Quietly paddling the Mattaponi River on a cool September morning, I captured this image of a Painted Turtle. Like all reptiles, turtles are cold blooded, so you’ll see them basking in the sun on cooler mornings. They love logs and rocks overhanging the water. There they find a sunny location with a quick escape into the water if a predator, or curious photographer gets too close.
Rabid Wolf Spider
This post contains a close up image of a spider. If that kind of thing creeps you out, turn back now.
Continue reading “Rabid Wolf Spider”Snake In The Grass
Hiking through a meadow on a sunny, summer afternoon I spotted this beautiful black snake resting just off the hiking trail. In my experience black snakes are fearless of humans and this one was no exception. I got close enough to get this picture with my iPhone and the snake didn’t seem in the least bit interested or concerned.
Pollinating The Purple Passionflower
A variety of pollinators were active on the Purple Passionflowers in a meadow I hiked in early August. The bumble bees seemed to be running things, perfectly sized to gather the pollen from the down turned stamen of the passionflowers. In fact, most of the yellow above this bee’s wings is a thick coating of pollen.
The day I met Tessa
This little Woodland Box Turtle and I briefly shared a hiking trail in Powhatan State Park earlier this month. Encountering wildlife, even a small, humble turtle, always makes me feel more connected and brings me a sense of joy and awe.
I prompted ChatGPT to write a short story about a turtle and a photographer meeting on a hike and here’s what it came up with.
Continue reading “The day I met Tessa”Unexpected Hiking Partner
Usually it’s harder to photograph butterflies than you might think. They are always moving and lots of them flutter away when they see anything approach.
Continue reading “Unexpected Hiking Partner”Backyard Visitor
There are lots of hawks patrolling our neighborhood this time of year. This beauty was perched on a branch about 8′ off the ground on a recent sunny afternoon. You can bet the squirrels and chipmunks that frequent my yard were nowhere to be seen.
My hawk identification skills aren’t great but I’m pretty sure this is a Red-Shouldered Hawk. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a look at the markings and coloration on the breast and belly.
Butterfly On The Camera
During my Rivanna River float, earlier this summer, my Pentax went for an unexpected swim. Clearly not what any nature photographer wants to happen but things don’t always go as planned. Thankfully I saw the camera fall into the river and pulled it out before it had time to sink too far below the surface. For the rest of the trip I was left shooting with my iPhone and had the camera out in the sun to dry. Continue reading “Butterfly On The Camera”
Solitude On The Rivanna
Most of the Rivanna River is like this. It’s a fairly slow, shallow river. The bottom alternates between sandy and rocky portions without much mud or silt so the water is very clear. There aren’t many people on the river particularly during the week. Continue reading “Solitude On The Rivanna”
Watching Over The River
A Great Blue Heron was flying up the Rivanna River as friends and I were floating the down it. Continue reading “Watching Over The River”