Tranquil Did The Predator Wait Gently fell the silken snow and quietude saturated the soft silent surroundings. In the midst of the serene storm sat a steadfast spirit. Tranquil did the predator wait. ~ Anecdote and Bald Eagle capture, Tranquil Did The Predator Wait © Jerry L. Ferrara
Sweep the Boreal Aurora Sky While the background for this shot may be reminiscent of those eerie, shadowy curtains of charged particles from the sun [the aurora borealis], it is in reality not the dramatic light show at all. What follows is the story behind the making of the image: Across the wide and watery chasm of the expansive bay, white-headed entities idled tree-bound in the deafening, hushed stillness while greeting the somber light of dawn. That same light, cast from the forest and smeared subtly onto the liquid surface, created ephemeral impressions, mirrored reflections, and muted hues … Nature the artist, the lake its immense canvas. In time, a solitary Bald Eagle launched from its lofty lookout. Over the pigmented fluid it glided low, the backdrop redolent of a Northern Lights array. Suddenly the eagle performed an astounding aerial maneuver … and “Sweep the Boreal Aurora Sky” came into existence. ~ Anecdote and Bald Eagle capture, Sweep the Boreal Aurora Sky from the book, Wild North Idaho: Photos and Reflections © Jerry L. Ferrara
The Return The sprightly little Western Flycatcher is a spirited species that returns to our property to breed each spring. There is another aspect to this flycatcher ‘returning’, though. It has been placed back [returned] to its original single-species status [Western Flycatcher] after being split into two species [in 1989]: the Cordilleran and the Pacific-slope Flycatchers. Science at work. ~ Anecdote and Western Flycatcher capture, The Return © Jerry L. Ferrara
Electric Appearance This Steller’s Jay strikes a stunning profile with its flared crown and raucous attitude. We do not see them very often, but when they do show up, their appearance is electric. ~ Anecdote and Steller’s Jay capture, Electric Appearance © Jerry L. Ferrara
A Feathered Despot Though my stature be quite slight, strength makes me a mighty sprite. All the world must realize, power is not judged by size. I ambush and I use surprise, so from this scheme success derives. Merciless when I predate, victims find oft it’s too late. In the open at my job, that’s why I am sometimes mobbed. I take the last in casual stride, for not all aggravants will hide. So, you beware small birds in strife, this feathered despot’s not so nice. Beasties you have much to fear, when this pygmy owl draws near. ~ Poem and Northern Pygmy Owl image, A Feathered Despot © Jerry L. Ferrara
Caught Red-handed I discovered this little moocher [an American Red Squirrel and a native species of tree squirrel] pilfering cherries from one of our trees. It was caught red-handed. ~ Anecdote and American Red Squirrel capture, Caught Red-handed © Jerry L. Ferrara
The Specter Waits Daybreak. The setting is surreal. The woods are hushed. Death is in the air. It arrives on feathered wings. A soundless entry. The specter waits. Ambush is in the offing. ~ Poem and Great Gray Owl capture, The Specter Waits © Jerry L. Ferrara
Posing Perfectly There’s a seemingly never-ending show occurring at our home. It’s in full view from our porch. Though appearing perpetual, there are moments of intermission in the performance … yet it continues both day and night. The actors and actresses are of mixed backgrounds, but all deliver their roles quite artfully. ~ Anecdote and White-tailed Deer doe capture, Posing Perfectly © Jerry L. Ferrara
Little Devil The cherries are ripening and we’re getting lots of help with the harvest. This “little devil” was well sated! ~ Anecdote and Raccoon capture, Little Devil © Jerry L. Ferrara
Flamboyant From my backyard, a flamboyant male Pileated Woodpecker takes a quick peek at the camera. The roughly 19-inch-long avian wonder is a component of Canadian and U.S. deciduous-coniferous forests, especially where there are plenty of dead or dying trees … the plucky birds relish carpenter ants. ~ Anecdote and Pileated Woodpecker capture, Flamboyant © Jerry L. Ferrara