These three elk bulls relax at the edge of a meadow. With velvet still on their antlers they seem like three friends, just hang out together. Once mating season begins their will definitely be more rivalry between them.
Black Bear in Meadow
A black bear forages for food among the wildflowers and fallen logs in a woodland meadow of Grand Teton National Park.
Yellowstone Traffic Jam
We were traveling north from the Old Faithful area in Yellowstone National Park when we encountered three bison traffic jams in the space of about 1 mile. The kids thought it was hilarious to watch them walking down the road, holding up traffic. The bison took their time and would occasionally stop to look at a vehicle as if the cars were out of place.
Banded Hairstreak
This little Banded Hairstreak was busily drinking nectar when I encountered it in a forest meadow. I didn’t seem to mind me taking photos. In fact, it didn’t even seem to notice I was watching it.
Rat Snake Resting on a Branch
The Rat Snake is quite a capable climber. This individual took to the trees when we met each other on a lakeside trail in Central Virginia. It seemed to be just as happy making its way through the branches as it was winding across the forest floor.
Mason Wasp
When I think of the color of bees and wasps, I think of yellows, oranges, and reds. This little Mason Wasp is black and white with beautiful blue wings. Sadly, it flew away before I could get a another photo showing more of the wing. From what I’ve read, they mainly feed on nectar and caterpillars.
Great Spangled Fritillary
Perfect Camouflage
A tiny Cricket Frog sits still, assuming its nearly perfect camouflage will keep it safe. I never would have seen it had it not hopped right in front of me as I walked down the lakeside trail.
Five-Lined Skink 1
This Five-Lined Skink frequently hangs out near the gap in this brick wall. I see it quite regularly and was able to get close enough to take a few good photographs. Five-Lined Skinks are common in Central Virginia. You can usually find them on old logs or on rock piles. They never seem to stray far from good hiding places.
Don’t Come Any Closer
When I first saw this Rat Snake it was on the ground, just a few yard ahead of me on a small, little used, lakeside trail. I turned, took a few steps back, dropped my backback and got my camera ready. When I turned back around it was gone. In a matter of seconds it had disappeared into the forest. “Oh well,” I thought, “that’s how they survive.” Continue reading “Don’t Come Any Closer”