"Red-breasted Merganser with a Fresh Catch – Huntington Beach State Park" Captured off the rock jetty at Huntington Beach State Park, this image showcases a male Red-breasted Merganser emerging from the water with a freshly caught fish. With its signature spiky crest, vivid red eyes, and intricate feather patterns, the merganser embodies the fierce and efficient hunting skills of this diving duck species.
Barred Owl in Big Meadows at Shenandoah National Park.
This juvenile Bald Eagle was under siege from other eagles and attempting to find a discrete location to enjoy its dinner. Loess Bluff NWR.
Rolling hills captured from Steptoe Butte State Park in Washington. "God's Country"
Black Bellied Plover at sunrise.
This Brown Pelican was wounded and sleeping all alone on the beach. I initially thought it was shot and would use the opportunity to blame hunters but on closer examination it appears to have a piece of wood lodged into its side. I contacted a rescue center and will hope for a rescue.
Semipalmated Plover
"Winter Mink on the Move – Huntington Beach State Park" This image captures an American Mink in its element at Huntington Beach State Park. Bathed in golden light, the mink moves gracefully across the sand, its rich brown fur standing out against the landscape. Mink lives within the rocks along the jetty. It is also common to see a folks fishing along the jetty in the winter. A lady put down her reel after the mink scurried away to share a story of her own. She had caught a large fish one day and just had to take a picture of it. So, she sat the fish down and turned and grabbed her camera. When she turns back a mink was scurrying away with her fish. She said oh well, maybe it had babies to feed.
A Piping Plover was 'piping' for a worm along North Carolina's coast at sunrise. The wind was brisk, it was brutally cold, but he didn't seem to mind. It appears he was branded near the Great Lakes area which is all I could find online. It would be interesting to know where his journey has taken him. Update: I contacted the research agency and turns out this little fella is from Tawas State Park, East Tawas Michigan - hatched in 2024 and made it south. My sighting was the first from this batch. So very excited.
This buck stands his ground from lesser rivals in the early morning fog at Big Meadows.
Glacier Peak, Washington
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the big meadows, the air fills with a quiet sense of anticipation. In the tall, rustling grasses, a white-tailed deer emerges, his impressive antlers silhouetted against the fiery hues of the fading day. His gaze is sharp, piercing through the quiet autumn dusk, his nostrils flaring as he takes in the scents of his domain. The rust-colored fields and soft, blurred backdrop create an almost surreal scene, as though nature itself is holding its breath. In this brief, magical moment, captured as the light fades, he is both majestic and vulnerable—a symbol of the cycle of life in the wilderness. The scene invites us to pause, to appreciate the beauty and raw power of nature that so often goes unseen, just beyond the edges of our everyday world.
Black Bellied Plover. Name implies black bellies all year round but as it turns out they are only black during breeding season - to my surprise.
Injured Brown Pelican on NC's Coast.
White throated sparrow in Orange County, NC.
Cedar Waxwing perched delicately among the branches, surrounded by clusters of berries at sunrise, Brumley North Nature Preserve.
Captured this Northern Flicker in action at Brumley North Nature Preserve, enjoying a moment with its mulberry. Love how these stunning woodpeckers bring life to the autumn landscape! 🪶🍂
Wallace D. Wattles said God knows the hairs on our head and when a sparrow falls. Such a striking statement for such a common bird. But this sparrow caused me to notice her. She had a mouth full of caterpillars and would not budge as i moved along the trail. It was apparent that she must have babies nearby. I heard them crying to be fed but she kept an eye on me. So rather than add any more stress i moved along my way but did enjoy the brief moments with her. Poor caterpillars.
In this dynamic photograph taken in Wilmington, North Carolina, a black skimmer is captured in action with its face submerged in the water. The bird's distinctive black and white plumage stands out against the shimmering blue surface of the water. Its elongated lower mandible cuts through the water, creating ripples as it skims for fish.
In this photograph taken in Wake County, a white-eye vireo perches on a slender branch amidst lush green foliage. The white-eyed vireo has bright yellow plumage on its underparts and olive-green on its back, with distinctive white wing bars. Its striking white eyes, outlined by a thin black ring, gaze curiously at the camera, giving the image an engaging and intimate feel. The surrounding leaves create a natural frame, highlighting the bird and adding a sense of depth and tranquility to the scene.
Canola Fields near Colfax, Washington.
Skyline Drive from Stony Man Trail in Shenandoah National Park.
Crested Caracara at Awendaw, SC Center for Birds of Prey
In this captivating photograph taken in Wake County, North Carolina, a cedar waxwing is perched delicately on a branch. The bird's sleek, silky feathers are a blend of soft browns and grays, with a striking black mask around its eyes. Its yellow-tipped tail feathers add a splash of vibrant color. The cedar waxwing is captured mid-feast. The lush green leaves of the tree provide a rich backdrop, their texture and hue highlighting the bird’s elegant plumage. The soft late afternoon light filters through the foliage, casting a gentle glow over the scene, enhancing the natural beauty of this moment in the North Carolina wilderness.
Semipalmated Plover at Pea Island NWR, NC
Magnolia Warbler
