The Tiger Beetle

Found these beautiful, but scary ferocious and carnivorous Tiger Beetles on the floor of the woods in Pauling's Farm in Valley Forge today.

Look at the Jaws on the Tiger Beetle

He was not the least bit intimidated my my presence

Sanctuary City

The little wood duck (in front) was all alone as I entered the trail where he was wading in the stream. He quickly climbed up the bank and joined the very welcoming Canada Geese family at John Heinz National Wildlife Federation

Momma Coyote - But not the Pups

My friend and wonderful photographer Christian Hunhold published a beautiful photograph of one of the coyote pups in Valley Forge yesterday.  It was so good I made him promise to take me to where he had found them as I have not seen any of the coyotes for a good month.  We went to the location today and waited and waited and waited.  I was inspecting little bugs on grass stalks and just looked up for a minute and there was Momma on the ridge overlooking Christian and me.  She was as relaxed as she could be, but we could tell she was a little annoyed that we had interrupted her plans with the babes.  They did not make an appearance.  It was still a thrill to see her.  And here she is for your viewing pleasure:  (Click that old girl for a better look.)

Brunch in the Brush

Momma Redwing Blackbird sharing a little morsel with the babe.

Photo Shoot with Yumiko the Kono

Beautiful Orange Jumping Spider in Valley Forge Today

Who are You?

Photo Shoot in the Rain with the Dazzling Goslings

"Hey, you look just like me."

"You know there's a lady taking our picture."

"Hey, you want to be my friend?"

"Woah there.  You don't have to be my friend"

"Let's jump over this pipe."

The Body Guards

So Sleepy

Snoring

Chipmunk Hiding in the Light

More of the Goslings and the Geese

The Gosling and the May Fly

This is a True Story

Yesterday as I was searching for the little baby owlet in Valley Forge I was walking down the path carrying my camera and tripod when a Mamma Carolina Wren came flying my way with three brand newly fledged babies.  One of the babies was a little confused and landed on my tripod leg as I was holding it.  I gently put the tripod down and the baby jumped on my leg.  She looked up at me and could tell I was not her mamma.  I looked down and said hello and she looked surprised and then flew off.  I followed the little family and was able to get a not so good shot of the Mamma telling the baby not to do that again.  Oh how I love this time of year.

Oh My

This little great horned owlet has a little handkerchief she is holding up to her mouth as a shy gesture - you will need to expand photo to see the hanky.  After a minute she flew off and landed high in a dead tree.  Little peanut is just getting her wings.

Julie, Peter, Anna, Alex, Abby, Avery and Claire come for a Visit!!

Aunt Julie Discussing Life with Claire while Alex, Abby look on and Avery pulls for attention

We had a wonderful time last night with all the little Riley's.  Check it out:

Alex and Claire

Claire

Tango and Claire (Uh oh)

Julie, Alex, Abby, Claire and Avery

Anna, Peter and Claire

Avery

Anna, Peter and Claire

The Whole Crew