A male Wood Duck glides through golden morning light, every color and detail reflected in the still water.
A male Wood Duck raises his crest and calls across the water, showing the personality behind all that color.
A female Wood Duck lifts her head from the water as droplets fall from her bill in the warm morning light.
A juvenile Bald Eagle soars over the Iowa River in Coralville, IA, still a year or two out from its signature white head.
A mother loon carries her chick on her back near Annadale, MN. One of those moments you don't get a second chance at.
This juvenile Bald Eagle was under siege from other eagles and attempting to find a discrete location to enjoy its dinner. Loess Bluff NWR.
A female Hooded Merganser with a fish at Mullet Pond, Huntington Beach State Park. That crest is unmistakable.
Black Bellied Plover. Name implies black bellies all year round but as it turns out they are only black during breeding season - to my surprise.
A Red-necked Grebe delivers a fish to its eager chick. Feeding time is chaotic every single time.
A mute swan family in Wichita, KS. This pair lost two broods to predators and harsh weather before finally moving on — I like to think some of the swans I see now are their offspring.
A male Hooded Merganser drifting on still water in Wake County, NC. His reflection was almost as sharp as he was.
An eagle soars high above Coralville, IA, scanning the water below for its next meal.
A kingbird lands right on a Great Horned Owl to drive it out of its territory. Small bird, huge attitude.
An Ibis is standing in the first light of the day at Mullet Pond. The bird is located on the shore of the pond, with the calm water and surrounding vegetation visible in the background. Its distinctive long, curved beak and long legs are visible, along with its white feathers. The bird stands with a serene and peaceful demeanor, soaking in the beauty of the morning.
In this poignant photo, a lone great egret is seen at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm rookery where all the other birds have found mates. The egret spent most of its time dancing and displaying its plumes, hoping to attract a mate of its own. I hoped to capture the beauty and grace of the egret in stunning detail, with the bird's white feathers and delicate plumes on full display against the soft greenery of the rookery, a quiet reminder that not every story ends the way we hope, but the beauty of the effort remains.
This photo captures the distinct and fiery personality of a snowy egret, with its feathers all ruffled and on full display.
An osprey is seen jetting by at Lake Cypress in Florida, where these magnificent birds build their nests and care for their young. The osprey's powerful wings are outstretched, with its sharp talons ready to grasp its next meal.
In this stunning image, a vibrant Red-breasted Merganser glides gracefully over crystal-clear blue waters, basking in the warm glow of sunlight. The bird's striking red breast and intricate feather patterns are illuminated by the golden rays, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the serene blue backdrop. With its sleek body and pointed bill, the merganser exudes elegance as it navigates the calm waters with ease. This tranquil scene captures the essence of coastal beauty, offering a moment of peaceful serenity amidst the natural splendor of the ocean environment.
In this photo, an ibis is seen flying near the end of the day at the Rookery in St. Augustine, FL. The bird's graceful flight is a true spectacle, with its long beak and unique features on full display against the warming sky. The ibis is hoping to find shelter and food as the day comes to a close, and the photo is a reminder of the importance of rest and renewal after a long day.
An eagle is seen devouring a fish mid-flight, with its sharp talons dangling as it soars high above the ground. The bird's powerful beak and piercing eyes are on full display, revealing the strength and determination that are synonymous with these majestic creatures. After finishing its meal, the eagle begins looking for its next target, ever watchful over its territory.
This photo captures the striking beauty of a short-eared owl as it begins its hunting at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. The bird's large eyes are fixed on me, with its wings outstretched as it floats across the sky. The sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the scene and highlighting the intricate details of the bird's distinctive plumage.
The changing light creates such interesting colors on a pond in Wake County, NC as the Hooded Merganser floats along.
In this striking photo, a female Hooded Merganser is captured staring straight at the camera with its unique 'hair' on full display, appearing like a mohawk. The Hooded Merganser's distinctive head crest is fully extended, its piercing yellow eyes are directed straight at the camera, as if to hold the viewer's attention. The photo offers a fun and playful glimpse into the personality of this striking little diving duck.
This photo captures the beauty and elegance of a juvenile roseate spoonbill as it preens its feathers in St. Augustine, FL. The bird's distinctive pink plumage and unique features are on full display, highlighting the captivating spirit and intricate beauty of this magnificent creature.
In this photo, a tundra swan is either bathing or playing. I tend to think they are playing with these joyous expressions on their faces.
A short-eared owl is seen taking a break from its hunting near the end of the day, perching gracefully on a woodpost at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The owl's striking features and distinctive markings are on full display, with its piercing eyes and hooked beak adding to the sense of intrigue and wonder.
An eagle snatches a fish from the Iowa River, talons locked and wings still fighting for lift.
Tundra Swans fly in join the others at the Pungo Unit of the Pocossin Lakes NWR near Mantego, NC.
A loon stretches its wings near sunset near Annadale, MN.
A Bald Eagle banking in flight over Coralville, IA. Clean side profile shots like this don't come easy.
A Black Skimmer slices through the water in Wilmington, NC, that oversized lower mandible doing exactly what it's built for.
A loon and its chick, silhouetted in the early morning glow. Simple shapes, warm light — sometimes that's all you need.
A Common Merganser with a fresh catch, reflection cutting a perfect line across the water.
A Barred Owl landed near me at Cheney Lake, KS, just as the sun started to set. Total chance encounter.
The morning sky is filled with Snow Geese at Loess Bluff NWR in MO.
An eagle strikes the water, wings up and talons out. Timing a shot like this is mostly luck.
An eared grebe catches a fish on Lake Afton, KS. This is a rare capture because Grebes tend to eat their food under water.
Tundra Swans resting on foggy water at Loess Bluff NWR, MO. Barely visible until they moved.
A flock of pelicans laid over in Kansas on their way to the Gulf, wrapped in morning fog.
As mating season nears, mallard drakes get aggressive — here one chases a hen across the water.
A Sandpiper searching for food along the edge of the Atlantic at Huntington Beach. Always on the move, these little guys.
You have to admire the stare of a Short Eared Owl. This photo was taken in Quivira NWR near Stafford, KS.
