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.
A western diamondback rattlesnake strikes the classic defensive posture. He/she apparently didn’t take kindly to being moved away from the trail. Saguaro Nat Park, AZ.
I watched this Swainson’s hawk for some time as he/she scanned the open grassland. Eventually this creature sluggishly stretched, evacuated, then took flight. Willcox, AZ.
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.
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.
While one sister basks, the other is perfectly-illuminated by the afternoon backlighting. These large butterflies are probably my favorite local species! Madera Canyon, AZ.
Found in shaded forests, 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.
Just as the sun is setting behind her, mother badger peers out of her den. Yellowstone National Park, WY.
These tiny, beautiful wildflowers are a short-lived spring delight in the Sonoran Desert. Photo taken in Ironwood National Monument, AZ, 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.
Prior to this beautiful creature, I’ve yet to meet a defensive black-tailed rattlesnake. The several previous snakes have all been peaceful creatures with no defensive behaviour, and scarcely even a rattle. This brazen chap, however, sat at the edge of the trail, greeting me with a rattle and a posture that clearly said “no bs.” After snapping a few pics, I offered him/her some water and continued down the trail with the rattle continuing until out of earshot.
While exploring a remote canyon, I heard a little “buzz” right beneath me. Realizing it was coming from the boulder on which I was standing, I took a peek and was greeting by the first ridge-nosed rattlesnake I’ve encountered. It was beyond thrilling. While photographing this little beauty, a stunning Arizona sister butterly landed two feet away from the snake and spread his/her wings. This was a truly magical moment!
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.
Amidst the reeds, she stalks her prey. The stunning bobcat who I affectionately know as “Ossy Cat” for her ocelot-like spots was most likely in search of cotton rats, her main staple. Tucson, AZ.
This blotched ensatina looked stunning amidst the shadowy background and mossy carpet. Tonto Nat Forest, AZ.
Witnessing a wild bobcat clean herself 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.
An ornate box turtle crosses the dusty road of her grassland habitat. Willcox, AZ.
Gloomy day wildlife photography can be uniquely frustrating. Moving subjects are hard to capture when light is so limited, but in this case, the dreary background created a wonderful effect! This bridled titmouse perched on the most beautiful spot which just happened to be directly in front of me. Madera Canyon, 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.
These two young bulls were vigorously tussling for quite some time. The late afternoon sunlight and periodic dust clouds made for some spectacular photo-ops! Yellowstone National Park, WY.
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.
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.
These beautiful, tiny cacti are considered “hedgehogs.” This species often thrives in steep, rocky habitats. Box Canyon, AZ.
Ironically, coatis are just at home in the trees as on the ground. Their powerful claws as equally effective regardless of terrain!
A very large coatimundi sleeping atop a lopped tree. The forest setting was downright magical! Madera Canyon, AZ.
After a baby coatimundi nipped at my backpack, I politely chastised him/her and the youngster migrated to nearby rock. The baby was soon joined by several family members, nearly too close to pictures!
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.
Introducing the winner of Nat Geo Yourshot’s “Photo of the Day.” Silhouetted by the setting sun, a flock of sandhill cranes moves to their roosting spots for the night. Willcox, AZ, USA.
This area hasn’t experienced such rapids for many years and may not again for many to come. Saguaro Nat. Park, AZ.
In addition to “great crested,” this large grasshopper is commonly known as the “dinosaur grasshopper.” I can see the likeness.
SE Arizona.
A single eye peers over his wing as Mr Merganser dramatically flails his wings in the hope of drawing the attention from a hen. Unfortunately, there was not a single hooded merganser lady within sight! Tucson, AZ.
Two young bulls were tussling for a bit before a third decided to join in. At first, two bison were teaming up against the third before they shifted to alternately chasing each-other. Yellowstone Nat Park, WY.
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.
Following an obscene amount of monsoon rainfall, this normally-dry valley has transformed into a lush jungle. A black-necked garter snake rests along the trail. Catalina Mountains, AZ.
Disappearing into a bush, this adult gila monster was a thrilling and accommodating photo subject! Photographed exactly where found in SE Arizona.
Hummingbirds are uniquely tough to photograph on overcast days. Their colors, however, really pop. This Rivoli’s (formerly magnificent) hummingbird kept perching on a stick right in front of me. Madera Canyon, 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.
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.
These hawks are quite unusual in that they’re the only North American species known to hunt in groups. Ironwood National Forest, AZ.
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.
While watching these beautiful wild horses, a small haboob (dust storm) engulfed the valley. The camera gear was very displeased, and my skin was covered in layers of grime, but it was well worth the filth! Lower Salt River, 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
These sinister plants are known for their tendency of hooking the hapless passerby from the gentlest touch. The transplant then hitchhikes until it’s painful, barbed spines are broken or dislodged. They are sometimes carried a great distance by larger desert animals, Saguaro National Park, AZ.
In addition to “great crested,” this large grasshopper is commonly known as the “dinosaur grasshopper.” I can see the likeness.
SE Arizona.
Attempting to camouflage itself from both predator and prey alike, an American Bullfrog hides in the heavy duckweed. Photo taken near Harrisburg, PA, USA.
Soon after the early morning sunlight had illuminated her den, mother emerged, closely followed by her children. They basked and played without straying more than a few feet from the hole. Yellowstone Nat Park, WY.
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 young Mexican spadefoot toad shows off a single beautiful eye. Willcox, AZ.
A lovely pair of red milkweed beetles perched on a well-chewed common milkweed leaf. Photo taken in Selinsgrove, PA.
A beautiful Mojave rattlesnake is accented by the gentle light of a rapidly-approaching sunset. Willcox, AZ.
A beautiful Mojave rattlesnake is accented by the gentle light of a rapidly-approaching sunset. Willcox, AZ.
The moon rose in the distant horizon just before sunset, gracing my companion and I with the best of both worlds. Like so many of life’s magical moments, it was short-lived! Chiricahua Mountains, AZ.
Despite their general intolerance of each-other during the autumn rut, bull moose can be good friends much of the year. Rocky Mount Nat Park, CO.
After a soggy night of camping, I awoke just before dawn. The sun soon peeked through the nearby forest, brilliantly backlighting these Apache Plume wildflowers! Cochise Co, AZ.
In a tender moment, mama javelina nestles her baby. Tucson, AZ.
In a tender moment, mama javelina nestles her baby. Tucson, AZ.
This Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is one that I’ve been dying to see since moving here, and it finally happened! While hiking in the mountains, it slithered across the path mere feet away. What an exciting day!!! Even beyond his/her (didn’t check) beauty and the aforementioned benefits, kingsnakes like this one will readily consume other snakes. This includes rattlesnakes, the venom of which they have a strong tolerance and possible immunity.
Despite my dozens of visits to Rickett’s Glen State Park, I’ve never hiked amidst such powerful torrents. It was downright awe-inspiring!
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.
First snake of the season! While hiking, this beautiful Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake slithered across the trail right in front of me. He was a very accomodating subject, laying on this rock for several minutes while I snapped away!
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.
Despite being notorious blood-suckers, mosquitoes are actually quite wonderful pollinators. Only females suck blood, leaving the boys to visit flower after flower. Winfield, PA.
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.
These adorable creatures were hilarious to watch! In this case, play consisted of one youngster tackling his / her sister. Rocky Mountain Arsenal, CO.
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.
A 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.
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.
Meet one of the most stunning jumping spiders within the US, and definitely the most brilliant I’ve met! Chiricahua Mountains, AZ.
As the lingering light begins to disappear, three ringnecked ducks float by. Phoenix, AZ.
Bathed in the stunning golden hour sunlight, two sandhill cranes posture at each-other. Willcox, AZ.
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 tastes the air as he/she sizes me up.
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.
Stillness is not a time or place. It does not come from any external situation. Stillness is a state of mind, a place of joy and peace. Over the last few years, it has become the most important intention within my life (and a grand struggle, you can be assured). This stunning hooded merganser drake, floating peacefully across the serene water is (at these moments, anyway) the embodiment of stillness to me. What thoughts or images come to mind when you imagine stillness? Tucson, AZ.
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.
This beautiful snail was content to hang out and nibble on the delicious lichens while being photographed. SE Arizona.
This popular rock-climbing area rarely has water and almost never offers stunning waterfalls! Catalina Mountains, AZ.
In the cool early-morning air a hover fly rests at the pinnacle of a wildflower leaf. Winfield, PA.
This large, dramatic lizard reaches the western extent of it’s range in SE Arizona. Meet the Texas Horned Lizard!
Almost immediately after I arrived at a well-known wildlife viewing area, this moose sauntered down the hill to join his companion. The early morning backlight created a stunning scene! Rocky Mountain Nat Park, CO.
After gobbling down some aphids, this beautiful ladybug rests atop a wildflower leaf. Winfield, PA, USA.
Regardless of species, male tarantulas have it rough. Upon reaching adulthood, they have a very short window in which to manically seek out a mate before promptly dying. Sometimes, the female eats the boy during or promptly after courtship, making his short life even shorter. San Simon, AZ.
After a baby coatimundi nipped at my backpack, I politely chastised him/her and the youngster migrated to nearby rock. The baby was soon joined by several family members, nearly too close to pictures!
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.
Vermilion flycatchers specialize in catching flying insects “on the wing,” often returning to the same favored perch sites. Tucson, AZ.
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.
A large part of coati play-time includes wrestling! Sometimes the youngsters really surprise and frustrate each-other with the endless antics.
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.