Fine Art Prints

A Fly’s Eyes

When zooming in extremely close to an insect’s face, one can see the kaleidoscope of panels that make up it’s compound eyes. This wonderful subject is gold-backed snipe fly. Photo taken near Danville, PA, USA.

A Grizzled Profile

A young grizzly shows off it’s massive profile. Look closely and take note of the porcupine quills covering it’s snout. Lesson hard-learned. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming.

A Magnificent Profile

This Rivoli’s hummingbird (formerly known as the magnificent hummingbird) was kind enough to allow a few seconds for his head shot. Photo taken at Madera Canyon, AZ, USA.

A Squirrel and it’s Pinecone

We humans aren’t the only creatures that adore pine nuts! Squirrels, however, don’t need expensive hummus to accompany them. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming.

Abert’s Squirrel

A denizen of Arizona’s coniferous forests, the Albert’s Squirrel is a welcomed campground visitor. Mount Lemmon, AZ, USA.

Abert’s Squirrel

A denizen of Arizona’s coniferous forests, the Albert’s Squirrel is a welcomed campground visitor. Mount Lemmon, AZ, USA.

Adorable Otter

While watching a group of sea otters just offshore, an elderly woman informed me it was the best show this location had seen in years! What a wonderful experience! Morro Bay, CA.

Alien Encounter

It wasn’t the X-files that convinced me aliens exist….it was this Chinese Praying Mantis. She’s in the process of cleaning her pedipalps (claws), while perched on flowering Russian Sage. Photographed near Selinsgrove, PA, USA.

Alien Face

The two eyes are easy to see, but gaze for another moment and you may notice a smiling face. Tucson Botanical Gardens, AZ, USA.

Ambush Bug

This unusual insect is a common, yet rarely-seen inhabitant of American gardens. Ambush bugs are tiny predators that, true to their name, sit atop flowers, awaiting tiny flying insects. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

American Avocets

Just before sunset and with the combined dramatic light from an approaching storm, these avocets cut a remarkable scene!

American Bittern

An American Bittern takes off from it’s perch among the cattails. These birds have mastered the camouflage of their vegetated homes. Tucson, AZ.

American Snout

American snout butterfly, certainly an extremely bizarre/interesting subject. It’s name couldn’t be better suited! Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Ancient Tree

An old, dead evergreen tree, which I came upon along a hiking trail at Aguirre Springs Recreation Area, NM, USA.

Anna in Flight

A male Anna’s hummingbird, occupied by the never-ending search for nectar. Photo taken at Madera Canyon, AZ.

Arizona Sisters

Arizona sister butterfly lapping moisture droplets from a nearby stream. Photographed at Mt Lemmon, AZ.

Autumnal Owl

A Great-Horned Owl resting among the “winter” foliage. Tucson, AZ.

Autumnal Shrooms

A young cluster of scaly pholiota mushrooms in the pre-autumnal forest. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Banded Gecko

An extremely common, yet (due to their small size and nocturnal habits) rarely encountered lizard, the banded is Arizona’s only native gecko. Picture Rocks, AZ, USA.

Barestem Larkspur

These tiny, beautiful wildflowers are a short-lived spring delight in the Sonoran Desert. Photo taken in Ironwood National Monument, AZ, USA.

Barren Trunk

Redwood trees can live for thousands of years, but a voracious forest fire puts their survival to the test. Montgomery Woods Preserve, CA.

Beautiful Bandit

This adorable raccoon seemed to be foraging something in the tree. It quickly lost interest and began cleaning itself before descending. Tucson, AZ.

Bee Take-off

Having finished his/her thistle flower pit stop, this busy honeybee takes off for the next blossom. Photo taken near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Big Sur

When cruising the Pacific Coastal Hwy, one can hardly help but periodically gasp in awe at the marvelous sights.
South of Big Sur, CA.

Black and White Bobcat

The only way to make such a majestic creature appear more regal is in black and white! Bobcat photographed in Tucson, AZ.

Black Bear

This hefty black bear held a lovely cinnamon hue in her fur. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming.

Blacklit Scorpion

Due to the chemical composition of their exoskeletons, most (if not all) scorpions glow blue when viewed at night, using a black light. Arizona Bark Scorpion photographed near Tucson, AZ, USA.

Bleeding Hearts

Generally speaking, I don’t like exposing my photography to this much editing, but it’s hard to resist when working with such dramatic subjects. Bleeding Hearts are among my absolute favorite spring wildflowers. Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Blister Beetle

Despite their potential to secrete a nasty irritant, blister beetles tend to be quite lovely. Southeast Arizona.

Blister Beetle Take-Off

Despite their potential to secrete a nasty irritant, blister beetles tend to be quite lovely. Southeast Arizona.

Blister Beetle Wings

Despite their potential to secrete a nasty irritant, blister beetles tend to be quite lovely. Southeast Arizona.

Bolts of Lightning

Few weather spectacles are quite as spectacular as a lightning storm in the wide, open desert.
Saguaro National Park West, AZ, USA.

Bridge Over Tumbling Waters

A beautiful woodland stream bathed in the late afternoon sunshine. Photographed at Tall Timbers State Park, PA, USA.

Broad-Bill in Flight

Manically searching for the next meal, hummingbirds only seem to rest when they’re standing guard over a food source. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Bush Tit

This adorable little fellow is called a bushtit! Like so many other small songbirds, it rarely sits still amidst it’s frantic foraging. Tucson, AZ.

Butterfly Tongue

This is what it looks like when a butterfly sticks it’s tongue out at you. Featured is a tiny skipper, enjoying the nectar of the invasive crown vetch plant. Photo taken near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Cactus and Flowers

An array of wildflowers surround this once majestic saguaro. Globe mallow, lupine, and owl clover can all be seen if you look closely enough. Saguaro National Park East, AZ.

Cactus Eyes

“What lovely eyes you have, Mr. Cactus!” Photographed in Tucson, AZ, USA.

Camo Cricket

A tropical cricket (species unknown), extremely well-camouflaged against tree bark. I barely noticed this master of disguise, even after looking straight at it. Photographed at Dos Brazos de Osa, Costa Rica.

Canyon Treefrog

Mid-call, a male canyon treefrog attempts to lure in a mate. Photographed in Coronado National Forest, AZ, USA. Photographed in Coronado National Forest, AZ, USA.

Carolina Wolf

A Carolina Wolf Spider, briefly interrupted from it’s search for food. For this shot, I had to lay on the ground, less than a foot from my subject. Photographed near Tucson, AZ, USA.

Cattail Droplets

The subtle beauty of water droplets on a cattail plant that had recently gone to seed. Photographed in Hartleton, PA, USA.

Cedar Waxwing

To many a creature this size, a large cherry would fit the expression of “biting off more than you can chew,” but cedar waxwings are well adapted to stuffing their faces with oversized berries. Photographed near Selinsgrove, PA, USA.

Charming Checkerspots

Checkerspot butterflies (species unkown) pollinating some small desert shrubs. SE Arizona, USA.

Cholla Cactus Sunset

“Jumping” cholla cactus, with an organ pipe and saguaros in the background. The setting sun illuminates the distant mountains in this perfect desert sunset. Photographed at Organ Pipe National Monument, AZ, USA.

Cinnamon Teal

One of the most brilliant ducks to be encountered in the US, this shy species sometimes hesitates to have it’s picture taken. Tucson, AZ.

Climbing Coati

A member of the raccoon family, lone males (like this fellow) often travel solo. They briefly, however, unite with large groups of females to breed. Pusch Wilderness, AZ.

Common Snapping Turtle

Common snapping turtles rarely venture far from water. Unfortunately, however, when the time of year comes for laying eggs, females don’t have much choice but to venture onto dry land. This girl was seeking a cozy place to lay her eggs. Photographed at John Heintz NWR, PA, USA.

Crab Spider

A tiny goldenrod crab spider awaits prey from a stalk of the aforementioned goldenrod plant. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

Cracked Mud

These seasonal wetlands become dry and barren during the spring and early summer. Willcox, AZ.

Crocus Flower

Following snowdrop flowers, crocuses are among the earliest Spring wildflowers to be seen in the Northeast. Photographed near Lewisburg, PA, USA.

Crouching Tiger

Despite it’s potent venom, the tiger rattlesnake is considered low-risk. It’s small fangs, reluctance to bite, and tiny venom glands are all to thank. Photo taken in Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Desert Iguana

Using it’s tail as a stilt, this desert iguana manages to balance in the lower creosote branches. It’s enjoying a favorite dish, the creosote’s delicious flowers. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Desert Spiny Lizard

Not unlike humans, the male gender of many lizard species are rather territorial. One of the many ways that some lizards (such as this Desert Spiny Lizard) show their bravado is by performing territorial “push-ups.” This fellow’s brazen masculinity (combined with the palo verde flowers) made for an excellent photo op! Tucson, AZ, USA.

Desert Storm

As the storm builds, bolts of lightning pierce the sky. This spectacle unifies with the hint of sunset struggling to show itself through the thick cloud cover. Saguaro National Park West, AZ.

Dew Droplets

This “super-macro” photograph depicts tiny dew drops that were covering a small spider web. The silk of the web was so fine that, even at this level of magnification, it can’t be seen. Photo taken in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Dreamy Eyes

A Chinese Praying Mantis, possibly day-dreaming about what it’s like to be a butterfly or some other creature? Who’s to say. Photographed in Sunbury, PA, USA.

Eastern Bluebird

A fan favorite, this shot was taken at the edge of a cow pasture, in late autumn. I love the color scheme, as well as the old wire, meeting the new. Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Eye of the Gecko

Mediterranean House Gecko found in my backyard, a bit far from home. These tiny geckos have successfully established themselves in Phoenix, Tucson, and a number of other metropolitan areas in warmer parts of America. Interestingly enough, this area’s climate is pretty similar to that of their home range, making for an ideal match. Despite their success, this species doesn’t appear to be having a negative impact on native species. This may be largely due to their presence strictly in/around cities, as well as their arboreal / nocturnal niche, one that seems to be largely unoccupied by local species of lizards. Picture Rocks, AZ.

Fairy Swamp

Such beautiful carnivorous plants, pitchers supplement with insects in order to compensate for the nutritionally poor soil in which they thrive. The swamp looked so magical…..I could just imagine a fairy darting across the scene. Tannersville, PA, USA.

Fancy Fox

Pausing the listen for rodents, this “red” fox soon abandoned it’s hunting arena. Grand Tetons, WY.

Fast Food

Scooping a small fish from the water as it flies by, this snowy egret’s meal was prepared much faster than any happy meal! Take note of the fish on it’s way down the beak. Photo taken at Stephen C. Foster State Park, GA, USA.

Feeding Time

The English Sparrow, a non-native species, has a reputation for taking over the nests of other birds, making them utterly despised by many a birder. Photographed in Tucson, AZ, USA.

Festive Ameiva

Hyperactive, terrestrial hunters, festive ameivas never seem to slow down as they scour the jungle floor for insects and spiders. Dos Brazos de Osa, Costa Rica.

Fiddlehead Fern

Young ferns are often referred to as “fiddleheads,” as they resemble the heads of such musical instruments. This species is a cinnamon fern. Photo taken in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Fighting Whiptails

These tiger whiptails were having a heated territorial dispute when I happened upon them. Tucson, AZ, USA.

Finches in the Thistle Patch

Goldfinches, dispersed amongst the Pasture Thistles. They seemed to be quite fond of the seeds! Photographed in Michaux State Forest, PA, USA.

Flowers on a Barrel

Presenting one of my favorite succulent flower displays, the barrel cactus comes in yellow, orange, and red. Photographed near Picture Rocks, AZ.

Flying Fish

Victorious, this juvenile bald eagle flies away to devour her fresh catch. Conowingo Dam, MD, USA.

Flying Queen

This royal relative to the famous monarch butterfly is a well known Southwestern inhabitant. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Forlorn Forest

This thick, early winter fog gave the forest a very mysterious appearance. Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Foxy Yawn

A beautiful red fox yawns after waking from a midday nap. Grand Teton NP, WY.

Frozen Falls

Despite the frigid winter temperatures of the Northeastern US, there is still much beauty to be discovered. These small, frozen waterfalls were photographed in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Fungus in the Forest

A young yellow patches mushroom, surrounded by it’s mysterious forest environment. Photographed at Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Gadwall

In black and white, a gadwall furiously beats his wings. Tucson, AZ.

Gloomy Hummingbird

More heavily edited than my usual style, this broad-billed hummingbird makes a fantastic gloomy subject. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Gnatcatcher and the Seed Pod

While watching and snapping pictures of this blue-gray gnatcatcher, I had no idea why it kept hopping closer and closer, until a gnat flew into my eye. I then suddenly realized that I had brought a smorgasbord of buggy snacks. Photo taken near Richmond, VA, USA.

Gopher Snake Geography

A large gopher snake photographed where she was found in the Catalina Mountains, near Tucson, AZ.

Gopher Tortoise Profile

Gopher tortoises are an extremely important part of the sandy, upland habitats in Central Florida. These diggers will excavate large dens, which provide refuge to a wide variety of creatures. Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.

Grasshopper and the Robber

A robber fly captures and kills smaller insects. Incidentally, this grasshopper was a bit too large and had to be abandoned. Mt Lemmon, AZ.

Grasshopper Profile

This large, orange grasshopper (species unknown) made the perfect macro photography subject, as it hung from a stick in the process of molting (shedding it’s exoskeleton). Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.

Great Blue Heron

Relaxing peacefully at the edge of a frozen pond, this great blue heron made the perfect photography subject! Photographed in Lewisburg, PA, USA.

Great Purple Hairstreak

Although only a medium-sized butterfly at best, the great purple hairstreak is stunning with wings open or closed. Sabino Canyon, AZ.

Greater Earless Lizard

Greater Earless Lizard striking the perfect pose to have his picture taken. Photo taken at Rockhound State Park, NM, USA.

Green Treefrog

Strategically poised under a porch light, this green treefrog awaits dinner.  Photographed near Davenport, FL, USA.

Grizzly and Cubs

A momma grizzly escorts her cubs across some fantastic foraging ground. Within an hour of the previously pictured black bear disappearing in the forest, the grizzlies reached that exact spot. Having picked up the black bear’s scent, they quickly became alert. Grand Tetons, Wyoming.

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

This caterpillar is the extremely destructive larval stage of an invasive moth species, but it’s hard to deny how creepily-interesting the gypsy moth caterpillar’s face is. Photo taken at Winfield, PA, USA.

Halloween Pennant

A Halloween pennant dragonfly surrounded by it’s natural environment. Photographed in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Harbor Seals

A group of harbor seals lounging about, enjoying the surf. Shelter Cove, CA.

Home Flight

Hence their name, Cactus Wrens choose the most sinister, yet well-protected nesting sites imaginable. The cactus spines provide an incredible defense from predators! Photographed at Rockhound State Park, NM, USA.

Horned Home

A greater short-horned lizard “basking” on a chilly day at a very high elevation. Mt. Lemmon, AZ.

Horny Profile

As far as lizards go, horned lizards make fantastic photo subjects. Their first defense is camouflage and their first instinct is often to sit dead still and avoid detection.
Oracle, AZ.

Hummingbird Clearwing

A hummingbird clearwing moth taking a sip of nectar from a wild bergamot flower. Photographed near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Hungry Hopper

On rare occasion, a photographer must quite literally put their flesh/blood into the efforts of a picture. This grasshopper was proving itself to be a challenging photography subject, until I had the thought to stage some shots from the end of my finger. My subject was quite content to rest here, and after a few seconds, I knew why when a sharp pain visited my fingertip. I let him/her continue to munch, snapping my shots one-handed. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Hunting Quail

The intent of many photographers is to snap a picture that tells a story. As far as stories go, this pic may tell a better one than any I’ve ever taken. Look closely and you may be able to guess this story. Tucson, AZ.

Ice Crystals

A close-up shot of some delicate ice crystals. Although I did marginally increase the contrast, the blue coloration is an entirely natural part of the scene that I encountered. Photographed near Lewisburg, PA, USA.

Indian Blanket Flower

An Indian Blanket Flower, covered in water droplets and delicately accentuated by the morning sun. Photographed near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Indian Pipes in a Dark Forest

Contrary to popular opinion, Indian Pipes are not a mushroom, but rather a wildflower which lacks pigmentation. Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Jumping Spider

On a super-macro level, I find it fascinating that some spiders become exponentially creepier while others become downright adorable. This jumping spider (species unknown) definitely fits the latter category. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

King Range

Located in Northern California, this remote and beautiful section of coast is a wildlife mecca.

Little Owl, Big Meal

A female northern pygmy owl shows off the remaining half of her lizard lunch. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Lovely Ladybug

A little, tiny ladybug scaling some wildflowers. Butterfly Peak Natural Area, AZ.

Lubber Grasshopper

A lubber grasshopper, back-dropped by it’s natural environment. Photographed near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Lunar Eclipse

Relatively early in the 2019 lunar eclipse. Photo taken in Tucson, AZ

Lynx Spider

The beautifully-colored green lynx spider shows off it’s superb camouflage. Photo taken at Mt. Lemmon, AZ.

Lynx Spider

The beautifully-colored green lynx spider shows off it’s superb camouflage. Photo taken at Mt. Lemmon, AZ.

Mallard Flight

As this mallard duck drake flies toward me, his beautiful head coloration, and the subtle water droplets on it’s chest are vividly displayed. Photographed in Lewisburg, PA, USA.

Micrathena Orb Weaver

The tiny, beautiful arrow-shaped micrathena spider. This small orb weaver had a few water droplets remaining from the previous night’s shower. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Microcosm

A jumping spider, a beetle, and who knows what else just acting out their little lives on this shriveled-up leaf. Mt. Lemmon, AZ, USA.

Milkweed Bugs

A pair of milkweed bugs (not to be confused with milkweed beetles), caught in mid-coitus, atop the flowers of a Common Milkweed. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

Monarch and the Skipper

A monarch butterfly, en-route to it’s Central American wintering grounds, drinks contentedly while a Skipper skips past. Photographed in Richmond, VA, USA.

Monarch Caterpillar

A monarch butterfly caterpillar bathed in the beautiful light of sunrise. Notice any (more subtle) details in the picture? Photographed at Montour Preserve Wildlife Refuge, PA, USA.

Monochromatic Mushrooms

This cluster of small mushrooms (species unknown) was found in early fall, on the edge of a Hemlock log. Photographed in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Moonrise Desert

Just after the sun has set and the full moon risen, the desert begins to come to life. Photographed at Organ Pipe National Monument, AZ, USA.

Morning Fog

As the thick fog begins to clear, several snow-capped peaks unveil themselves in the distance. Grand Teton NP, WY.

Morning Swim with the Family

A mother wood duck guides her family away from the shore, and perceived danger of my camera. This made for an adorable black/white shot! Photographed at John Heintz NWR, PA, USA.

New Mexican Night

Behold, the Milky Way, as viewed from the low light pollution at Caballo Lake State Park, NM, USA. Yuccas, Staghorn Cholla, and an Ocotillo Cactus in the foreground.

Northern Harrier

In my humble opinion, this is one of the toughest raptors to snap a good picture of. Harriers rarely perch for long, and zip by at high speeds, covering a lot of distance in little time. Northern harrier at my favorite wetland. Tucson, AZ.

Northern Pygmy Owl

Fledgling of the rare Northern Pygmy Owl. This youngster is nibbling on a leaf, seemingly to inform mom that he/she was requesting lunch. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Orange Barrel

Presenting one of my favorite succulent flower displays, the barrel cactus comes in yellow, orange, and red. Photographed near Picture Rocks, AZ.

Orange Blobs

A dead tree branch completely engulfed by orange blob mold, deep in the forest. This branch was less than half the width of a penny, just to offer a scale of size. Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA

Orange Staghorn

The cholla is extremely sinister, even among cacti. It reproduces by catching the needle-sharp, barbed spines of it’s 4-inch detachment in the skin of an unfortunate animal, eventually falling off after days of agonizing pain for the recipient. The beautiful flowers it produces may be even more of a paradox than the thorns on roses. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Organ Needles

Younger organ pipe cacti are quite colorful on the top of their trunks. Even if they were so colorful as adults, the height would make such photo-ops impossible! Photographed at Organ Pipe National Monument, AZ, USA.

Outer Mongolia

Primarily a rock-climbing area, the Outer Mongolia area was scenically incredible. Following hours of climbing on these rock faces, partial cloudiness and interesting light further enhanced the photo-ops! Joshua Tree National Park, CA.

Painted Lady

Painted Lady, aka “American Lady” butterfly, sipping the nectar from a dwarf sunflower. Photo taken near Hartleton, PA, USA.

Pennsylvania Sunrise

There’s a certain magic only experienced by those willing to awaken before the crack of dawn. This sunrise seemed to capture the essence of rural Pennsylvania. Photographed at Montour Preserve Wildlife Refuge, PA, USA.

Phainopepla

Female phainopepla spreading her tail feathers. These interesting birds will actually lay two clutches a year; once in the higher elevations, and once in the lower. Picture Rocks, AZ.

Pied Grebe

When exhibiting the right facial expression, these adorable little divers can actually look quite sinister. Pied grebe photographed in Tucson, AZ, USA.

Pincushion Flowers

The tiny pincushion cactus isn’t so easily overlooked when showing off a full bouquet of flowers! Saguaro National Park West, AZ.

Pink Trumpets

A thick cluster of trumpet flowers dramatically enriching the desert scenery.  These lovely flowers are quite popular among hummingbirds.  Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Pipevine Caterpillar

This peculiar caterpillar is the larval stage of the magnificent pipevine swallowtail. Saguaro NP East, AZ.

Pronghorn Pride

Soon before sunset, a large pronghorn strides boldly into the clearing. Grand Tetons, Wyoming.

Prothonotary Warbler

Named for the golden-yellow robes of the early Roman prothonotaries, these beautiful warblers spend their days foraging and defending brushy territory, often bordered by water. Prothonotary Warbler photographed in Okefenokee NWR, GA, USA.

Red Barrel

Presenting one of my favorite succulent flower displays, the barrel cactus comes in yellow, orange, and red. Photographed near Picture Rocks, AZ.

Red-Eyed Dragon

While staking out a warbler nest, this lovely dragonfly (species unknown) landed on a nearby plant stalk, providing a nice distraction. The stunning, blue body caught my attention, but the crimson-colored eyes held my gaze. Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.

Regal Stag

Nearing the end of a 5-mile hike, this beautiful stag leapt onto the trail, dead ahead. Exchange, PA.

Ring of Flowers

The tiny pincushion cactus isn’t so easily overlooked when showing off a full bouquet of flowers! Saguaro National Park West, AZ.

Rocky Labyrinth

As the sun sets, the shadows among the rocks become quite long. Keep your eyes peeled for an animal, hidden in plain sight. City of Rocks State Park, NM, USA.

Running Fox

This extremely silver-colored “red” trotting straight toward the camera. Grand Tetons, WY

Saguaro Sunset

Setting between the arms of a large saguaro cactus, the disappearing sun invites many of the desert’s creatures to emerge. Saguaro NP West, AZ, USA.

Sandhill Cranes

These large, incredible birds will overwinter en-masse at a few specific locations across the US. Soon before spring is under way, they disperse to summer breeding grounds. Willcox, AZ.

Scaled Quail

Can you venture a guess at why it’s called a scaled quail? This beautiful fellow and his mate walked right by my camping site, presenting this excellent photo op! Photographed at Rockhound State Park, NM, USA.

Screaming Swallow

These common, yet beautiful birds are the bane of many a barn or shed owner, owing to their unusual habit attaching their mud nests to the sides of support beams. Photo taken at John Heinz National Widlife Refuge, PA, USA.

Sea Otter

While watching a group of sea otters just offshore, an elderly woman informed me it was the best show this location had seen in years! What a wonderful experience! Morro Bay, CA.

Short-Horned Lizard

While sitting atop this small log, awaiting portrait time, an ant decided to traipse by. Without hesitation, the horned lizard gobbled it and immediately returned to being invisible. Oracle, AZ.

Silly Seals

My companion and I spent hours watching these quirky creatures. They really are endless entertainment! Shelter Cove. CA.

Simplicity

Goldfinch on a millet stalk. They love to forage the seeds. I’m quite taken by the simplistic appearance of this shot. Photographed in Michaux State Forest, PA, USA.

Sleepy Otter

While watching a group of sea otters just offshore, an elderly woman informed me it was the best show this location had seen in years! What a wonderful experience! Morro Bay, CA.

Snapping Turtle, Snapping

While snapping pictures of this common snapping turtle, I may have been at risk of getting snapped, myself. John Heintz NWR, PA, USA.

Solfugid Profile

The Solfugid is an arachnid, but is neither scorpion or spider. These terrestrial hunters prowl the desert floor in search of pretty much anything they can overpower and eat. They are non-venomous and, therefore, entirely harmless, but pack a pretty painful bite! The largest species, affectionately known as camel spiders, are well-known by soldiers stationed in the Middle East, as they have a tendency to chase shadows in search of a shady refuge. This behavior is often mistaken for aggression. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Sonoran Spring

When certain conditions are met, the desert will briefly become engulfed by poppy flowers. This scene offers a nice look at the poppies, cloaked in the golden hour’s spectacular light! Saguaro National Park West.

Sonoran Whipsnake

A Sonoran Whipsnake surrounded by it’s home. This beautiful creature was encountered on the doorstop of the dreaded Rosemont Mine construction. The 3000 ft deep orifice would cover 2.5 square miles, deplete untold gallons of groundwater, and imperil over a dozen vulnerable species. Fortunately, the destruction may have become indefinitely delayed due to a number of factors. This translates to a deep sigh of relief for species such as the endangered Jaguar and Ocelot, both of which are active in the ajacent Santa Rita mountains, in addition to numerous bird and reptiles species. Photo taken near Madera Canyon, AZ.

Sora

One of the strangest birds you may encounter, meet the Sora. This unusual water bird looks like a cross between a duck and a chicken, and will readily masquerade as either. Photo taken in Tucson, AZ, USA.

Sparring Bison

These bulls put on a brief test of strength. The rest of the herd couldn’t have cared less. Grand Tetons, Wyoming.

Spicebush Swallowtail

The lovely spicebush swallowtail butterfly sips the nectar from an equally lovely pasture thistle flower. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Spotted Salamander

These large salamanders spend most of their lives underground, emerging only briefly in early spring, to breed and lay eggs. This beautiful individual was photographed in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Stargazer Lily

The stargazer lily is a lovely oriental hybrid, quite popular among gardeners in the Eastern US. Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Strawberry Flower

The lovely flower of a tiny strawberry hedgehog cactus awaits the unveiling of it’s immature sibling. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Sundew Droplets

Taking a much closer look at these tiny carnivorous plants, one can see not only the precise details, but also small droplets of morning dew. Photo taken at Stephen Foster State Park, GA, USA.

Sundews – Up Close and Personal

Laying down in the marshy ground allowed for a better perspective on these tiny, carnivorous plants. Photographed in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.

Sunflower Field

This field of sunflowers was just too perfect a photo-op to pass on. Photographed near Mifflinburg, PA, USA.

Sunlit Iridescence

When bathed in bright sunlight, a broad-billed hummingbird’s beautiful spectrum of colors are hard to overlook. Madera Canyon, AZ.

Swampy Slider

A red-eared slider nestled among a patch of reeds and immersed with duckweed. Photo taken in Tucson, AZ, USA.

Swimming Seal

While watching the harbor seals, this adorable fellow was just as interested in watching my companion and I. Shelter Cove, CA.

Tachinid Fly

Although they do their share of pollinating and even look cute from the right angle (please note: this is not the right angle), Tachinid Flies are parasitic to a plethora of other insect species. They will lay eggs inside the unfortunate host. These eggs will hatch into ravenous larva that begin eating the poor thing, from the inside. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.

The Big Splash

Harbor seals rear their heads away from the incoming wave as a mighty sea lion relaxes in the background. Shelter Cove, CA.

The Eclipsing Moon

Just before the moon had fully eclipsed, the glow from the remaining sliver overwhelmed the rest of it. Tucson, AZ

The Emperor

The beautiful hackberry emperor collecting some nectar. Saguaro NP West, AZ, USA.

The Flower of Passion

A more appropriate name there could not be for the gorgeous Passion Flower. This beauty was sitting all by itself, so lonely and radiant in the middle of a pine forest. Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.

The Grey

What happens when a frozen river is hit with an unprecedented 65-degree day? Lots of fog! This shot features a railroad bridge that crosses the Susquehanna River, and was shot from the island between Northumberland and Sunbury, PA, USA.

The Milky Way

The Milky Way, in all of it’s beauty! Take note to the shooting star and, what a few have claimed to be the Starship Enterprise. Photographed at Cherry Springs State Park, PA, USA.

The Queen

This royal relative to the famous monarch butterfly is a well known Southwestern inhabitant. Saguaro NP West, AZ.

The Very Horny Caterpillar

When feeling threatened, black swallowtail caterpillars will sometimes extend “horns,” in an attempt to ward off a would-be predator. Photographed in Winfield, PA, USA.

Theona Checkerspot

This lovely little butterfly is a theona checkerspot. Although not uncommon, it was an exciting find! Oracle State Park, AZ.

Tiger Profile

Despite it’s potent venom, the tiger rattlesnake is considered low-risk (for a rattlesnake). It’s small fangs, reluctance to bite, and tiny venom glands are all to thank. Photo taken in Saguaro NP West, AZ.

Tortoise and the Desert

A Sonoran Desert Tortoise proudly poses in front of it’s desert home. Photo taken in Saguaro NP West, Tucson, AZ.

Towering Trees

Monstrous sequoias towering above their forest floor.

Translucent Scorpion

Backlighting from the late-afternoon sun offered a translucent effect to this large devil scorpion. Picture Rocks, AZ, USA.

Transparency

Did you know that the monarch butterfly’s chrysalis becomes transparent right before the adult butterfly emerges? Photo taken in Northumberland, PA, USA.

Tucson Sunset

As the sun sets in the Sonoran Desert, a few miles from Tucson, the lighting makes a spectacular color show. Tucson, AZ, USA.

Urban Friend

This adorable, young raccoon (as well as the rest of his/her family) would often climb out of this abandoned home’s chimney. Photographed in Selinsgrove, PA, USA.

Vermilion Flycatcher

Vermilion flycatchers specialize in catching flying insects “on the wing,” often returning to the same favored perch sites. Tucson, AZ.

Vernal Pond

Following winter, the moisture from melting snow mixes with the spring rains to form these seasonal wetlands. Vernal ponds offer invaluable breeding habitat for a slew of amphibian species. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Water Dog

When striking certain poses, it’s amazing what an uncanny resemblance harbor seals share with puppies. Shelter Cove, CA.

Water on a Web

The beautiful water droplets on a spider web, glimmering in the early morning sun. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Wilson’s Warbler

One of the stunning migratory birds that pass through Tucson.  Meet the Wilson’s Warbler. Tucson, AZ.

Wing Waving

America’s quintessential duck, the mallard can be seen just about anywhere with a body of water. This fellow seems to be conducting an orchestra. Photographed near Lewisburg, PA, USA.

Wood Frog

A young wood frog, well camouflaged in his/her woodland habitat. Photographed in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.

Yellow Dragon

This yellow dragonfly is one of the most striking I have yet to see. Tucson, AZ.

Yellow-Bellied Marmot

Allowing me to get absurdly close, this mama marmot must have really, really enjoyed having her pic taken! Grand Teton NP, Wyoming

Zebra Swallowtails

During a camping trip in Lake Louisa State Park (Florida), the zebra swallowtail butterflies were everywhere, but this was the only linked pair that I encountered. They were content to rest peacefully on a plant stalk, while I snapped all the pictures my heart desired.