The damselflies on the Rappahannock River come in a wide variety of colors. I thought this red one was particularly colorful.
Eastern River Cooter
This small Eastern River Cooter was basking on a sunny log in the Rappahannock River as a paddled my canoe past it last July. I don’t know much about the turtles of Virginia so I may have misidentified this one.
Carolina Chickadee, II
This Carolina Chickadee hopped around on this branch and never sat still for long. Shortly after I took this picture two younger Carolina Chickadees appeared. They must have been recently fledged and following mom (or dad) around to learn the ways of the world.
Weighing in at only 0.3 – 0.4 ounces (8 – 12 grams), the tiny Carolina Chickadees always inspire me. How can something so small endure everything nature throws at it? From snowy winters to droughts and heat waves, these little birds somehow endure it all.
Please click on the image above to see a larger copy of it.
American Goldfinch, female
During the breeding season the American Goldfinch has beautiful, bright yellow plumage that turns to a sort of olive green in the fall. This female, decked out in her summer plumage, looks curious about something. The males are similarly colored but sport a prominent black cap as part of their breeding plumage.
Northern Cardinal, 4
Virginia’s state bird can be difficult to photograph. The Northern Cardinal normally keeps at a safe distance from people so it’s hard to get really close to them. The male’s brilliant red color can also make exposure and even focus difficult at times. I captured this one in open shade and that seems to have resolved the color issues.
Supper Time!
The first few years I had a bluebird box in the yard it remained empty. Then, just as I was thinking of taking it down, a pair of Eastern Bluebirds nested in it. Since then we’ve had bluebirds nest in the box every year, producing multiple broods. The female pictured here is feeding one of the juveniles from the first brood of this season. If the past is any indication we should get at least another two broods this summer.
Red Bellied Woodpecker
People often assume this bird is a Red Headed Woodpecker. The confusion is understandable as the Red Bellied Woodpecker’s head is red on the top and back. By comparison the Red Headed Woodpecker’s head is red on the top, back, sides, and front. If you happen to catch a glimpse of this bird’s stomach you’ll see the red patch for which it is named.
Junco In The Snow
A Junco rests on a snowy branch while out foraging in the snow. How such a small creature survives the winter never ceases to amaze me. Does it wake on such a morning wishing it could sleep a little longer, rationalizing that later the snow will melt and its burdens will be just a little lighter?
Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed
Several Anhingas rest on an old wooden structure in the middle of the James River, near Richmond, VA. The hard winter light created a silhouette effect.
Goldenrod Crab Spider on Stem
Sometimes when I’m hiking I like to stop, at seemingly random places, and look closely at my surroundings. I might spend 5 or 10 minutes just trying to discover the little things that most people walk right by completely unaware. If you’ve never done this before I highly recommend it. Almost anywhere you go you will be amazed at some of the small wonders that present themselves if you just slow down and take a little time to become acquainted with your surroundings.
This Goldenrod Crab Spider was one such secret, hiding right in front of my eyes. I stepped off the hiking trail into a small meadow just to see what might be there. I looked around a bit and was about to move along when I noticed this spider sitting motionless, the embodiment of patience and stillness. Goldenrod Crab Spiders will sit for long periods of time, waiting for an unsuspecting insect to come within reach. You can frequently find them inside blooms using the flower as natural bait.