 16, 2022 - The fog lifted, the sun came out and this eagle struck a pose. Could't ask for an easier shot.
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Returning Home
December 14, 2022 - This image gave me the impression that the male eagle had been away for awhile and returned "empty handed" which appears...
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Gathering Speed
December 09, 2022 - Once the prey has been sighted (up to a mile away) the eagle picks up speed and goes after its meal. That is when you ne...
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Moving On the Target
December 07, 2022 - Always exciting to be watching a perched bird and be able to catch it when it begins to fly off to capture some prey. Pr...
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Lifting Off
December 05, 2022 - This eagle was a long way off, but the background was clear that its movement showed up immediately. Glad I had a big en...
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Beauty in Motion
December 02, 2022 - When the eagles fly, my heart beats a little fatter and the shutter goes even faster. This is what wildlife photography...
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On the Target
November 30, 2022 - Now that the sun is out and has burned off the fog, the action has begun for the eagles and the photographers.
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Frustration
November 28, 2022 - It appears as though this eagle was as frustrated with the dense fog as I was. We were in the "soup" for 3 hours. I thin...
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Our National Symbol
November 25, 2022 - Once the sun came out and the fog lifted, things got back to normal. The eagles went on alert and began searching for br...
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Looking for Breakfast
November 23, 2022 - After several hours of being fogged in, it began to clear up. The eagles also perked up and I knew sooner or later they...
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I Can See Again
November 21, 2022 - After a long time in dense fog, the sun finally started to burn it off so the eagles, and we could see more clearly.
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In the Fog
November 18, 2022 - An interesting morning on Lake Lochloosa in Florida where the fog was so dense even with their great eyesight, the eagle...
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Home Security
November 14, 2022 - With its large eyes enabling it to see a wide angle and long distances, the osprey likes to perch high above the water t...
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Returning Home
October 19, 2022 - Ospreys, also know as fish hawks, will nest in any location where there is water which provides it with an adequate supp...
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Returning from the Hunt
October 17, 2022 - While the osprey is a very effective fisherman, sometimes referred to as the "perfect" fishing machine, there are occasi...
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The Greatest Fisherman
October 14, 2022 - The osprey has a lot of genetic adaptations which make it what could be referred to as the "perfect fishing machine".
T...
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Circling the Lake
October 12, 2022 - With a wingspread of about 6 feet, high flight speeds especially when diving and keen eyesight, ospreys are very effecti...
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From A Distance
October 03, 2022 - Late afternoon while sitting on the deck photographing hummingbirds, I saw a small, almost speck, high in the sky beyond...
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Who's Watching
September 30, 2022 - In the kitchen one afternoon when this red tailed hawk landed on the neighbors tree. I'm guessing it was a scouting perc...
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Awaiting Its Mate
September 28, 2022 - This female red-bellied woodpecker stayed in place waiting for its mate to return with more sunflower seeds from the fee...
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Fueling
September 23, 2022 - Another sip of the bee balm nectar which has been the apparent favorite for multiple hummingbirds during the past week....
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Migration Preparation
September 21, 2022 - This past week we saw 2 ruby throated hummingbirds zipping back and forth among the feeders, the fuchsia plants and the...
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PeWee
September 16, 2022 - This Eastern woo-pewee Flycatcher is a newcomer to our yard. During the autumn they migrate to Central and South America...
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Itching
September 14, 2022 - This hummingbird stopped to perch on a branch to take time to scratch an itch.
I had seen tiny bug nearby that must hav...
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Refreshed
September 12, 2022 - Hummingbirds are not very social. Like most other birds in migration, hummingbirds do not fly in flocks. They fly indivi...
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Speed & Stamina
September 09, 2022 - Even though they are small, the hummingbird migration is long distance, spanning hundreds and even thousands of miles. T...
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Hokey Pokey
September 06, 2022 - Not really a hummingbird dance, but it was interesting to watch the preening process and be able to capture the finite d...
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W Shape
September 02, 2022 - The hummingbird's tongue is shaped like a "W". It's flat, but splits at the very end.
The hummingbird also has a long b...
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Preening
August 29, 2022 - Hummingbirds are unique in many aspects. They are the only birds that can fly in different directions as well as hover i...
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Collecting Nectar
August 26, 2022 - The hummingbird's metabolism is very fast. Not that elephants can fly, but the hummingbird's metabolism is 100 times fas...
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Small & Speedy
August 24, 2022 - Hummingbirds were scarce for several weeks this summer, but during the past 2 weeks, they have appeared more frequently.
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Quick Landing
August 22, 2022 - As these dragonflies are fast and agile fliers, it is challenging to capture them.
Once again, studying their habits an...
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Papilio Glaucus
August 19, 2022 - Swallowtail butterflies can be found on every continent in the world. They are unique in that their lower wings are fork...
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Wind Beneath My Wings
August 17, 2022 - Soaring over the lake, this young eagle fully spread its wings to take advantage of the air currents and conserve energy...
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Mosquito Hunter
August 15, 2022 - In the blue dasher dragonfly, the dorsal part of the abdomen is a bluish color with a yellow-striped thorax. The head of...
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Halloween
August 12, 2022 - This Halloween Pennant Dragonfly is one of the most commonly seen dragonflies.
They are very skilled fliers with amazin...
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On the Bee Balm
August 10, 2022 - While butterflies drink nectar from many species of wildflowers and shrubs, here they prefer the bee balm and the milkwe...
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On the Butterfly Bush
August 08, 2022 - It's the nectar that keeps them coming back. It's nature at its best and a pleasure to be able to have the opportunity t...
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Papilio Polyxenes
August 05, 2022 - While we have not been seeing the monarch butterflies hovering around the milkweed as in past years, the swallowtails ha...
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Sharing
August 01, 2022 - I watched this male red-bellied woodpecker execute many round trips o the bird feeder to gather sunflower seeds so it co...
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Male & Female
July 29, 2022 - At first glance, the male red-bellied woodpecker is often mistaken to be a red headed woodpecker because of its red crow...
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Flight Formation
July 27, 2022 - Heading north after a day of fishing the inlets, the power plant and the fishing docks around the Ft Pierce area and Hut...
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Lift Off
July 25, 2022 - Don't let their size fool you. Hummingbirds have stamina and fly very fast. In fact, they have been clocked at 30mph whe...
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Reenergizing
July 22, 2022 - For those who have fed hummingbirds over the years it becomes apparent pretty quickly that the hummingbirds are pretty p...
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Soft Landing
July 20, 2022 - Hummingbirds have a very fast metabolism, far faster than yours and mine and about 100 times faster than that of an elep...
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The Approach
July 18, 2022 - How did it acquire its name? It's not from the call they make; it's from the sound their wings produce when in flight....
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Gaping
July 15, 2022 - Baltimore orioles will feast on fruit and berries like oranges, grapes, and raspberries, much to the chagrin of farmers.
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Up, Up and Away
July 13, 2022 - When in adulthood Baltimore orioles on average achieve a length of about 8 inches - - smaller than a robin by about 2 in...
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Sweet Tooth
July 12, 2022 - The Baltimore oriole's favorite food is insects. They also have a sweet tooth so if you want to attract them in your bac...
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Leap of Faith
July 11, 2022 - Adult male Baltimore orioles show brighter colors than their female counterparts. The juvenile males grow their full plu...
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Look Out Below
July 08, 2022 - Surprisingly, Baltimore Orioles, like this female, really are not members of the oriole family. They really are in the b...
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The Crane Family
June 16, 2022 - These sandhill cranes can be found in freshwater marshes, pastures and open woods throughout Florida. People who feed th...
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Easy Meal
June 15, 2022 - This juvenile eagle decided picking up a floating shrimp was an easy meal - - maybe appetizer -- as it searched for food...
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Target in Reach
June 13, 2022 - Having just left its nest, this adult American Eagle headed straight for the lake in search of breakfast. With its talon...
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Red Bellied Woodpecker
June 10, 2022 - Taking a hike around Jack Island when I encountered a bird I often photograph at home. All you have to do is listen for...
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Taking a Break
June 08, 2022 - Cleaning up on the beach after finishing off their morning catch. Smart enough to avoid catching a wave like some people...
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Going Fishing
June 06, 2022 - This adult American Eagle had been resting in the nest with it's mate when it decided it was time for breakfast and quic...
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Grab & Go
June 03, 2022 - After coming in quickly from above, this juvenile American eagle grabbed a piece of floating fish from the surface of La...
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Female Painted Bunting - 2
June 01, 2022 - This female was very active around the feeding area once the red tailed hawk departed in search of a meal elsewhere.
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Returning to the Nest
May 31, 2022 - It started out as what appeared to be a quiet morning on Blue Cypress Lake, but when the ospreys started to take flight...
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Energy Drink
May 27, 2022 - Even though the weather has not been cooperative this spring with frequent below normal temperatures along with lots of...
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Be Warned
May 25, 2022 - This osprey was perched atop its large nest. As we drifted closer to get a better perspective of it from below, we got a...
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Ready to Depart
May 24, 2022 - Perched on top of its nest, as we quietly drifted closer, we did not escape its excellent vision, but managed a quick sh...
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Scouting
May 23, 2022 - The cold weather is lingering through April and the deer are returning to scout familiar territory for food. At this poi...
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Crested Cormorants
May 20, 2022 - This pair of Crested Cormorants had just finished drying their wings and were getting ready to take flight. You can tell...
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Watchful Eyes
May 18, 2022 - Always on alert, these ospreys are either guarding the young or using their excellent vision to search for unsuspecting...
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Catching the Light
May 16, 2022 - When I first looked at my capture of this bird, I was confused by the blue collar around its neck was lit up by the angl...
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All Aglow
May 13, 2022 - This male mallard took advantage of some brief sunshine to capture the light and show off his beautiful colors.
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Laser Focus
May 11, 2022 - Osprey vision is one of their attributes that make them such excellent fishermen. While their eyes are about the same si...
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Perching Duck
May 09, 2022 - Wood ducks often are referred to as "Carolina Ducks".
They nest in trees typically in hollowed out nests of squirrels,...
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The "Look"
May 06, 2022 - When you become the subject of the laser focused stare of a raptor, you have to think about what it is like to be target...
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Breeding Season
May 05, 2022 - In terms of weather, April has been more like March with gray skies, snowy days, lots of wind and freezing temps at nigh...
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Splish Splash
May 04, 2022 - One day recently a flock of Ring-necked ducks suddenly appeared at the far end of our lake. They all were in breeding pl...
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Meleagris gallopavo
May 03, 2022 - This wild turkey is a bird native to the US. It is considered a proud bird that has strong protective instincts. In face...
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Profiled
May 02, 2022 - We had an interesting morning exploring new areas around the ranches west of Vero Beach on an ATV. Not only did we encou...
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Exploring New Waters
April 29, 2022 - This is a breeding Ring necked duck. They returned en masse a few days ago, stayed for a few days and disappeared as qui...
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Nest Building
April 28, 2022 - Muskrats are semi-aquatic mammals. They look a lot like beavers as they have furry bodies and partially webs hind feet....
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On the Approach
April 27, 2022 - There were several juvenile eagles circling and diving for an easy meal of pieces of fish and discarded bait thrown into...
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"Deerfeeder"
April 26, 2022 - It never ceases to amaze me at how quickly the word gets out that the fool that lives here thinks he will be feeding the...
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Perfect Touchdown
April 25, 2022 - While I've seen many cormorants perched while drying their wings and also in flight, this is the first time I was able t...
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Male Painted Bunting
April 22, 2022 - Like many of the human type "snowbirds" the buntings can be found throughout half of Florida during the months of Septem...
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Female Painted Bunting
April 21, 2022 - While the female painted bunting is not as colorful as her male counterpart, she still displays beautiful shade of green...
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Successful Fishing Excursion
April 20, 2022 - An adult bald eagle after successfully picking up a piece of fish floating on the surface. At this location, fishermen c...
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Easy Pickings
April 19, 2022 - This particular day on Lake Lochloosa was very calm with no breeze and very little movement on th water. As a result the...
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Fishing Juvenile
April 18, 2022 - This eagle is still in the process of maturing into adulthood which will occur at about 5 1/2 years of age. Based on the...
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Leaving the Nest
April 14, 2022 - This adult eagle has just left its mate back at the nest.
The nest is a whole other story in and by itself. They have t...
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Adult Eagles
April 13, 2022 - As with most birds of prey the female is the larger bird which is the same for the North American bald eagle. The female...
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In Your Face
April 12, 2022 - Barred owls can be primarily in the eastern US and southern part of Canada. More recently they have expanded their terri...
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Here I Come
April 11, 2022 - These barred owls are carnivores feeding on small mammals like, mice, squirrels, rabbits, frogs and snakes. They also pr...
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Refueling Stop
April 08, 2022 - I watched this female painted bunting fly from tree to tree coming closer in each time to ensure the area was safe befor...
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Hawk Relative
April 07, 2022 - The ospreys' diet is mainly comprised of fish. They catch their prey by swooping down from the sky. I think of them as t...
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Happiness Is
April 05, 2022 - The look of pure joy after finding a piece of bread in the grass.
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In Balance
March 25, 2022 - Before heading out to explore an area surrounding some ranches west of Vero Beach, I was fortunate to be able to photogr...
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Successful Fisherman
March 24, 2022 - About 99% of the osprey's diet is fish. In addition to having a reversible outer toe enabling them to hang on to slipper...
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Foraging for Seeds
March 23, 2022 - This male cardinal was taking the lazy approach to feeding. It stayed on the ground below the feeder and let the other b...
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Leading the Way
March 22, 2022 - Heading south early in the morning looking for fish as they work their way toward the usual daytime feeding area. They w...
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Sunbathing
March 21, 2022 - Alligators have a lot more teeth than us. In fact, they have about 75 teeth. Again, unlikes, when their teeth wear out o...
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Home Again
March 18, 2022 - The length of an osprey approximates 2 feet.Their wingspan typically is 4 to 5 feet. Females normally are larger than th...
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Settling In
March 18, 2022 - Although they were not in great numbers yet, the roseate spoonbills that were in the rookery were active enough to captu...
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Little Blue Heron
March 17, 2022 - Perched high in a tree scouting the mudflats for fish in the shallow water. This heron can be found year round in Florid...
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Patiently Waiting
March 16, 2022 - Frequently found on the Florid beaches between August and May. These Ruddy Turnstones were carefully watching for the ti...
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It's Mine
March 15, 2022 - This squirrel had just found a piece of bread in the grass just off the beach. It quickly scampered on top of a wood pil...
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Full Speed
March 14, 2022 - Ospreys live on very continent except Antartica. They live in all 50 states. Today I was photographing them at Blue Cypr...
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Snakebird
March 11, 2022 - The anhinga was described as "snakebird" early on by the Native American Indians as the shape of its head and neck look...
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Familiar Territory
March 10, 2022 - Ospreys tend to use their nests not only for years, but for generations. As they nest in colonies, Blue Cypress Lake in...
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Lazing in the Sun
March 09, 2022 - The American alligator is a cold blooded reptile living in wetland areas. It can grow between 6 and 11 feet long and art...
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White Ibis
March 08, 2022 - One of three ibises that flew along a canal, periodically perching in the trees as we maneuvered along a dirt road in an...
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Nest Building
March 04, 2022 - In addition to bringing materials to enhance the nest, it looks like there was some food delivery taking place. Given th...
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Returning from Fishing
March 03, 2022 - It was mid morning and the early morning activity had slowed down. Many of the ospreys we saw had settled back into thei...
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Searching
March 02, 2022 - If you look closely at this osprey searching for a fish you might be able to see that they have four toes on each foot a...
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Returning to the Rookery
March 01, 2022 - Mid February and the roseate spoonbills are just arriving to begin mating and nest building. Only a few were clearly vis...
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Can't Fool Me
February 28, 2022 - Sometimes the best plans to deter wildlife end up being a great place to stop, rest and maybe even take time to air dry...
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Ceryle Alycon
February 25, 2022 - This belted kingfisher was facing into the wind ready to dive down and seize a small fish from the canal below. Its cres...
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Returning from Fishing
February 24, 2022 - This gull was looking for a safe place to land after another successful fishing trip while the sandpipers below continue...
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Glossy Ibis
February 23, 2022 - Another Florida resident, most commonly found in central and south Florida
in coastal and freshwater marshes and ponds.
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Showing Off
February 22, 2022 - Another Florida resident commonly seen circling above the roadways looking for carrion and road kill. With a 6 foot wing...
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Ibis Family Member
February 21, 2022 - A Forida resident that normally breeds from down in the everglades as far north as Tampa Bay on the west coast and Merri...
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Finished Feeding
February 15, 2022 - These brown pelicans often can be found as part of a colony nesting in trees.
This is where they also rest when not fly...
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Florida Resident
February 14, 2022 - This Plegadis falcinellus, otherwise known as a glossy ibis, is about 2 feet in length. In winter the adult wings and bo...
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Whistling Skein
February 11, 2022 - These boisterous black bellied whistling ducks were calm floating on a small pond and suddenly burst up overhead. It was...
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Dressed in Pink
February 10, 2022 - This roseate spoonbill is a member of the Ibis Family. It is resident in Florida where it lives in the coastal flats, la...
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The Raft
February 09, 2022 - This flock, or "raft" of black-bellied whistling ducks was very boisterous.It often is referred to as part duck and part...
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Grus Canadensis
February 08, 2022 - A sandhill crane looking for a meal - - mainly seeds and tubers - - located in a wetland area west of Vero Beach.
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I See You
February 05, 2022 - While bucks and does normally remain separate from each other except during the mating season the doe was feeding about...
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Like a Rainbow
February 04, 2022 - Although I do not particularly like bird photos with man made devices in them,
i thought this capture really showed off...
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Great Expectations
February 02, 2022 - Given the action of the water coming out of this pipe, it appears as though this Great Blue Heron expected its dinner to...
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Color in Motion
January 28, 2022 - With a hawk perched nearby and several grackles and blackbirds flying around, the painted buntings were very careful aro...
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Mimus polyglots
January 27, 2022 - As soon as the red tail hawk departed this courageous mockingbird to up the high perch to see who it might target to cha...
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Birds of Prey
January 26, 2022 - Circling while seeking its prey. Once found, the osprey dives quickly, talons extended and rarely misses.
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All Lit Up
January 24, 2022 - The light was very bright with a perfectly clear sky, so the male painted bunting's colors really showed off.
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Who's Your Daddy
January 23, 2022 - Here's a brave little lizard (brown anole) riding on the nose of a 'gator. Fortunately it was a lawn ornament and not th...
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Hunting
January 21, 2022 - This red tailed hawk took the highest perch available in readiness to strike an unsuspecting feeding bird or rodent.
In...
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Northern Cardinal
January 19, 2022 - I see these beautiful birds pretty much wherever I travel in the US, but the setting was a bit different so I couldn't r...
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Anolis Sagrei
January 19, 2022 - This male Brown Anole lizard, which is very common on both coasts of Florida, is seen displaying its reddish-orange thro...
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Lurking
January 18, 2022 - Looking docile when floating around the lake, but 'gators can be very aggressive and vicious when approached. Sitting in...
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Florida Resident
January 17, 2022 - Lots of these black skimmers were resting on the beach along with a multitude of other gulls and terns. One big happy fa...
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Looking for Lunch
January 04, 2022 - This American Alligator, formally known as Alligator Mississippinsis, tens to hibernate in the cooler months in Florida.
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Sandpiper Family
January 03, 2022 - Off by itself, this Ruddy Turnstone inhabits the beaches of Florida.
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Great Egret
December 30, 2021 - This egret was patiently awaiting the ebb and flow of the tide to bring its potential meal to it. Apparently it was savi...
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Juvenile
December 28, 2021 - This little egret can be identified as a juvenile due to its yellow legs which will become all black (like the front par...
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Ready to Strike
December 27, 2021 - This great egret was patiently awaiting an unsuspecting fish to come a bit closer before enjoying its next meal. A perfe...
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6 Point Buck
December 24, 2021 - White-tailed deer feed starting before dawn until a few hours after the sun has risen, and again in the late afternoon u...
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Flight Formation
December 23, 2021 - These black skimmerss were part of a flock of mixed shorebirds that I encountered on a quiet beach protected by a rock b...
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Arenaria interpres
December 22, 2021 - My first encounter with a Ruddy Turnstone. This bird inhabits beaches and mudflats, so I was surprised I never had encou...
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Landing
December 21, 2021 - Incoming brown pelican as it landed. The wingspread is what caught my attention.
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Egret in Flight
December 20, 2021 - I was relaxing watching egrets fish along the rocky shoreline along the Fort Pierce inlet. Theyir wingspread of about 4...
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Touch Down
December 17, 2021 - I always have found Florida's brown pelicans interesting as they circle and dive for their meals. Their flying formation...
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Scattering
December 16, 2021 - As I was settling into position and slowly approaching this group of shorebirds, including laughing gulls, black skimmer...
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Birdmania
December 15, 2021 - There were so many shorebirds coming and going, I was beginning to wonder if Alfred Hitchcock's spirit was present. It f...
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Preening
December 08, 2021 - The Little Blue Heron is probably a close relative of the Snowy Egret. Like the Snowy Egret, it is all white when it is...
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Feet First
December 07, 2021 - When flying, the white pelicans soar on their wide black-tipped white wings. A flock of these pelicans when migrating is...
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Landing Approach
December 06, 2021 - The American white pelican is one of the largest of North American birds with a wingspan of about 9 feet. Their overall...
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"Ebony and Ivory"
December 03, 2021 - White pelicans feed differently than brown pelicans. The brown pelicans dive on the fish. The white pelicans float on th...
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The Gathering
December 01, 2021 - There are several names for groups of pelicans. These include squadrons, pods, scoops and briefs.
For me, after watchin...
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Balancing Act
November 30, 2021 - The Little Blue Heron is a stand-and-wait predator as opposed to being a predator that dashes around looking for its pre...
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Soaring
November 29, 2021 - Of the 8 species of Pelicans, only the Brown Pelican lives primarily on coastal shores and is one of only two of the spe...
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"Mergie" Female
November 29, 2021 - More formally known as a female Hooded Merganser, this small member of the merganser species is very adept at diving and...
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"Mergie" Male
November 26, 2021 - More formally known as the Hooded Merganser or officially as the Lophodytes cucullatus. It is the smallest of the mergan...
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Dinnertime
November 24, 2021 - Our wetland was trimmed down to the legal limit last week and the deer have become exposed. This buck returns daily to f...
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"Lefty"
November 23, 2021 - This whitetail buck should have been a 6 pointer, but lost half its rack. I have been walking the trails looking for the...
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Eastern Bluebird
November 08, 2021 - We had the good fortune to visit Pawleys Island South Carolina for a couple of months before we had to ruch home and seq...
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Practice Landing
November 05, 2021 - Lots of gulls in action. This one stood out as it was doing "touch and go" landings like a pilot in training.
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Clean Up Crew
November 03, 2021 - Always on the lookout for an easy meal, these birds feed on carrion and help keep our roads clean. They always are on th...
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Fanned Out
November 01, 2021 - These birds are very nomadic and can be found throughout the US. They are commonly found at feeders.
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The Catch
October 29, 2021 - After standing motionless - - that's the both of us -- for quite some time, this egret was rewarded with an unsuspecting...
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Kite in Flight
October 28, 2021 - This raptor is fast and accurate when after its prey. The best way to describe it is as swoop[ing down. talons extended...
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Stalking
October 25, 2021 - Standing motionless near the shoreline plants, this white egret was well camouflaged to await an unsuspecting creature f...
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Anhinga
October 22, 2021 - I heard a grunt and located this tropical waterbird found in Florida. The Anhinga often is referred to as the snakebird.
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Caracara
October 20, 2021 - The Caracara looks like a hawk, is related to falcons and behaves more like a vulture. It also is very capable of killin...
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Whistling Duck
October 18, 2021 - This Black Bellied Whistling Duck can be recognized by its brilliant pink bill and an unusual, long-legged silhouette....
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"Hawkeye"
October 06, 2021 - These hawks always are on alert looking for unsuspecting prey.
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Cautious Predator
October 05, 2021 - Checking the area for possible prey or just checking around to ensure that there are no intruders close by. Either way,...
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High Lookout
September 30, 2021 - It's lunchtime. Perched and watching for movement below.
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Feeding Pelicans
September 23, 2021 - The baitfish pods were riding the waves and the pelicans were cruising the tops of the waves and feasting on the bait po...
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Hit the Brakes
September 17, 2021 - As we enter the fall season and the temperatures cool down, the competition for nectar and the sugar/water at the bird f...
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Ouch
September 14, 2021 - Looks like the yellow jacket may have stung the hummingbird as the hummingbird appears to be jumping off the feeder and...
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The Bird & the Bee
September 13, 2021 - The yellow jackets have now discovered the sugar water in the hummingbird feeder and seem to be bothering every hummingb...
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Wary Approach
September 10, 2021 - The hummingbirds had occasionally stopped by the oriole feeder and sampled the grape jelly before moving on to their own...
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Pollinator
September 09, 2021 - So glad to have planted several butterfly bushes earlier this year. They have been blooming for months and they attract,...
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Spreading the Pollen
September 08, 2021 - This swallowtail was very actively spreading pollen from one flower to the next on our butterfly bushes. Not only do the...
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The Great Pollinator
September 06, 2021 - These ruby throated hummingbirds never slow down. They are at the fire stick plant soon after sunrise and continue to re...
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Not Just for Bees
September 03, 2021 - The bee balm plants are not only attracting the bees (no big surprise), but they also are attracting hummingbirds, monar...
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Bee Balm & Bee
September 02, 2021 - The bee balm that was transplanted from our deck last year to the lower level has taken hold and has started flowering....
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Whoopee!
September 01, 2021 - Trying to anticipate which direction the hummingbird will take always is a challenge. Capturing one in flight coming str...
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Milkweed & Monarch
August 30, 2021 - The monarch butterflies have been very active recently flitting from one milkweed plant to another. Hopefully this will...
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Multiple Choice
August 26, 2021 - This vermillion air or fire stick plant has produced hundreds of blossoms this season. It has turned out to be the best...
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Juvenile Gull
August 20, 2021 - While there were not a lot of birds out and about during our drive through the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge, at le...
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Young Buck
August 19, 2021 - This young, six point buck shows every morning with 2 or three young does to feed in the wetland behind our home. Fortun...
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Spotlighted
August 17, 2021 - The original photo was okay from my perspective, but pretty ordinary as the background and composition appeared unintere...
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Adults Only
August 16, 2021 - At the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge, where the herring gulls were busy searching for food as usual. Good opportuni...
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Up and Away
August 12, 2021 - The Amur tiger also is endangered. Again I photographed this one in captivity at a preserve.
Here are a few facts shoul...
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Posing
August 11, 2021 - Visited the Detroit Zoo early one morning to test some new photo gear. Considering the fact that it began to rain 10 min...
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Caught in the Act
August 10, 2021 - By the look on its face you can tell this squirrel knows it has been trying to figure out how to jump from there to the...
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Exposed but Patient
August 06, 2021 - Not exactly pristine water, but definitely provided good fishing grounds for a variety of birds including this egret....
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Adult & Juvenile
August 04, 2021 - First outing at the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge which is home to many bird species. Not the best lighting or back...
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Pine Marten
August 03, 2021 - A pine marten belongs to the weasel family. Size wise it is about the size of your house cat.
It is widespread througho...
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Pouncing
August 02, 2021 - If you have been targeted by a leopard, like this amur leopard, you better start praying. This big cat cab run faster th...
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On the Prowl
July 29, 2021 - I was fairly low to the ground and fortunate to have this curious cat approach head on. I also was fortunate that I am m...
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Little Bandit
July 27, 2021 - This young raccoon appeared to be exploring its surrounding, perhaps for the first time. Even though it quickly climbed...
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Standing Tall
July 23, 2021 - As opposed to the wildlife encounters out in the western parts of the US, this setting is not only closer, but much easi...
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Cooling Off
July 19, 2021 - Today the wolves were smarter than we were. They found a nice cool spot in the shallow end of the pond while we stayed o...
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Hey, I'm Lonesome
July 14, 2021 - If you ever have heard the call of the wolf, to its pack, you'll know her your dogs howling originated. For me, this is...
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Which Way Did He Go?
July 05, 2021 - When the sun comes out, the turtles also come out to catch the warmth. Only difference between them and us is they do no...
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Giant Size
July 02, 2021 - I must admit when I first saw this 'gator, I did think it was real because it was absolutely still and because it was th...
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My What Big Teeth
July 01, 2021 - Another 'gator in our path on Blue Cypress Lake. This one must have decided we were getting to close.
Don't worry about...
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Waiting for Dinner
June 30, 2021 - My first excursion on an airboat on Blue Cypress Lake just west of Vero Beach Florida to check out the area and the wild...
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Ready to Fish
June 22, 2021 - Ospreys are unusual. They have a reversible outer toe that allows them to grasp with two toes in front and two behind....
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Laser Focus
June 21, 2021 - Red-tails are one of the largest birds of prey in North America.
When the birds around the feeders hear the screech of...
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Incoming
June 18, 2021 - This great blue heron stands about 4 feet tall when not stalking prey. It is the largest heron in North America with a w...
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Great Blue
June 17, 2021 - Great blue herons are outstanding fishers. You can find them wading through the water or waiting very patiently for thei...
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Border Security
June 16, 2021 - With the nest nearby and the cygnets are in the area, geese are not welcome.
In fact, neither are other swans, muskrats...
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Morning Takeoff
June 15, 2021 - When the mute swan lift off with their almost 6 foot wingspread, you can here the wing beats all the way across the lake...
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Mute Swan & Cygnets
June 11, 2021 - These multicolored cygnets that are growing quickly soon will be all white just like the pen - - "MOM".
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Keep Your Distance
June 07, 2021 - This is what happens when you get to close to a goose and its goslings. Of course, turnabout is fair play as the geese o...
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Nest Building
June 05, 2021 - Early spring in Florida when everyone is building new homes and getting ready to start a new families. This tricolored h...
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Mute Swan & Cygnets
June 04, 2021 - Mom is out showing off the remaining cygnets who certainly have grown since they left the nest. I guess that is what eat...
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Hard to Swallow
June 02, 2021 - When the tide rolls out the fishing gets easier. This pelican was drifting around close to the shoreline having an easy...
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Balancing Act
June 01, 2021 - The Roseate Spoonbill is the only spoonbill species found in the Americas.
Like old guys they are only too familiar wit...
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Focused
May 27, 2021 - This hawk has become a regular visitor. While I never have seen it take a small bird from the feeder area, they certainl...
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Battle Is On
May 25, 2021 - Once again, a Canadian goose trues to enter the perimeter of the swan's territory. Given their relative size, the goose...
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Newborns
May 24, 2021 - Mom and the goslings came up out of the lake to check out the feed on the ground that the birds had shared. Then they de...
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Downy Comforter
May 17, 2021 - After taking a headcount and making sure all 7 cygnets were back at the nest, Mom started to settle them in for the nigh...
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Hitching A Ride
May 15, 2021 - Just before dark, the family returned home. We still have seven cygnets, some are hidden by Mom's body.
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Time to Go
May 14, 2021 - The cygnets are growing pretty quickly. No big surprise as they leave before 7:00am and return around 9:15pm. They spend...
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Safe at Home Base
May 13, 2021 - I was about to call CPS (child protective services) as Mom and Dad took the babies out just before 7:00am and did not re...
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Family
May 13, 2021 - Day 2 and the cygnets are out on a lake tour being guarded very closely by their parents. I expect that over the next tw...
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New Life - Day 2
May 12, 2021 - After the clutch hatched on Monday, I was very excited to see 5 active cygnets in the nest. Yesterday I was even more ex...
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New Life
May 11, 2021 - Our swans returned on March 5th and I observed the mating ritual on March 27th. Normal incubation ranges from 32 to 45 d...
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Target Acquired
May 10, 2021 - In yesterday's post, this heron was caught up in the wind stalking fish. Today at the same location, it was calm and its...
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Bad Hair Day
May 07, 2021 - No big surprise here. I'm out with the camera and we have another cold and windy day with possible rain on the horizon....
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Trio of Competitors
May 06, 2021 - The tide was out and the tidal pools held lots of crustaceans and bait fish. The focus of these birds was totally on the...
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"Big Wing"
May 04, 2021 - The formal name of these humpback whales - - Megaptera Novaeangiae -- means translates to "Big Wing of New England".
It...
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Megaptera Novaeangliae
May 04, 2021 - Humpback whales can be found in every ocean of the world. Being out in an inflatable boat with these baleen whales avera...
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Constant Activity
April 29, 2021 - Moving on we arrived at the rookery to watch thousands of Atlantic puffins fish and return, fish and return, and on and...
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Getting Down
April 28, 2021 - Photographing whales while out on the water is exhilarating. Out in an inflatable close to the water makes it an amazing...
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Ocean Spray
April 28, 2021 - After looking out at the North Atlantic we got out early in the morning in the hope of photographing humpback whales. On...
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What's Happening Here
April 22, 2021 - Every day during the past 2 weeks, this blue heron has been showing up along the shoreline. Previously it had shown up p...
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Immovable
April 21, 2021 - I was thinking about naming this swan after the historian, Herodotus. as nothing keeps her from her appointed task of pr...
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The Waiting Game
April 21, 2021 - Our swan couple have settled into the incubation period. She, the pen, spends most of her time sitting on the eggs. Our...
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Finishing Touches
April 20, 2021 - The clutch has been complete for at least 2 weeks. The pen will incubate them for about 5 or 6 weeks before the cygnets...
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The Beat Goes On
April 20, 2021 - The spot they picked has a lot of material around the site. This was one of the main reasons this site was selected as t...
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Protecting Mom
April 19, 2021 - The Canadian geese always seem to "test the water" with the swans. Inevitably there are multiple geese - - sometimes as...
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Do Not Come Near
April 17, 2021 - While I did not see who or what may have been approaching, the female swan - - the pen -- obviously went on alert to war...
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Curiosity
April 16, 2021 - Daybreak at the lake and a curious doe carefully approaches the nesting swans. The swans immediately went on alert and t...
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Success - The Clutch
April 15, 2021 - "As the egg travels down the tube it gets larger and larger. This is because during its passage (it takes about a day or...
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Finally - Results !!!
April 14, 2021 - "After fertilisation has taken place, the egg travels down the oviduct by muscular contractions, similar to the way that...
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Post Ritual Bathing
April 13, 2021 - This is the last shot I captured through the entire mating ritual. Must admit that I was not sure if this was just like...
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Bathing Ballet
April 13, 2021 - After mating and before returning to their daily routines the swans complete a bathing and preening routine together. Ev...
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The Final Step
April 12, 2021 - After the mating has been completed, the swans l go about their daily business of feeding and defending their territory,...
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An Act of Love
April 10, 2021 - Swans normally are very graceful and beautiful to watch. When you see the mating ritual, grace and beauty take on a whol...
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Creating New Life
April 09, 2021 - The next stage is when the male mounts the female. First he will paddle himself alongside her facing in the opposite dir...
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Strengthening the Bond
April 08, 2021 - My first post showed the early stage of the mating ritual of the swans. This is the next phase where the two swans start...
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The Courtship Begins
April 07, 2021 - Swans going through the mating ritual is a pretty elaborate process and a long ritual primarily because the displays the...
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Side-by-Side
April 07, 2021 - This is the very beginning stage of the elaborate mating ritual of these mute swans.
The swans will be close to each ot...
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Private Island
April 06, 2021 - I mentioned in yesterday's blog "Almost There", some of the key requirements for a swan's nest. Here are two other key p...
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Almost There
April 06, 2021 - Almost There
Month DD, YYYY • Leave a Comment
The finished nest should have the following features:
A depressio...
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Material from the Moat
April 05, 2021 - There are several key factors in creating the nest into which the eggs will be hatched and the cygnets born.
First, the...
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Working Together
April 03, 2021 - After selecting a spot, the real work of nest building has started by gathering twigs, leaves and other vegetation. When...
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Gathering Materials
April 02, 2021 - Both partners are in the gathering process, Eventually he will start passing materials to her so that the nest can be fo...
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New Beginnings
April 01, 2021 - For 5 years I have been watching the swans return, build their nest on the other side of the lake and give birth to as m...
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Female Redhead
February 21, 2021 - This is one stalwart redhead that came in for a quick landing on our snow covered lake with temperatures just above sing...
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On the Prowl
February 14, 2021 - Shortly after the deer crossed the lake, two coyotes exited the woods at one end of the lake and crossed to the woods on...
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Spooked
February 12, 2021 - These two does had just finished crossing the ice on the lake and came ashore right behind our home. Their ears perked u...
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Focused & Hunting
February 10, 2021 - Right after the deer went on alert, raised their tails and took off running, along came a large coyote on their scent. T...
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Life on Ice
February 09, 2021 - With less human activity in the area, the deer herd has grown and the number of does appearing daily appears to have dou...
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Unwavering
January 18, 2021 - Barn Owls sleep during the day and are active at night, they’re stealthy hunters, and have exceptional hearing.
They ca...
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Curiosity
January 12, 2021 - After several days of rain, the lake has reached the highest level I've seen since moving here. It reached within a few...
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Playtime
December 02, 2020 - At the beginning of this year while in South Carolina, I was fortunate to happen upon several river otters fishing and p...
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Standing Tall
November 30, 2020 - Grizzly bears normally weigh between 300 - 900 pounds which is enormous. When you encounter one in the field, they look...
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Double Trouble
November 12, 2020 - These two raccoon kits had a wonderful time peering out at the world from their protective cover in this hollowed out lo...
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Challenging
October 23, 2020 - A male deer is called a buck. The size of the buck depends on many factors, including longevity, his herd's sex composit...
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10 Pointer
October 21, 2020 - Deer are social animals who group together in herds, but only within their own sex.
Except for during the breeding phas...
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Brave Bulls - 2
October 01, 2020 - Brave Bulls
Another part of our visit to the Domecq family ranch in Cadiz Spain included watching the young bul...
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Brave Bulls -1
September 26, 2020 - Part of our visit to the Domecq family ranch in Cadiz Spain included watching the young bulls brought into a fenced area...
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Mates Forever
September 20, 2020 - Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve is located on the Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada. It is the most accessible...
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Whale's Tail
September 16, 2020 - Out on the water in July 2018 in Bonavista Bay, Newfoundland.
Story is when Giovanni Caboto (John Cabot) first saw No...
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The Chase Is On
September 09, 2020 - I have the good fortune to live on a small lake in Michigan, and have been able to watch a swan couple raise and protect...
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Andalusians
September 01, 2020 - After crossing the Atlantic our second port of call was Cadiz Spain. Cadiz itself stands on a peninsula jutting out into...
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Hummingbird Moth - 1
August 23, 2020 - Just like the hummingbird, the hummingbird moth’s buzzing and humming sound is created by its rapid wing movement.
Th...
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Tiger Bee Fly
August 20, 2020 - I have photographed tigers, bees and flies, but this is a new one for me.
Source: Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources...
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Perfect Bond
August 19, 2020 - Butterflies and moths have one thing in common. They have four stages of life - - egg, larva which is the caterpillar st...
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Lurking
August 10, 2020 - You can find American Alligators throughout the southeastern United States. In Florida, one of the best places is the Ev...
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Ultraviolet World
July 27, 2020 - Being sequestered does have some advantages. Instead of seeking new photo opportunities away from home, I decided to foc...
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Watchful Eye
July 23, 2020 - This mountain lion took the high ground to overlook the approaching photographers. You can see the tension in its muscle...
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Cooling Off
July 05, 2020 - Taken last year on a very hot humid day. I think the wolf was far smarter than I was as it decided to focus on me, but f...
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Mirrored
June 26, 2020 - This black capped heron stood motionless while I approached, and then to my surprise, posed for the photo while keeping...
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Break Dance
June 19, 2020 - There was a bird frenzy at the feeders with lots of seed falling to the ground. This squirrel appearing to be dancing wi...
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Catch My Drift
June 17, 2020 - This female mallard appeared to be having a good time all by herself just bouncing and drifting on the choppy water.
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They're Back
June 14, 2020 - Normal peak fall migration for hummingbirds is from mid-July throughout September. They can fly up to 30 miles per hour.
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Call of the Wild
June 11, 2020 - Visiting a wolf rescue where I was able to get closer to the wolf pack then ever before. Must admit it became a chilling...
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In the Beginning
May 27, 2020 - What a great experience! After leaving the nest for the first time, Mom and Dad brought the babies across the lake to ha...
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First Outing
May 22, 2020 - I have been watching the swans nesting, and chasing away intruders from the area for quite some time. The other day, I l...
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Great Egret
May 16, 2020 - Wading in the marshland at low tide looking for a meal. Also displaying its breeding plumage.
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Muddy
May 11, 2020 - The ibis can be recognized by its long legs and its extremely long, down curved bill. It uses its bill quite effectively...
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Deer Feed ???
April 19, 2020 - I think I have been duped. All along, I though I was buying bird food.
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Over Here
April 14, 2020 - Wandering around looking upward in the trees for new bird species when I felt eyes upon me. Not exactly a new bird, but...
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Awaiting Dinner
April 12, 2020 - Often referred to as “Clowns of the Sea” or “Sea Parrots’, Puffins are fantastic flyers, flapping their wings up to 400...
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Coyote Cluster
April 06, 2020 - Looks like Mom has had enough of the kids for now.
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Roadkill
April 03, 2020 - Doing their job, cleaning up the roads in South Carolina.
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Bluebird of Happiness
March 29, 2020 - The eastern bluebird is among the three bluebirds that belong to the thrush family. It is also known as the American blu...
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The Mix
March 25, 2020 - The bait was in and everyone arrived to feed. This is the first time I had seen the large white pelicans and the local b...
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Whale's Tail
March 22, 2020 - We set out before sunrise In a Zodiac inflatable boat in the cold waters off the coast of Bonavista Newfoundland looking...
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Close Encounter
March 06, 2020 - We were advised repeatedly to stay together as a group so we appeared to be a very large animal to the leopard. Even tho...
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Amur Leopard
February 23, 2020 - This is an Amur Leopard, one of the most endangered species in the world.
They like to hunt alone and have a tactic t...
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Hard to Swallow
February 17, 2020 - Brown Pelicans are primarily fish-eaters and require up to four pounds of fish a day.
They normally feed by diving on t...
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Gull
February 02, 2020 - I am not 100% certain, but judging from the spots on its head rather than brown streaks, this appears to be a non-breedi...
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Great Blue Heron
January 26, 2020 - This great blue heron was poised and slowly stalking its prey in a salt water marsh jst before low tide. It is showing o...
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Ring-Billed Gull
January 13, 2020 - Very commonly seen walking the bait searching for food. Of course, they have adapted well and feed just about anywhere f...
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Searching for Breakfast
January 09, 2020 - This pelican had just dived down looking for a meal, but never made the catch. Now it was skimming the top of the ocean...
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Wind Beneath My Paws
December 02, 2019 - Not as commonly seen as Bobcats, and even more rarely seen during the day, this Canadian Lynx was just as surprised to s...
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Eyes on You
November 25, 2019 - Found myself separated from the rest of the group when I felt I was being sized up as a potential meal. If you have seen...
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No Escape
October 21, 2019 - Amur leopards are critically endangered. Estimates are there only are about 70 left in the wild.
The leopard is the s...
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Big Bad Wolf
October 18, 2019 - Mama wolf coming over the hill warning us away from her pups. Look in her eyes. Did you get the same message I did?
Che...
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Preoccupied Pups
October 14, 2019 - These wolf pups were so cute I wanted to bring them home. Fortunately, sanity overruled emotion and I backed off.
In No...
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Pounce
September 26, 2019 - You would be amazed at how far these cats can leap -- 15 feet in the air and about 25 feet horizontally. To find out mor...
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You Coming?
September 23, 2019 - Got to spend a couple of hours with a pack of four wolves. It was hot and humid so the wolves were a bit lethargic. The...
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Side by Side
September 16, 2019 - It was unusually hot and humid -- 90 degrees. The wolves were smarter than we were. After wetting their feet in the lake...
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Vixen & Kits
August 25, 2019 - The red fox is the most wide spread carnivore in the world. It is very well skilled at adapting to just about any enviro...
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Not So Wily
June 11, 2019 - Between the coyote and the hawk, the squirrels and birds have scattered and are in hiding today.
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Regal Eagle
May 07, 2019 - I very cautiously approached to try and capture the spirit of this magnificent eagle, and as I did, it's attitude spoke...
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You Following?
April 22, 2019 - Really surprised me to see this coyote exposed during daylight hours, but happy to capture the regal stance.
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Staredown
April 15, 2019 - They are becoming emboldened and don't hesitate to come out during the daytime. Always right next to my pal Mannie as he...
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Airborne
March 20, 2019 - Captured this moment while on a photo trip with Jeff Wendorff on one of his many Wildlife Workshops. If you want to see...
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Swing Time
March 07, 2019 - Winston Churchill introduced the Barbary Apes to the Island of Gibraltar. They now roam freely, they are playful and alw...
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Melanerpes Carolinus
January 10, 2019 - This red bellied adult male woodpecker was checking out the feeders before swooping in to claim its perch among the othe...
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