A Flying Leap The female Puma was on a quest to locate an errant cub. When she arrived at a low wet spot in her path, she opted against entering the boggy region. Instead, the agile cat made a flying leap over the mire to continue her course. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, A Flying Leap © Jerry L. Ferrara
On A Mission The immediate surroundings near the Guanaco carcass was suddenly devoid of any other creature and the air became deathly stagnant. The reason for the vacant scene appeared in the form of a massively-built male Puma as he bolted boldly toward the ragged remains. His presence was commanding and he was on a mission. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, On A Mission © Jerry L. Ferrara
And The Game Was On Through the rock-riddled Patagonian scrubland, the Puma cub moved with an air of attitude. At the same time, he was mindful of his sister’s presence somewhere close by. She most likely was plotting another surprise ambush. It was actually a favorite pastime they both relished. All of a sudden a blur of fur exploded from behind a nearby boulder. The assertive sibling mischievously assailed her brother’s tail … and the game was on. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, And The Game Was On © Jerry L. Ferrara
Its Prey Had Arrived The cat rested serenely on a steep hillside outcrop. Though its view was stunningly commanding, the Puma periodically closed its feline orbs and “cat-napped”. Then, without any provocation, it all at once rose up and steadily stared into the deep distance. Its prey had arrived … hell was about to break loose. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, Its Prey Had Arrived © Jerry L. Ferrara
An Apex Predator We’re back home! Whew! What an adventure! My last presentation was a scenic shot from Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park. Today’s image is THE reason for the excursion … the Puma, also known as Mountain Lion or Cougar. She is gustily feasting on a Guanaco carcass and her eyes reflect the mood of an apex predator. What she was not happy about was another apex predator, a large male lion, that was coming to the kill. ~ Anecdote and Puma capture, An Apex Predator © Jerry L. Ferrara
Inferno So we’ve been on the go for some time but took a short breather to catch up before we’re off again. The image posted is a fiery early morning moment as the curtain of night was removed over Cuernos del Paine in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile. This place, its surroundings and its inhabitants are unbelievably stunning. Please stay tuned. More to come. ~ Anecdote and Scenic – Cuernos del Paine capture, Inferno © Jerry L. Ferrara
Mighty Sprite The Northern Pygmy Owl is one of the smallest owl species on the North American continent being only about six inches in stature. In spite of its elfin size, it is capable of dispatching and carrying off prey that is much larger than itself. It is truly a mighty sprite of the woodlands. I may be small but don’t be fooled for in my tiny frame, I pack a punch compared to some that puts them quite to shame. I roam the woods and forest breaks while constantly in search, and from atop the highest stands I wait upon my perch. So when the mousy beasties dash across the open tract, I rocket off my waiting post and there commit the act. It’s swift and sure and if my prey is larger than am I, I have no doubt that I will take it up when I do fly. ~ Anecdote, poem and Northern Pygmy Owl capture, Mighty Sprite © Jerry L. Ferrara. Selle Valley, Bonner County, Idaho
Old Friend Hello Old Friend. So good to see you today. It’s been awhile. Wasn’t sure you had not moved on. I last heard you speaking from somewhere deep in the frigid January woods. Your conversations with others seemed somber and deep-seated. I’m sure any and all transgressions and indiscretions were handled diplomatically. I recognized your presence back in March when a murder of crows rampaged and ransacked the forest in a ruthless, raucous attempt to drive you out. I feared they attained their goal for your absence has been strongly felt. But gladly I was incorrect, for here you are! So good to see you today, my Old Friend. ~ Anecdote and Great Horned Owl capture, Old Friend © Jerry L. Ferrara
Its Fluting Voice A Red-crowned Crane raises its handsome head and hurls its fluting voice skyward. ~ Anecdote and Red-crowned Crane capture, Its Fluting Voice © Jerry L. Ferrara, Hokkaido, Japan.
Tiptoe Through The Seaweed After skillfully snaring a small fish in Monterey Bay, California, a Great Egret shows off another bit of dexterity. Its jaunt involved a tiptoe through the seaweed. ~ Anecdote and Great Egret capture, Tiptoe Through The Seaweed © Jerry L. Ferrara