Western Tanager – A Palette of Color
A Palette of Color A palette of color gives voice. ~ Anecdote and Western Tanager capture, A Palette of Color © Jerry L. Ferrara
SHOT FROM THE FILE
Polar Bear – Power Play
Power Play Scientists have drawn attention to the importance of play behavior in many species. The power of play is especially helpful in honing motor skills and developing techniques that may be beneficial in life. In a “rough and tumble” play fight session, a Polar Bear implements an impressive tactic with an opponent…a definite power play. As two behemoths spar away across the Arctic sand, their rough-and-tumble actions seem hard to understand. Grapple, thrash and wildly flail each other all around. Is this a deadly battle, or a moment just to clown? Suddenly one submits, it turns to run and flee.Not a passive gesture, though, as first it seems to be. Gaining edge above its foe not long the stance did stay, a ploy to make its final move, a mighty power play. ~ Anecdote, poem and Polar Bear capture, Power Play © Jerry L. Ferrara
Red-naped Sapsucker – Ambrosia
Ambrosia The Red-naped Sapsucker is a member of the woodpecker clan and derives its peculiar name in part due to its penchant for tree sap. But the moniker seems a bit of a misnomer. Sapsuckers aren’t really capable of sucking much of anything. They have no apparatus for that strategy. Their method for procurement of the nourishing liquid first involves chipping holes in a tree’s bark [called sap wells] which allow the plant fluid to accumulate … sort of like collecting maple syrup. When the time arrives to harvest the ambrosia, the plucky bird doesn’t suck the ooze, but instead employs the tip of its tongue to lap up the fare. There’s an additional benefit to the construction of the sap wells. Their contents attract ants and other insects that sapsuckers seem to greatly savor, too! ~ Anecdote and Red-naped Sapsucker capture, Ambrosia © Jerry L. Ferrara
White-throated Sparrow – From The Brushy Cover
From The Brushy Cover From the brushy cover a White-throated Sparrow pauses briefly and inspects its surroundings. ~ Anecdote and White-throated Sparrow capture, From The Brushy Cover © Jerry L. Ferrara
Coyote – Eye On The Prize
Eye On The Prize While the wily Coyote had its eye on the prize, the crafty creature approached the elk carcass with an elevated degree of uncertainty and caution. There was good reason to be furtive. Other “things” were dining on the same cuisine. They were menacing entities that would certainly pose a mortal threat. Once the fare was reached, and the coast was clear, the work began. Tugging, pulling and wrestling with the remains, the determined canid finally achieved success … and off it absconded to safer ground. ~ Anecdote and Coyote capture, Eye On The Prize © Jerry L. Ferrara
Great Gray Owl – Ghostly Eyes
Ghostly Eyes An empty postRemains no hostBut then a changeBrings something strangeA baneful thingOn silent wingIt bears demiseWith ghostly eyesIf looks could killThey surely will ~ Poem and Great Gray Owl capture, Ghostly Eyes © Jerry L. Ferrara
Black Bear – It’s True!
It’s True! It’s true! It does happen in the woods! ~ Anecdote and Black Bear capture, It’s True! © Jerry L. Ferrara
Rufous Hummingbird [female with Bleeding Hearts] – A Tiny Dynamo
A Tiny Dynamo As you might plainly seeI’m full of energyMy memory’s very longI retain where nectar’s strongI put on quite a showFor a tiny dynamoOh don’t discount my sizeI grant no compromiseSteer clear my feeding spotMy wrath can be quite hotFor a Rufous HummingbirdPugnacious is the word ~ Poem and Rufous Hummingbird capture, A Tiny Dynamo © Jerry L. Ferrara
White-faced Scops Owl – Roosting
Roosting In the wilderness of South Africa’s Kalahari Desert, a roosting White-faced Scops Owl peers tentatively from the brush. ~ Anecdote and White-faced Scops Owl capture, Roosting © Jerry L. Ferrara
Pied-billed Grebe – A Curious Look
A Curious Look In a quiet backwater, an adult Pied-billed Grebe swims out of the reeds and gives a curious look. ~ Anecdote and Pied-billed Grebe capture, A Curious Look © Jerry L. Ferrara