Right of Way
Just as the sun began spilling across the flats of Grand Teton, this magnificent bull moose appeared. He moved with purpose—strong, confident and completely aware that this was his turf.
We respectfully gave him the right-of-way. The look on his face seemed to say, Small human, you really don't want to challenge me on this one.
We didn't.
EXHILARATION
FISH ON! - With a freshly caught fish in its talons, this magnificent Osprey treated us to several breathtaking passes, its powerful wings stretched wide and water still dripping from its catch. Every turn offered another glimpse of its strength, precision, and wild beauty. A thrilling encounter made even more memorable by the generosity of a fellow photographer who shared this special place.
FIND YOUR OWN BREAKFAST - Caught it. Claimed it. Kindly find your own breakfast. This American Oystercatcher carried its prize along the beach with a wonderfully purposeful stride.
AN AMBITIOUS BREAKFAST - My first Anhinga, and she did not disappoint. With a fish that looked more like a prize than a meal, she spent nearly 30 minutes flipping, pausing, and patiently working out how to swallow her ambitious breakfast.
IN A FLASH - A flash of blue, a sweep of wings, and a Belted Kingfisher suspended against the green. Catching that fleeting moment was its own little rush.
THE PROPERTY LINE - Good fences make good neighbors—even when the fence is invisible. These two Black Skimmers took their disagreement into the air, apparently disputing their little piece of beach.
JUST SKIMMING - Wings stretched wide and bill tracing the water, this Black Skimmer swept past in a low, graceful glide. I could have watched that beautiful precision all morning.
MAGIC MORNING - A glowing sunrise, the sound of the ocean, and Black Skimmers sweeping across the morning sky. Some mornings are worth getting up ridiculously early for.
WING WAVE - When I first arrived in Florida, this handsome Brown Pelican seemed to give me a welcome wing wave. Really, it was a beautifully banked turn, lining up for the next dive—and the next meal.
BIG MEAL PLAN - Big plans, bigger problem. With claws and legs everywhere, this Great Egret had quite a meal to maneuver. Grip, flip, adjust—dinner was becoming a full-body project.
MORNING STRETCH - This Green Heron tackled a hard-to-reach spot with a level of flexibility I can only admire from a safe distance. Whatever this move is called, I pulled a muscle just watching.
A RUSH THROUGH THE MIST - Fog, feathers, and plenty of missed shots—then these Hooded Mergansers swept through the mist. Birds in flight still keep me learning, but catching a sharp frame makes me downright giddy.
PINK IN MOTION - A sweep of pink wings, a trailing spoon-shaped bill, and a Roseate Spoonbill caught in motion. Such an extraordinary bird, made even more striking by that fleeting burst of color.
SOMETHING SWEET - For one perfect moment, the world was sunshine, scarlet blossoms, and a Ruby-throated Hummingbird hovering for something sweet. Tiny wings, endless fascination.
HEATED AERIAL DISCUSSION - “I told you—I wanted a nest with an ocean view!” These Tree Swallows took their negotiations into the air. Location, location, location.