Approaching slowly on my belly, the tip of my lens just barely clears the foliage to see his tiny lek.

The orange-collared manakin’s display movements were so erratic, I kept my view on one perch, hoping he would return for one instant. Voilà!

#birds #birding #costarica #wildlife #photography

I have been YEARNING for a good camping trip in AZ sky islands lately. Reminds me of this board-billed hummingbird we saw in Madera Canyon.

#birds #birding #photography #nature #wildlife #arizona #hummingbirds

In Zion National Park, we saw what appeared to be a fluffy Christmas tree ornament. In fact, it was norther pygmy owl!

He sat and posed silently for a while on the upper emerald pool trail.

#birds #birding #photography #utah #nature #wildlife

Another throwback to Costa Rica last March. The scarlet-rumped tanagers had the deepest, darkest black I’ve ever seen on a bird.

Watching this one bathe in a stream was a rare moment of privacy in their otherwise very social lives.

#birds #wildlife #photography #costarica #birding #nature

The “world famous thrasher spot” is an awfully lofty name for a dumpy intersection in the middle of nowhere to live up to. But it delivered!

Bendire’s thrasher was such a treat to finally see. He loved to hide and softly sing his complex song.

#birds #nature #wildlife #photography #arizona

This keel-billed toucan deftly uses its enormous bill to pick small fruits!

A throwback to my unforgettable trip to Costa Rica last March.

#birds #nature #photography #costarica

This adorable rock wren fearlessly hopped right up to us this morning. The old Gillespie damn on the Gila River is a little out of the way, but offers a nice mix of riparian, grassland, and desert scrub habitat in Arizona.

#birds #photography #arizona #nature

Why do dippers dip? Maybe because it makes birders so happy! After a difficult week, it’s nice to appreciate such a cheerful bird.

If you look closely, you’ll see his little white eyelid when he blinks.

#birds #nature #arizona #videography #video

What a surprise! Right outside my door is a red-naped sapsucker. The gila woodpeckers that normally rule the roost here were NOT happy to see him 😂

Still working on my manual photography. This one came out well, but I can still do better!

#birds #photography #nature #arizona

A mist-covered desert is uniquely forlorn.

Throwback to January 2023. On my commute I would see the tops of the McDowell Mountains covered by low winter rain clouds. I resolved to get inside one at the next opportunity.

#nature #arizona #landscape #photography

The Hassayampa River Preserve is a truly serine place. Thankful to see a new lifer there with my family, Plumbeous Vireo.

I’ve been trying to improve my skills at manual photography and focus. I’m so pleased to get this shot with such a skittish little guy!

#birds #arizona #photography #nature