Cleanser The scientific name given the Turkey Vulture is Cathartes aura. According to Merriam-Webster the word ‘Cathartes’ comes from the Greek ‘Kathartes’ meaning ‘cleanser’. A bit appropriate when one considers the vultures’ niche. ~ Anecdote and Turkey Vulture capture, Cleanser © Jerry L. Ferrara
The Engaging American Kestrel The smallest of North America’s falcons is the engaging American Kestrel. While years ago we used to call them ‘sparrow hawks’ they’re not a true hawk at all, but instead are classified as falcons. Here, an American Kestrel waits patiently on a country fence post, perhaps waiting for an unsuspecting rodent or grasshopper meal to pass by. ~ Anecdote and American Kestrel capture, The Engaging American Kestrel © Jerry L. Ferrara
On The Downstroke A Bald Eagle, with its catch in tow, rends the air on the downstroke. ~ Anecdote and Bald Eagle capture, On The Downstroke © Jerry L. Ferrara
Loafing Loafing on sea ice in the frigid Svalbard Archipelago, a Ringed Seal presents a striking figure in a backlit Arctic scene. ~ Anecdote and Ringed Seal capture, Loafing © Jerry L. Ferrara
~ Images made 5/31/26 © Jerry L. Ferrara
A Pain in the Ass! Old World I might beOf the clan of monkeyLook at my faceYou might see a traceFor my eyes clearly sayYou need keep me at bayIf mischief be ‘King’Then I reign supremeMy actions do tellI’m straight out of HellI’m known for my sassAnd a pain in the ass! ~ Poem and Chacma Baboon capture, A Pain in the Ass! © Jerry L. Ferrara, Zimbabwe, Africa
O’ Wily One O’ Wily One from whence you come Your presence you do share From snowy mist your form does twist Appear you from thin air What do you seek with eager peek Perhaps a murine meal? While on the stalk your gestures talk You’re not above the steal So carry on, O’ Wily One You have a role to play Your presence brings a mix of things And rodents at the bay. ~ Poem and Red Fox capture, O’ Wily One © Jerry L. Ferrara
Beating a Hasty Retreat Caught near the Red-winged Blackbird’s nest area, a Great Blue Heron found itself beating a hasty retreat. ~ Red-winged Blackbird and Great Blue Heron capture, Beating a Hasty Retreat © Jerry L. Ferrara
Mr. Bumble Mr. Bumble …Please don’t mumbleDo not grumbleYou might fumbleTake a tumbleCause a rumbleIn a jumbleSure to crumble… Mr. Bumble ~ Poem and Bumblebee captures, Mr. Bumble © Jerry L. Ferrara
That Flickering Flash Many years ago as a child, I recall the first time seeing a Northern Flicker [back then called a Red-shafted Flicker] take flight. The florid staccato flare was visually stunning! Here in the second frame, the camera freezes one ephemeral slice from that flickering flash sequence. ~ Anecdote and Northern Flicker captures, That Flickering Flash © Jerry L. Ferrara