Steller's Jay - Bright Angel Point

A Steller's Jay at the Grand Canyon Lodge, Bright Angel Point, North Rim. August 2013.

Nikon D7100 | Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED

The Heart of Nature

I was pleasantly surprised to find this heart shaped flower in a random travel file. I don't remember seeing the heart shape at the time I took the photo because had I realized it at the time there would certainly  be many more photos in the file than just this one. I'm guessing Mother Nature gave me this surprise with a little gust of wind just as I snapped this photo. It still amazes me to see this photo and as simple and silly as it is, it just makes me smile. I think I'm fortunate to be able to extract so much joy from such a small gift from nature, but I hope you enjoy it too!

Nikon D300|Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro Lens

Wild Bison - North Rim, Grand Canyon

A pair of bison calves sparring along Arizona Route 67 near North Rim.

August 2013.

Nikon D7100 | Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

A Broad-tailed hummingbird rests in a tree.

Westminster, Colorado.

July 2013.

Nikon D300|Tamron SP AF 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro Lens

Bryce Canyon - Lightning

My first attempt at photographing lightning. I did not want to get caught in this storm at nearly 9,000 ft elevation, so I left the tripod in the car. Without the tripod, long exposures are impossible and while I've always wanted a lightning trigger release - I still do not own one. For you non-photographer peoples that means this was a damn lucky shot! A special "thank you" to my wonderful friend who waited patiently enjoying the storm (in the drizzling rain), while I got lost in my photography. For your endless smiles, support, encouraging words, kindness and patience; for driving more than your share and last but not least; for being my lucky rabbits' foot (even tho you have yet to embrace that affectionate title) -This one's for you! Bryce Canyon, Utah. August 2013.

Nikon D7100 | Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 PRO DX II.

American Kestrel

An American Kestrel (male) sits on a wire above a field in southern Indiana.The American Kestrel is one of my absolute favorite birds (I know I say that about a lot of birds), but I never get tired of this one. I have been known to sit and watch (even chase) this bird for many miles and many hours. I've even had vivid dreams of this colorful bird. Their slate blue wings contrast beautifully with their bright rusty brown backs.The two black facial lines are its best identifying marks. From this perch, high above the field, the Kestrel can easily spot small prey (rodents, insects, reptiles, bats and smaller birds) before swooping in for the kill. While often referred to as a "Sparrow Hawk", the American Kestrel is not a hawk at all; rather it is North America's smallest falcon. Linton, Indiana. October 2013.

Nikon D7100 | Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS

American White Pelican - Wings

American White Pelican just off of Route 40 near Granby, Colorado. 

July 2013

Nikon D300 | Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED

Carolina Wren - Black and White

A Carolina Wren waits its turn near the backyard feeder.

Nikon D300 | Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS  

Pileated Woodpecker

A female Pileated Woodpecker drops by for a snack at my suet feeders. Keeping a good mixture of fruit an nut suet is always an invitation for peckers.

January 2013.

Nikon D300 | Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IF-ED

Great Blue Heron - Goose Pond

A Great Blue Heron drops in during a recent trip to Goose Pond.

Linton, Indiana. October 2013.

Zoomed in on head.

Nikon D7100 | Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS