Surf Scoter – Surf Scoter
Off the California coast in 2019, a Surf Scoter (a species of sea duck) takes a drink from the briny sea. ~ Surf Scoter capture, Surf Scoter © Jerry L. Ferrara
SHOT FROM THE FILE
Yacare Caiman – Doppelganger
Doppelganger The day had not yet dawned when I departed the lodge in Brazil’s swampy Pantanal. As the light arrived, I discovered a Yacare Caiman, mostly submerged and stealthily waiting to ambush an unsuspecting morning meal. My position relative to the crocodilian exposed its doppelganger. ~ Anecdote and Yacare Caiman capture, Doppelganger © Jerry L. Ferrara. Captured on Fujichrome 100 film, circa 1996.
European Robin – Caught in Portrait
A European Robin [Robin] caught in portrait in Scotland’s hinterland. ~ European Robin capture, Caught in Portrait © Jerry L. Ferrara
Mule Deer – Giving Lip
Giving Lip During the rut, a Mule Deer buck exercises a flehmen display [lip curl]. ~ Anecdote and Mule Deer capture, Giving Lip © Jerry L. Ferrara
Ridgway’s Rail – Ridgway’s Rail
Ridgway’s Rail From marsh this ‘feathered friend’ hailsIts monicker’s Ridgway’s RailNow a secretive bird sure it beSo most eyes on the planet won’t seeWhile it calls like a ‘clapper’One might think it’s a rapperStill sighting one’s no guarantee The extremely discreet Ridgway’s Rail is a marshland inhabitant that is on the endangered species list. This one was caught on film sneaking through the fenland in San Francisco Bay, CA. ~ Poem and Ridgway’s Rail capture, Ridgway’s Rail © Jerry L. Ferrara
Yellow Warbler – The Sprite
The Sprite A male Yellow Warbler is caught in a pose while it forages in the canopy. The sprite is a native member of the wood warbler family and catching sight of one is visually electrifying. ~ Anecdote and Yellow Warbler capture, The Sprite © Jerry L. Ferrara
Black-tailed Prairie Dog – When Non-family Meet
When Non-family Meet As a follow-up to my previous presentation [see Secrets Told], this is what often happens in a Black-tailed Prairie Dog colony when non-family meet. An eruption of complete chaos and antisocial behavior might eventually ensue. ~ Anecdote and Black-tailed Prairie Dog capture, When Non-family Meet © Jerry L. Ferrara
Black-tailed Prairie Dog – Secrets Told
Secrets Told Caution played heavily in their mutual approachIt was a gambitBe you family or interloper?They joined incisorsThe confidential act answeredA sensory rush of recognitionThey belongGrooming cemented their bondThe coterie was at peaceSecrets told ~ Poem and Black-tailed Prairie Dog capture, Secrets Told © Jerry L. Ferrara
Roadrunner – One Way
One Way For this Roadrunner the one way sign became a convenient viewpoint. I had just gathered my equipment and was striking out into California’s Anza Borrego Desert State Park when suddenly this Roadrunner came skirting around a creosote bush. Its bent-forward, arrow-like gait moved the creature smoothly through the sandy scape. Then it took wing and flew to the top of the sign. At first its body pointed toward the right. If only it would turn to the left … and then it did. Click! The image was made on Kodachrome 64 film many years ago. ~ Anecdote and Roadrunner capture, One Way © Jerry L. Ferrara
Coyote – The Pounce
The Pounce Early one morning I was watching and training my camera and lens on a Coyote hunting an open field. Here, the camera caught the subject in midair as the crafty canine leaped toward its prey. ~ Anecdote and Coyote capture, The Pounce © Jerry L. Ferrara