Admittedly, some editing was required to lend such a dramatic contrast. That said, this young scaly pholiota mushroom was still a dramatic and beautiful stand-out in the dreary forest. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
Among their many other unique attributes, horned lizards are identified by the shape of their “crown.” The regal horned lizard wears a crown that’s more majestic than many other species. Photographed near Tucson, AZ..
Encountered in the middle of a hiking trail, I nearly stepped on this sidewinder rattlesnake. This picture depicts it amidst the natural surroundings.
Now estimated to only stand around 20,000 individuals, researchers place the original desert bighorn sheep population to have numbered over half a million. Their current numbers are actually a huge improvement over the 1960’s, when there were only approximately 6,000 left. The population growth of these endangered mammals can largely be attributed to federal and state protections, in addition to strong reintroduction efforts. Needless to say, just seeing these impressive creatures in the wild was an incredible experience. The novelty to watch and photograph them for several hours was extraordinary. Tucson, Arizona.
Clinging to the stem of a goldenrod plant, these two ambush bugs make such an adorable couple.! Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
Pictured are two short-eared owls. The individual in flight decided to dive-bomb the perched owl in what appeared to be a territorial stunt. Photographed near Washingtonville, PA, USA.
American Oystercatchers are stunning shorebirds that specialize in extracting oysters, snails, etc from their protection. Gulls will sometimes watch these elegant shellfish specialists and dive in to steal their food after it’s removed. Puerto Penasco, MX.
A nice, close look at the underside of a tiny Arrow-Shaped Micrathena spider. These lovely orb weavers are denizens of Northeastern US woodlands, where they build rather unique webs. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
Found in shaded forest, this lesser-encountered Orb Weaver species is one of the few spider species to hang on the web with it’s head pointed upwards. Photographed in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
The barred owls in Okefenokee Swamp often liked to sit in trees (sometimes only a few feet above the swamp), constantly scanning the quagmire for snakes and frogs. They weren’t afraid to hunt at any hour, day or night. Photo taken at Stephen Foster State Park, GA, USA.
A very large American Bullfrog, pictured basking over the murky, vegetated waters of his/her swamp home. Photo taken in Harrisburg, PA, USA.
The flower of a bishop’s hat cactus, observed at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, AZ.
Resting from a hard day of foraging, this large bison seemed perfectly at ease by himself. Yellowstone NP, Wyoming.
Black rat snake in her natural environment. Due to their body structures and means of movement, snakes are often frustrating photo subjects, making it hard to pass on the more “photogenic” individuals. Photo taken near Danville, PA, USA.
A pair of eastern tailed blues, a species of hairstreak butterfly, caught in the act of coitus. Photo taken near Lewisburg, PA, USA.
Witnessing a wild bobcat clean itself less than 30 feet away from me was downright incredible! This observation was entirely unplanned and occurred during a short walk. Cats will be cats! Tucson, AZ.
While photographing this bobcat, she walked right by me, so close that I could have reached out and touched her. Tucson, AZ.
Brown anoles are an invasive species which have effectively displaced their native green kin in many sub-arboreal habitats throughout Florida. This fellow is performing a territorial display. Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.
When we so closely examine such a thing as a butterfly’s wing, the texture looks so much different. This specimen was a well-preserved monarch butterfly, encountered on a damp, chilly morning hike. Photo taken in Loyalsock State Forest, PA, USA.
Sometimes photo subjects are encountered in the funniest places. While searching for fossils, this little cardinal jumping spider was unearthed from a layer of rock in which she was hiding. Photo taken near Beaver Springs, PA, USA.
Seemingly accustomed to free food, these adorable creatures had no reservations in approaching strangers. Thankfully, they choose such a beautiful vista as their foraging grounds! Zion NP, UT.
Nearing the last 1/3 of a 10 mile hike, I came upon a sign for “Inspiration Rock.” Despite my knee’s excruciating pain and with sunset quickly advancing, I suspected that something named “inspiration” on one of the most beautiful hikes I’ve ever traversed had to be worth a looksy. This was the best decision I’ve made in ages. Enjoying a nearly 360 degree view littered with hoodoos and other brilliant rock structures, completely alone in the Chiricahua wilderness was worth any bonus knee pain. This little-known national monument is a must-visit, not just for landscape lovers, but also it’s array of unique bird and reptile life.
In the forest, the peaceful forest, the coati sleeps tonight… The sycamore branches lent the perfect touch to this magical forest scene! Coatimundi photographed in Madera Canyon, AZ.
This is one of my favorite warblers! Meet the common yellowthroat. These tiny songbirds thrive in brushy wetland areas, spending their time hopping around and picking off small insects. It was a delightful surprise to encounter him in the middle of winter. Tucson, AZ.
One of these neotropic cormorants snagged a catfish that was entirely too big to be swallowed in one try. Naturally, this drew the attention of a second cormorant who was able to steal the catch. This, of course, attracted a third and forth cormorant to the scene. By the time one of the birds finally managed to swallow the very dead fish, it had passed between 6 different cormorants over the course of nearly two minutes and amidst much splashing, flailing, and biting. Gilbert, AZ, USA.
Being such intelligent and adaptable creatures, I have an enormous amount of respect for coyotes. They are very quick to adjust their habits based on environmental changes, as well as human development. These canines eat a wide variety of food items, including mammals, reptiles, birds, fruit, and even vegetable matter. Not only are they prevalent throughout the desert, but coyotes thrive in the middle of large cities. Picture Rocks, AZ.
Silhouetted by the setting sun, a flock of sandhill cranes moves to their roosting spots for the night. Willcox, AZ, USA.
In addition to “great crested,” this large grasshopper is commonly known as the “dinosaur grasshopper.” I can see the likeness.
SE Arizona.
A beautiful baby milksnake coiled in a defensive posture. While on a brief visit to my Pennsylvania hometown, this little gem slithered right by. Winfield, PA.
The perfect camouflage artist, this bobcat seemed to materialize from the brush. Tucson, AZ, USA.
A couple of chanterelle waxy caps. On such a dark, dreary day, the camera flash illuminated them in such a way as to give the impression of tiny little lanterns. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
The fawn on the left seemed to be the leader, as it kept a close eye on me for a few seconds, then snorted and took off, closely followed by it’s companion. Photo taken near Northumberland, PA, USA.
The tiny strawberry hedgehog cactus produces a dazzling display of dramatic flowers. Saguaro NP West, AZ.
Watching burrowing owls can be a very tiresome endeavor. Despite my strong adoration for owls these little cuties spend an inordinate amount of time simply standing in front of burrows. On the rare occasion of action (such as this grasshopper catch), the flurry of action is over almost immediately after it begins. Chandler, AZ.
In an apartment complex in the middle of city, there sits a great pine tree. This tree offered the perfect urban nesting site for a a pair of great-horned owls and their family. Tucson, AZ.
Green anoles are only actually green when they’re feeling healthy and confident. They turn brown when encountering a predator, but when it’s feeling extra brazen, a male might go as far as to perform territorial “push-ups,” while puffing out his red dewlap (throat). Photo taken at Lake Louisa State Park, FL, USA.
A green heron spearing fish from it’s shadowy perch. Look closely, and you may notice something grasped in it’s bill. Photo taken near Harrisburg, PA, USA.
Although they will no doubt eventually part ways, these young adult grizzlies have decided to stick together for now. Grand Teton NP, Wyoming.
Despite the creepy eyes and bodies sans fur, baby ground squirrels are just the cutest! It struck me as though these little ones were getting a lesson on how to forage! Tucson, AZ, USA.
An Eastern Screech Owl of the rufous (red) color phase, catching some pre-sunset illumination. Photographed near Turbotville, PA.
One of my absolute favorite butterfly species, the gulf fritillary. It’s enjoying the nectar of a butterfly milkweed plant. Both of these species were a very unexpected sighting for me in such atypical habitat. Madera Canyon, AZ.
When closely inspecting a purple coneflower (echinacea), the plant has a very alien appearance. This wild honeybee no doubt had quite a plunder at this enormous flower! Photo taken near Hartleton, PA, USA.
A horned grebe drake, showing off his striking breeding plumage. Two of these handsome devils spent some time fishing directly in front of me. Photo taken at Montour Preserve, PA, USA.
A short-horned lizard poses in the foreground of it’s beautiful habitat. This species can be found as far north as Canada. Photographed near Tucson, AZ..
A beautiful flock of sandhill cranes fly off toward the spectacular sunset. Willcox, AZ
I crouched down to snap some eye-level shots of this javelina herd (there were 10, total), admittedly getting a hair too close. Sitting approximately 20 feet away, I felt pretty content. Before long, however, one of the younger members of the group started getting curious, meandering steadily closer to me. I methodically backed up as he/she gained ground. The youngster was soon within an arm’s length, at which point I decided to back up a bit faster. This startled the adventurous one, drawing the attention of several others who rushed in to protect their comrade. I bolted over a nearby fence and the javelina lost interest. Catalina Foothills, AZ
Attempting to camouflage itself from both predator and prey alike, an American Bullfrog hides in the heavy duckweed. Photo taken near Harrisburg, PA, USA.
These tiny, beautiful sweat bees go by many names, “Green Metallic” being one. Extremely effective pollinators, these insects collect both pollen and nectar to feed their young. Shown on mint flowers. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.
A lovely pair of red milkweed beetles perched on a well-chewed common milkweed leaf. Photo taken in Selinsgrove, PA.
In a tender moment, mama javelina nestles her baby. Tucson, AZ.
As seen from beneath, this large cluster of beautiful, tiny mushrooms were found growing on a rotting hemlock log. Photo taken at Tall Timbers State Park, PA, USA.
Yes, they are really called “piglings,” even though javelina aren’t really pigs. These tiny cuties were frolicking among and eating the fallen palo verde blossoms. Catalina Foothills, AZ.
When staring into the eyes of a wild creature, look closely and you may see your own consciousness reflected back. Tucson, AZ.
A cluster of pinwheel marasmius mushrooms. These beige-colored, extremely tiny shrooms are easy to overlook. Photo taken in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
Named after the golden-yellow robes the early Roman prothonotaries used to wear, these beautiful warblers spend their days foraging and defending brushy territory, often bordered by water. Prothonotary Warbler photographed in Okefenokee NWR, GA, USA.
The look on the face of this fledgling northern pygmy owl is beyond adorable. He/she was watching mom in the hopes that the recent catch would be passed along. Madera Canyon, AZ, USA.
June is known for being one of the driest months in the Sonoran Desert, so when a freak storm lands in the middle of the month, it’s cause for celebration. Celebrate is just what the sky seemed to be doing as the dramatic sunet met with a double rainbow in the storm’s wake. Saguaro NP West, AZ.
My absolute favorite picture from the entire Grand Teton / Yellowstone trip! This red fox was a truly perfect photo subject, both for it’s charm, the setting, and perfect filtered light! Grand Teton NP, WY.
This eastern red salamander was all-smiles about having his/her picture taken. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.
A few sandhill cranes looking spectacular soon after sunset at the Willcox, AZ playa.
Like any self-respecting hiker, I despise the swarms of mosquitoes that emerge during really wet summers, but as a nature lover, find myself in awe at the vast array of fungi that also appear. This Scaly Pholiata cluster was encountered deep in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA, USA.
Soon after a thorough cleaning, this young male bobcat rests in the shadows for a time. Not long after, he fell into a deep sleep. Tucson, AZ
A young sidewinder tasting the air as it sizes me up. Like other snake species, these small rattlesnakes use their tongues to periodically “taste” the air. This helps them to keep tabs on the surroundings.
Every few years, the valleys surrounding Tucson will receive a gentle dusting of snow. Once in a blue moon, however, snow will actually accumulate, turning this normally hot/dry desert into a winter wonderland. I was extremely fortunate to witness this aberration within 2 months of living here. This photo even managed to capture a few falling snowflakes. Saguaro National Park West.
Clouds engulf the sky and there is a powerful energy in the air as the winds intensify, drawing in the storm. Saguaro NP West, AZ.
A close-up “profile” shot of the beautiful American Tree Swallow. Already a lovely bird, the bright sunshine really helped to intensify the gorgeous coloration. Photo taken at John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, PA, USA.
This young green treefrog was barely over an inch long, and I discovered him/her sitting on a palmetto at the edge of my campsite. Photo taken at Stephen Foster State Park, GA, USA.
Toad lilies bloom rather late in the year. This one didn’t even start to open it’s mesmerizing flowers until the last days of September. Although I’m always a tad biased against non-native plants, this Japanese perennial is a lovely shade-tolerant plant which offers beauty when many others are going to seed. Photo taken in Winfield, PA, USA.
My companion and I spent hours watching these quirky creatures. They really are endless entertainment! Shelter Cove. CA.
This is my absolute favorite waterfall on Rickett’s Glen State Park’s (PA) Fall’s Trail. Many of the other waterfalls are more intricate, but something about the setting of Tuscarora Falls reminds me of something from a fairy tale.
Although short-lived, a mass cicada emergence spells a feast for any number of birds and reptiles in the Sonoran Desert. This Western Cicada was hanging on a gate at the end of my backyard hiking trail.
These ground squirrel siblings, although appearing quite sweet, will take any measures to literally steal food from another’s mouth. Tucson, AZ, USA.
This enormous zebra-tailed lizard had an even bigger ego. Upon my approach for a close shot, rather than fleeing, this brazen lizard decided to make a territorial display. He looks rather human in this shot. Saguaro NP East, AZ.
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