The Conductor Looking almost like an orchestra conductor at the conclusion of a musical score, a Great Blue Heron uses its outstretched wings to stall its forward motion while alighting. This elegant wading bird is a familiar component of wetland habitats and is frequently observed stately striding freshwater marshes, coastal backwaters and salty seasides in search of a meal. ~ Anecdote and Great Blue Heron capture, The Conductor © Jerry L. Ferrara
Whiskery An Atlantic Walrus gives an icy stare into the camera while tiny droplets of moisture drip from the tips of its whiskery vibrissae. The sensitive hirsute facial features serve the walrus in detecting disturbances in the water as well as locating its prey. ~ Anecdote and Atlantic Walrus capture, Whiskery © Jerry L. Ferrara. 79° 43’ 53.87” N x 11° 0’ 4.08” E Norway
Robin Wars They’re back and as persistent as ever! Robin wars are on! 😀 Their penchant? To build their nests over the porch light housings. Not good for a variety of reasons. They’re sneaky about it, too, conducting their work in the wee hours of the morning. Here I’m getting ‘eye-balled’, probably to determine if I’m watching their clandestine construction activities. ~ Anecdote and American Robin capture, Robin Wars © Jerry L. Ferrara
A Perfect Complement As a still and placid morning broke over a secluded woodland pond, two pair of Wood Duck idled gently on a partially submerged log. Their impressions, reflections created by the specular properties of the mirror-like watery surface, were a perfect complement to the quietude of the moment. ~ Anecdote and Wood Duck capture, A Perfect Complement © Jerry L. Ferrara
Its Intent Was Deadly With its wings outspread and its rectrices [tail feathers] twisted from view but steering its flight, a Short-eared Owl abruptly turns in midair and descends toward its prey. Its focus was keen and its intent was deadly. ~ Anecdote and Short-eared Owl capture, Its Intent Was Deadly © Jerry L. Ferrara
A Mighty Leap The bear came down to the waterto grab a bite to eatIt searched and searched the liquid planeits exploit so discreetWhen there was a gesturefrom the aqueous deepThe bear turned quite tsunamiand made a mighty leap Notice the intense concentration on the bear’s face … so focused. Was the predator in this shot successful? Absolutely! I have many bear images with a salmon dangling from its maw, but this capture is a personal favorite representing bruin hunting behavior. For me, it’s the subject’s deep concentration that tells the story. ~ Poem, anecdote and Brown Bear capture, A Mighty Leap © Jerry L. Ferrara
Its Quavering Trill Atop a lofty sylvan crownFully dressed in royal gownA mighty king gives forth a callEchoes it through ‘mountain hall’Those who hear its quavering trillWill not forget the keening thrill ~ Poem and Bald Eagle capture, Its Quavering Trill © Jerry L. Ferrara
The Pocket Gopher Didn’t Stand A Chance The young female Bobcat had spent the better part of the morning hunting the open field. In time, the feline’s efforts lead to success … the gopher didn’t stand a chance. ~ Anecdote and Bobcat/Pocket Gopher capture, The Pocket Gopher Didn’t Stand A Chance © Jerry L. Ferrara
First Impression It was a first impression. Though sporting a much longer tail and a garish ‘coat’, this male Long-tailed Meadowlark immediately brought to mind our North American Western and Eastern Meadowlark species. ~ Anecdote and Long-tailed Meadowlark capture, First Impression © Jerry L. Ferrara. Chile, South America
Speak No Evil The young, mischievous Chimpanzee was ‘full of beans’ as it hyperactively capered around and through the troop. When it playfully grabbed an adult by the face and shoulder, the posture just screamed “Speak no evil!” ~ Anecdote and Chimpanzee capture, Speak No Evil © Jerry L. Ferrara