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
~ Images made 5/31/26 © 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
Duck of the Woods They say there is a feathered creature that haunts the piney woodsAdorned it is in presentation, much beauty’s brought as shouldIf you spy the ornate Wood Duck, still or on the flyThe splash of colors are quite real, do believe your eyes ~ Poem and Wood Duck capture, Duck of the Woods © Jerry L. Ferrara
The Newcomer A bracing zephyr drifted casually through the early evening air. Along the gently flowing creek, creature activity was intensifying. A White-tailed Deer doe magically morphed into the view and then quite subtly, a gesture from the nearby brush produced an enchanting manifestation. It was the doe’s fawn. The Newcomer had arrived. ~ Anecdote and White-tailed Deer capture, The Newcomer © Jerry L. Ferrara
Running It was very late in the day. Harsh shadows had retired and a coolness permeated the air. It was time to play. That’s exactly what a White-tailed Deer fawn was doing as it enthusiastically dashed before my camera and lens, seemingly running for the pure pleasure of running. The caper was caught quickly as the youthful creature bolted by. ~ Anecdote and White-tailed Deer fawn capture, Running © Jerry L. Ferrara