Great Horned Owl The Great Horned Owl is one of the largest owl species in the Americas. One of the most noticeable features are the large tufts that resemble ears, but they are not ears.
Gulf fritillary Butterfly en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_fritillary The Gulf fritillary or passion butterfly (Dione vanillae) is a bright orange butterfly in the subfamily Heliconiinae of the family Nymphalidae. The Heliconiinae are "longwing butterflies", which have long, narrow wings compared to other butterflies. They are most commonly found in Florida and Texas, but this one was seen in a garden in Franklin, TN.
Dwarf Caiman This picture was used on my blog here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/03/green-stuff-for-st-patri...
Prarie Dog at the Knoxville Zoo Sometimes, I wonder why zoos go to the trouble of building displays for common animals, like both the Knoxville and Chattanooga zoos have done for the prarie dog. Then, I remember that I've never gotten a photo this good of a prarie dog in the wild.
Great Egret This common wading bird is seen in Florida.
Nashville Zoo: new Gibbon Mother & Baby Male One of the featured animal exhibits at the Nashville Zoo is Gibbon Island, home to several white-cheeked gibbons. On June 5th, Singwah the gibbon gave birth to the first white-cheeked gibbon to be born at the Nashville Zoo. For the first several weeks after the birth, zoo staff kept them off exhibit for monitoring and bonding time. The family made their public debut together on July 5th. For more info: www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/white-cheeked-gibbon-...
Dolphins are awesome. I only saw one school of Dolphins on a recent trip to Fort Walton Beach, but they made it worthwhile. "On the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much—the wheel, New York, wars and so on—whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man—for precisely the same reasons.” ― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Albino Wallaby with Joey - Kentucky Down Under Apparently, Albino's aren't particularly as rare as in other species. However, in the wild, they don't live as long as the ones in captivity, protected without predators. They are most easily found at Bruny Island off the coast of Tasmania. This female wallaby with a Joey in the pouch is seen at Kentucky Down Under. They are located in the Animal Encounter exhibit where humans can walk among the animals. Any of the animals here can retreat to a place where humans can't get to them. However, this one was not in the mood to be petted. Kentucky Down Under started as Mammoth Onyx Cave, one of several tourist caves in Kentucky. In the 1970s, they started adding animals to distinguish from other nearby caves. Soon after, they focused on Australian animals, such that Down Under had the double meaning of Australia is down under plus Caves also being underground.
Goliath Beetle specimen as seen at the 2007 TN state Fair, luckily in a display case.
Baby Chimpanzee George - Knoxville Zoo One of the cutest thinkgs about the baby chimp is he had his own stuffed toy chimpanzee that he carried around with him often. The Knoxville Zoo has a blog about George growing up: www.chimpfamilychronicles.blogspot.com/
Clouded Leopard - Nashville Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clouded_leopard
Sea anemones The Sea Anemone is usually not something you think of as an animal, much less would you think of them as animals you would look for at the zoo. They are indeed an animal, albeit one of the least intelligent ones, down at the bottom of the bioligists chart with the sponges. They live by hoping prey will happen to swim by, which can be stung by the tentacles, which will paralize the prey with a toxin with the hopes that it will then proceed directly into the mouth. Instead of renting expensive scuba gear and underwater camera equipment, I went to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere inside the building. While you may have never noticed them before, the Sea Anemones are there with the fish, snakes, and amphibians.
Bali Myna - Only a few of these in the world! Bali Myna Leucopsar rothschildi Range: Limited to the island of Bali in Indonesia. There are only a few of these critically endangered birds left in the wild. They have been on the brink of extinction since the early 90s. Illegal capture for the pet trade is the primary reason for the decline. at one time, my title was "only 6 in the world" because that is what the zoo said. However, I found more than 6 on flickr. Thanks to everybody. This picture has made Flickr Explore, peaking at #349 but now hovering in the low 350's
Flamingo pretends to be an Ostrich It's not really true that an ostrich would bury its head, but this flamingo is doing it anyway. I hope it found something tasty to eat. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.socialstartups.com/2008/08/09/opus-writing-contd/ Opus writing, cont’d
Flamingo aplenty
Gray Flamingo As seen at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, DC
Garglegarglegarglegargle This fella was taking a drink at the Penguin exhibit at the baltimore zoo.
red bird I wish I could tell you what kind of bird this is, but alas, I do not know. it may be a Scarlet Ibis.
bird at the DC zoo If anyone knows what type of bird this is, please share. :)
Fairy Bluebird - Irena Puella would have been perfect except for the leaf in the way.
Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle At the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC
Golden-Breasted Starling - Cosmopsarus Regius
Little Blue Heron - Egretta Caerulea
Preening At the National Zoo in Washington DC Best I remember, these shared space with the Sea Lions, or maybe they just flew on in.
Canadian Geese in Flight This was at Percy Priest Lake near the dam
Goose at Old Hickory Lake My wife and I went to feed the ducks at Percy Priest Dam. This is the first HDR image I've loaded onto flickr - You have to really really hope that the critter stays still long enough. This one did. See the Before and After HDR here.
Nashville Waterfowl This Muscovy Duck was near the Percy Priest Dam. I like the red face, because it looks like a superhero mask.
Red-faced Muscovy Duck I always think of it as the duck with a superhero mask. This one was swimming at the base of Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Al.
Get all your ducks in a row. These three waterfowl were having a good day at Lake Watauga in Centennial Park.
Duck Fight! These two were going at it by the fence. This is at the barnyard section at the National Zoo in Washington DC
Quiet. Ducks sleeping. A popular hangout for many waterfowl, this is by Percy Priest Dam.
Four Geese at Four Corners These Waterfowl were taking a stroll at the Four Corners Marina on Percy Priest Lake
Waterfowl at the Point Seen at the three rivers point in Pittsburgh, PA.
Knows where the food really comes from Hello to anyone who found this picture from the Russlings blog. This was a hungry but smart goat. When nobody had bought 25 cents worth of goat feed, this guy tried to bypass the humans and directly lick the inside of the machine. If you view larger, you can barely see the goats tounge. This picture was taken at the Tennesse State Fair in 2005. This was a petting zoo exhibit that was set up.
First trip to the petting zoo I don't know this girl or her father, but they happened to be at the goat petting zoo at the Baltimore Zoo the same time we were there. Hello to anyone who found this here: allwomenstalk.com/top-10-activities-with-your-infant/ Top 10 activities with your infant …
IMG_4263 This picture has been put onto flickr specifically for the purpose of being used on my website. in the meantime, enjoy this picture. My website can be found Here.
Barnyard animals 2006 Williamson County Fair
Goat Race 2006 Williamson County Fair
Baby Pot-bellied Pig race 2006 Williamson County Fair Hello to anyone who found this here: pathwithpaws.com/blog/2009/02/14/kingsford-the-pot-belly-... or here, in a blog post about Swine Flu: floradrury.wordpress.com/2009/04/29/are-pigs-really-going... or here: lexieswing.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/le-cochon-nain-un-nac...
Tennessee State Fair - Diving Pig This diving pig was from the "Randall's Racing Pigs" show held at the Tennessee State Fair in Nashville this past september. Hello to anyone who found this on Nashvillest nashvillest.com/2009/04/30/happy-hour-everybody-panic-etc/ or here: clouda9-knows.blogspot.com/2009/08/come-to-community-fair...
family of pigs, Toledo Zoo We weren't allowed to take one, but we wanted to.
Sheep at Grassmere one of the animals at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere's petting zoo area This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Nashville. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE.
Resting camel at State Fair Petting Zoo This camel got up soon after when Carrots were brought to snack on. Tennessee State Fair at the Nashville Fairgrounds in 2005.
TN State Fair Llama The TN State Fair at the Nashville Fairgrounds had a Petting Zoo. This Llama, horses, camels, pigs, goats and rabbits were there also.
Brown Alpaca 2006 Williamson County Fair in the petting zoo. I always wonder how these guys can see, but I guess they're used to it.
Horse in the petting zoo 2006 Williamson County Fair
IMG_4097 This picture has been put onto flickr specifically for the purpose of being used on my website. in the meantime, enjoy this picture. My website can be found Here.
This cow has an itch... This cow has an itch, but was embarrassed when she saw me taking her picture. I saw this one day when I was driving just off of Highway 41A in Bedford County, Tennessee
Scimitar-Horned Oryx - Oryx Dammah National Zoo in DC
Grassmere Bongo This Bongo is one of the Animals at Grassmere (Nashville Zoo) This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Nashville. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE.
Dracula Deer Dracula Deer, so called because of their fangs and pointy ears, Sometimes known as Muntjac. These were at the Warner Park Zoo in Chattanooga, TN This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Chattanooga. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE.
Rock City's White Deer These are the only animals in Rock City, but they fit so well as they are an oddity you are not likely to see anywhere else. Sequoyah Caverns claims to have them, too, but I didn't see any there. This photo is featured in my Rock City Barn blog post HERE
Hippo is done in the pool National zoo in washington dc
The face of a hippo Washington D.C. Zoo
Washington DC Zoo Lion This was taken in the summer of 2005 at the National Zoo.
Lookout Mountain Lion This lion female is at the southern end of Lookout Mountain at the zoo at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Al. She was sleeping when I walked up to the outer fence fence. My camera makes a quiet bark sound when a picture is taken, and that sound got her attention. I should also note that this might be about the best results I've had using manual focus.
Walking in step An elephant and a caretaker at the Baltimore Zoo go on a walk.
Baltimore Zoo Elephant
Giraffe at the National Zoo in D.C. If you look closely, you can see some tongue.
Alaska, The Baltimore Zoo Polar Bear In my opinion, the best exhibit at the Baltimore Zoo is the Polar Bears. They can be viewed safely from inside an air-conditioned arctic expedition vehicle. This is Alaska, the female. Her daily routine is to come out of the water, sratch her back with the tree above her, and then nap here.
Monkeys at the Warner Park Zoo Chattanooga, TN
Golden Tamarind National Zoo in DC
Tree Kangaroo. Pittsburgh Zoo. This cute fella is at the Highliand Park Zoo in Pittsburgh. I can't think of ever seeing an animal that looked as much like a stuffed animal as this one did.
Sleeping Capybara first thought: Speak! This guy is at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC. Capybara is the largest rodent species. Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.phillyist.com/archives/2007/05/10/whiz_of_the_web_306... or here: vetenskap-forskning.blogspot.com/2007/01/kapybara-r-vrlde...
in the Small Mammal house at the National Zoo in D.C. Thanks to Marsha for reminding me that this is a Rock Hyrax, and not a beaver as suggested by others
Red-Ruffed Lemur
Bad day at the Office Meerkat at the Grassmere Nashville zoo. Hello to anyone who found this photo at DIYLIFE blog: www.diylife.com/2008/02/21/50-ways-to-make-a-bad-day-better/ or here: fuzzyslowmo.blogspot.com/2008/07/meerkat-madness-photos-f... or here: www.teachmychildrenwell.com/2009/01/07/a-mothers-guilt/ or here on Nashvillest: nashvillest.com/2009/04/10/photo-of-the-day-april-10-2009... or here: scienceray.com/biology/zoology/compare-the-meerkat-for-real/
Cute Rodent I forgot the specific name of this thing; it's something like an anteater rat
Centennial Park Squirrel
Xtreme K-9's The Long-jumping Canine also caught a frisby tossed by the guy on the left, while sailing over the volunteer from the audience. This was one of the shows at the 2006 Williamson County Fair
Nashville's Dog Park A place for all the dogs of Nashville to roam and play. This is at Warner Park (I always forget which is which). My little dachshund would be trampled by these, but they are still fun to watch. 15 years ago, I had a high school class picnic on this field Hello to anyone who found this here: www.blisstree.com/articles/top-ten-dog-parks-in-the-u-s/ Top Ten Dog Parks in the U.S. or here: www.uptake.com/blog/family_vacations/arizona-bark-parks_6... Arizona Bark Parks
Pet Dachshund, Slinkie This is our pet Dachshund, Slinkie. Our vet might say she's a genetic mess, but we wouldn't trade her for any other dog. She is nice to our pet rabbits also. hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.igsearch.jp/i/?id=91348474 or here: www.ozlady.com/2006/02/02/happy-year-of-the-dog/ or here: carlhernz.com/blog/?p=32 or here: current.pic.tv/2009/03/27/choosing-a-family-pet/ Choosing a Family Pet! or here: www.relocation.com/blog/how-to-help-your-pet-get-comforta... How to Help Your Pet Get Comfortable In Its New Home or here: www.ecoblog.it/post/9969/referendum-in-svizzera-vincono-i... Or at the Bay area's eye on blogs: cbslocalblogs.prospero.com/kpix_eyeonblogs?entry=8224 Best Place to Adopt Your New Pet or here: www.unbossed.com/index.php?itemid=2818 or here: think.hotnews.ro/o-treime-dintre-femeile-din-sua-cred-ca-... or here: thefutureisred.typepad.com/onedayatatime/2010/06/what-is-... The Meaning of Dog: Does A Pet Signal the End Of Your Travel Days? or here: blog.villasatvalleyranchapts.com/go-green/go-green-with-y... Go green with your pet care or here: etcblog.collectionsetc.com/2010/06/18/summer-care-tips-fo... Summer Care Tips for Your Pets or here: cofarmbureaublog.wordpress.com/2010/07/12/san-francisco-c... San Francisco Considering Banning the Sale of Pets or here: stephencuyos.com/10-photos-of-eyes-that-make-you-say-awww/ 10 Photos of Eyes That Make You Say Awww or here: blog.avalondublinstation.com/apartment-living/have-a-ques...
Stuck in a sleeve "Help me out!" I leave my dog Slinkie alone for 5 minutes, and she manages to get stuck in the sleeve of a robe. She couldn't back out and she tried to keep moving forward, but that just got her more stuck. I took a quick picture and then rescued her. Then, she walked off to chew a bone like nothing had happened.
Leaving the dog park. This was the look of our pet Dachshund Slinkie after we left the Centennial Park's Small Dog Park. She was having so much fun. This picture was used on an Israeli website: style.shox.co.il/ART1/487/435.html I wish I knew someone that can read Hebrew who could translate it for me. And then I found it on this site in Japanese: www.igsearch.jp/i/?id=111219872
Friends. Although you may not expect it, our pet dachshund and our pet rabbit actually get along and play together! (but if the dog starts acting like a dog, my wife is there to make sure they behave!) The Wienie dog is named Slinkie and the white rabbit is named Ifurry. They both like it when Slinkie licks Ifurry's ears.
Ebunny is looking at you There he is, on my shoulder. He knows you're watching. He knows what you are thinking. This is my pet dwarf rabbit named Ebunny
"Ebunny and Ifurry" - When pet names become puns These are my pet rabbits. Ebunny is the black one and Ifurry is the white one. (Think of the Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder duet of the 80s)
Pet bunny kisses my wife My rabbit Ifurry is trying to kiss my wife, MariLynn. Should I be jealous?
"I Know I Look Cute" Our bunnies like to climb to the top of the couch and pose for the camera, as Ifurry is doing here.
One of these rabbits isn't real - eBunny & Ifurry for christmas last year, I decorated a couble of fake plush bunnies to look like our actual bunnies, ebunny and Ifurry. The Ifurry clone is pictured. This is one of my most viewed pictures, but I'm not quite sure why.
rabbit at the 2006 Williamson County Fair
Creepy Rabbit Those rabbits with the red eyes have always looked creepy. This one was at the 2006 Williamson County Fair
Rabbit at the 2006 Williamson County Fair It was a hot day, but this fella had the best seat in the house: right next to the fan
IMG_4112 Rabbit at the TN State Fair in 2005
pet Sugar Glider This is my friend's pet sugar glider perched on my wife's shoulder This Photo has made Flickr Explore peaking at position# 371. It's also my 22nd photo to get to 1000 views. Yipee! Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.spontaneousderivation.com/2008/03/20/sugar-gliders-no... or here: www.thefoodbowl.com/pet-photo-of-the-week-what-is-it Pet Photo of the Week: What Is It? www.thefoodbowl.com/what-was-it-a-sugar-glider What Was It? A Sugar Glider! Or here on the Italian blog ecoblog.it www.ecoblog.it/post/6737/il-petauro-dello-zucchero-conqui... or here: www.zooing.net/archives/フクロモモンガ or here: therealowner.com/exotic-unusual/the-sugar-glider-is-a-rea...
Myrtle the Turtle This is a box turtle that my wife rescued off the street one rainy afternoon. We were hoping he would open up to us, but when we took him to Mill Creek to be free, he quickly swam away from what he must have thought were his evil captors. This photo was used by the Stockton,CA public library HERE. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.rocketboom.com/turtles/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tennessee-secrets/ 15 Amazing Tennessee Secrets You Never Knew Existed or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/funny-tn-facts/
Baltimore Zoo toad You'll get warts by just looking at this toad. :) Hello to anyone who found this on the Schmap Baltimore Guide: www.schmap.com/baltimore/sights_zoos/#r=none&mapview=...
Warner Park Snake here is a snake I saw at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. If you know something about snakes and view the large size, can you tell me what type of snake this is? One person told me it was a Copperhead but someone else told me it was a rat snake.
The Largest Millipede I have ever seen I saw it today on the nature trail to Greeter Falls. It was about 3 inches long.
Hibernation Illuminated only by the light from the tour guide, this young bat had been here all winter. This was seen on our tour of the Raccoon Mountain Cavern in Chattanooga, TN
Highland Park Zoo Giraffe
Dead Tree This was seen out in the Marrowbone Lake area in the Northwest Corner of Davidson County.
2900 Now that I have loaded 200 photos, this one is listed as least Interesting!
Looking down from Lookout mountain the spot that I am standing is scheduled to be someones property, but no home is built yet, and I wanted to take advantage of the observation spot. Part of Lookout Mountain is in the foreground and faw away is Mountain Cove Farm. If you look really close, you can see some black cows in the distance.
Violaters will be Cited to Court!!! Now here is a spot that you likely haven't been to. This is the sign at the entrance to the Natural Bridge Park on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. If you have driven to Point Park or Rock City, there is a good chance you have driven right by this place. Apparently, in the 1910s, this was one of the post popular places on lookout mountain, but now the overgrowth has made anyone who stumbles across it uninviting. There's also something about a cult in its history, but I don't know much about it.
Covenant College This picture was taken many years ago. Covenant College on Lookout Mountain
Downtown Cincinnati Park Hello to anyone who found this photo here: www.wine-girl.net/2008/05/cincinnati-feat.html Cincinnati Featured Wine Events 5/9 - 5/15 or here: thecincinnatiman.com/2009/07/rock-internet-scissors/
Waterfall at Marrowbone Lake In the 1930s Marrowbone lake was formed when a small dam was built upriver a few feet from this waterfall. This area is maintained by the TN fish and wildlife dept. to the right of this waterfall is a short but steep trail that'll take you to a good fishing spot. This is in Northwest Davidson county, just off the Clarksville Hwy. This photo has been included in the Schmap Travel Guide for Nashville. You have to download the Schmap player to see it. More information can be found HERE.
Lula Falls on Lookout Mountain Can you see the two people at the bottom? One of Nature's best treasures in the Chattanooga area For more info: lulalake.org
Washington D.C. Zoo Lilypads This picture was used on my blog here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/03/green-stuff-for-st-patri...
Camel in the Petting Zoo at the 2006 Wilson County Fair
Pig in the 4-H booth at the 2006 Wilson County Fair
IMG_6222-1 in the Poultry barn at the 2006 Wilson County Fair
1st pig race The yellow pig was slow out of the gate. The winner gets a cheese doodle. 2006 Wilson County Fair
Petting Zoo animal at the 2006 Wilson County Fair. My mind has drawn a blank and I forgot what this is. An ox or a yak or a water buffalo or something?
Horse Currently not on duty at the "horse-made" Ice Cream stand in the Frontier Village at the 2006 Wilson County Fair
Kangaroo Located at the Petting zoo at the 2006 Wilson County Fair. It was inside an inner fence, so you couldn't pet it. A porcupine was its neighbor. Hello to anyone who found this here: quezi.com/2619 Why is a blatantly unfair legal proceeding called a kangaroo court?
Sleeping goats 2006 Wilson County Fair
Row of sleeping goats 2006 Wilson County Fair
Show Goat 2006 Wilson County Fair
What are you looking at? Said by the friendly neighborhood praying mantis. This picture was used on my blog here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/03/green-stuff-for-st-patri...
Crocodile at Noccalula Falls Park in the park's small zoo in Gadsden, AL. He didn't move much, as crocs are prone to do.
Sequoyah Cavern Sheep part of the advertisement for the Dekalb County tourist attraction was to see sheep. I suppose I was expecting more of a zoo like setting, but these guys looked more like pets. They were used to people and friendly to all the visitors. This photo is featured in my Rock City Barn blog post HERE
White Horse At the Noccalula Falls park zoo atop the southern end of Lookout Mtn. in Gadsden, Al.
IMG_7766
the pigeons on Broadway
Valentine's Rose #1 I really have no gameplan for what I am trying to accomplish here. I'm just having fun with the camera. Isn't that what it's all about? And, my wife thought it was romantic. :)
Valentine Rose #2 I really have no gameplan for what I am trying to accomplish here. I'm just having fun with the camera. Isn't that what it's all about? That, and I'm too lazy to remove the swirly light.
Valentine Rose #3 I really have no gameplan for what I am trying to accomplish here. I'm just having fun with the camera. Isn't that what it's all about? And, my wife thought it was romantic. :)
Valentine Rose #4 I really have no gameplan for what I am trying to accomplish here. I'm just having fun with the camera. Isn't that what it's all about? And, my wife thought it was romantic. :)
Urban Groundhog At least I think it's a ground hog. When I took this picture, the land was owned by the peterbilt semitruck property at I-24 ahd Haywood Lane. He or She lived here for a couple of years, and I used to drive past this daily. This is at the corner of Haywood Ln and Antioch Pk.
Closer...closer... at the Washington DC National Zoo. This picture was used on my blog here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/03/green-stuff-for-st-patri...
Monarch Butterfly Seen at Gregory Mill Dam Park in Smyrna.
Honk!
A heron catches a fish
Mallard in the grass This picture was used on my blog here: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2008/03/green-stuff-for-st-patri...
Wild Turkey
Bumblebee
The closest I've come to a Heron at the Old Hickory Dam on the Cumberland River in Nashville
buuterfly #1 Black / red / white
Pufferfish - Chattanooga Aquarium
Butterfly #2 - Black / Orange / white
Butterfly #3 Bluie / black
Butterfly #4 Orange
Butterfly #5 Black & Orange
Butterfly #6 orange
Butterfly #7
A blue Hyacinth Macaw eats a nut at the Chattanooga Aquarium
Butterfly #8 - Black & White
The snowy egret watches... at the Chattanooga aquarium.
What are you Lookin At? 2007 TN State Fair - poultry barn
Frog in the pool skimmer basket They told us to watch out for snakes. this was a fun discovery. He hopped away to freedom.
Turkeys My turkey pictures just aren't that good, however. Created with fd's Flickr Toys. The more I look at the picture on the top right, it's just begging for a speech balloon, so you can add "Gobble gobble" or "Eat more cow" or some other message.
Butterfly
Black / red / white butterfly
Turtle at the state fair At the Petting Zoo at the state fair. You weren't allowed to pet it.
Northern Shoveler - seen down south A duck, or some other kind of waterfowl, I saw the last time I was at Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville. I don't think I've ever seen one with these colors around here.
American Black Vulture Waiting for me to drive off so that it could continue picking at the roadkill with his buddies. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Black_Vulture
Washington D.C. Zoo lioness This is probably obvious, but taken with a long zoom
Alligator at least I think it's an Alligator. At the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga
2008 Valentine Rose 1 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them
2008 Valentine Rose 2 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them
2008 Valentine Rose 3 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them
2008 Valentine Rose 4 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them
2008 Valentine Rose 5 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them
2008 Valentine Rose 6 I did what any good flickr user would do on Valentine's day and bought gemini roses for my wife and later on spent an hour photographing them. I don't have any specialty flashes for My Canon S5, but I look for strange ways to improvise. The rose was in an all dark room. Supermacro mode, f/8.0 with 6 second exposure and a "paint with light" techinque. I had a flashlight in my hand to move around an illuminate all sides in the 6 seconds.
Pink tulip Centennial Park sunken garden
A duck I saw at Centennial Park I like waterfowl, but I'm not good at identifying them. :( I'm not sure I had seen a black and white one like this one before. Lake Watauga, Centennial Park, Nashville, TN
Grasshopper
Hungry snail Snail munching on some greenery. seen at Rock Island state park, TN
Mushroom Macro I saw a huge mushroom growing in the front yard, so I had to take a picture of it. My favorite view was from underneath. I'm completely using natural light.
Female Mallard I love ducks and other waterfowl. Seen at Percy Priest Lake close to the dam
Waterfowl If a mallard had to fight off a sneeze, this is what it would look like
Nap time It's time for a dose of cute overload. This family of young ducks were for the most part sleeping until a few seconds after this shot when two young boys ran up to them to see them, which prompted the baby ducks to hop in the water and swim off.
Duck in the shade I like ducks. They look happy.
Williamson Fair Rabbit 3 Young Himalayan rabbit - has his face scrunched up to the behind of the bigger one.
Williamson Fair Rabbit 2 - Himalayan
Williamson Fair Rabbit 1
What are you looking at? - Sheep version
Poultry 1 I guess all that red stuff is impressive, right?
Poultry 2 Not a horror b-movie monster but something similar to a rooster.
What are you looking at? - Poultry version
Porcupines in the petting zoo but they were behind a double fence and you couldn't pet them.
Feed Me! Petting zoo. (which should really be called Feeding Zoo.)
Ick! Big spiders give me the creeps, but not as much as cave crickets. This one was gross, but still had cool markings I've never seen before. It was hanging from my front porch. (Thank you Canon S5 for the zoom lens) Can anyone by chance identify this spider?
Blue Morning Glory Seen in Logan Co., KY. MariLynn told me this one of her favorite flower photos I've ever taken. I don't think I really have an eye for flower composition.
Walden Farm: Feed a goat Some local families told me Walden Farm was a great place to visit, so I checked it out and there was more to do that I realized there would be. It's on Rock Springs Road outside of Smyrna, TN. One of the things you can do is feed a goat. You buy 25 cents of goat food and put it in the cup and pull on the belt so that it goes all the way to the top where a goat is waiting on it 20 feet away.
Walden Farm: pumpkins There was a large pile of Decorative miniature pumpkins that you could buy at Walden Farm outside of Smyrna, TN. 50 cents each. This picture is currently my desktop background.
The closest I've gotten to a lizard ...before it scampered off.
Mallard Seen at Percy Preist Lake near the dam - Nashville, TN
2 waterfowl at Percy Priest Lake near the dam, Nashville, TN
Urban Flower The Logan Co. KY Chamber of Commerce, located on the Russellville town square had a potted plant outside their doors.
White Horse Seen in Rural Rutherford County
Bell Buckle Goats Seen on Fosterville Rd. I know goats like to climb, but how does one get on top of a hay bale?
Scary bug I'm not a fan of any flying thing that is one half stinger
Yellow / Black dragonfly
Wild Daisies
Albino Deer Seen inside the Montgomery Bell State Park welcome center.
Garden Spider
09 TN State Fair #35: Protective mother goat
Rhinoceros - Knoxville Zoo Southern White Rhinoceros (Cerathotherium simum) www.knoxville-zoo.org/whiterhino.htm
African Elephant - Knoxville Zoo For once, I got to the zoo when it was elephant feeding time and got to see in person the elephant use its trunk to pick up food and then put it in its mouth.
Cheekwood 2 Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 5 Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 6: Tadpoles Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 8: Daffodil Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 9: Color Garden Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 11: Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN The background is one of three ponds.
Cheekwood 12 Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Cheekwood 15 Part of the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in the Bellevue section of Nashville, TN
Crane in the Stones River Murfreesboro, TN - It's the closest I've ever gotten to a crane without it flying off. I guess when you're looking for food, you'll ignore that kind of thing.
Knoxville Zoo Gila Monster more info: www.knoxville-zoo.org/case-studies/115
Bee and Sunflower A photo like this could happen anywhere, I suppose. I happened to be at the Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge when I saw this.
Knoxville Zoo Otters
Water Strider These bugs always amaze me, how they use the surface tension of water to walk on the water and not sink below.
Brown Pigeon I suppose these are common, but I just can't recall seeing one of these before. Downtown Louisville
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly I saw this butterfly enjoying this tree in Wartrace, TN for quite a while. Does anyone know what kind of tree it is? I can't say I've ever noticed this type of butterfly when I saw it. When I think of common butterflies, I think of the Monarch. It's larger and more colorful than a monarch. But, I suppose it's one of those things that you don't notice until you start thinking about it. I've seen a ton of these since this photo was taken. I saw five at at time once.
Sleeping Duck seen at swan lake at Dunbar Cave
Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Seen at Kentucky Down Under, this bird is native to Australia.
Lorikeet feeding at Kentucky Down Under. The guide said if you've ever been somewhere else where you get to feed lorikeets (such as the Nashville Zoo), they probably came to research how at KDU, the first place to offer this attraction.
Crane at Dodson Branch Seen from the Dodson Branch Highway, which is TN135. The highway runs parallel to this scenic creek in Jackson County until the creek connects with the Cumberland River just north of Gainesboro.
Otter, Knoxville zoo
Lorikeets Seen at Kentucky Down Under. The guide said if you've ever been somewhere else where you get to feed lorikeets (such as the Nashville Zoo), they probably came to research how at KDU, the first place to offer this attraction.
Laughing Kookaburra Seen at Kentucky Down Under. This bird is native to Australia and is known for it's distintive call. Is it laughing? see the video!
Muscovy Duck at Percy Priest Lake I've been buying some used equipment here lately for the purpose of owning a real camera (as opposed to the high-end point and shoot that I have been pushing to its limit over the last few years.) The final main piece came in the mail, my telephoto lens, a Sigma 70-300 f4-5.6 DG Macro. I couldn't wait to test it out, even though it was a cloudy day. I figured my best bet was my favorite spot at the lake to feed the ducks - there's always a lot of waterfowl to see there. I really enjoy this lens. Just wait until it's a sunny day!
Waterfowl in Winter: Duck in flight A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl-...
Waterfowl in Winter: Female Mallard in Shallow Water A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl-...
Waterfowl in Winter: The head of a Canadian Goose A couple of days after a big snow and freeze, when the sun came out I went to Percy Priest Lake by the dam. this has been my favorite place to feed the ducks and is now my favorite place to photograph them. Canadian Geese don't seem to be as scared of people as the mallards. They don't run away when I get close. (of course, my new 300mm lens helps.) If you like this type of thing, about 50 of my photos from this day have been posted to my website in the gallery "Waterfowl in Winter" seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/waterfowl...
Bird at the Knoxville Zoo I didn't get the name of it. It's not listed on their website either. It was in the walk-in songbird aviary near the kids cove.
Waterfowl in Spring: Black and White Duck If anyone can identify this breed, I'd appreciate it. A couple of months ago, I went to my favorite spot at the lake (specifically, the spot at Percy Priest Lake near the dam) where all the Waterfowl congregate and I put on my website a set called Waterfowl in Winter. Now, that Spring is upon us, I have gone back to the lake for a continuation of the series. Waterfowl in Spring seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville%2Fwaterfow... If you like this photo, or ducks and geese, check it out!
Waterfowl in Spring: Crested Duck This duck has a poof of hair on top of its head, but only on one side! A couple of months ago, I went to my favorite spot at the lake (specifically, the spot at Percy Priest Lake near the dam) where all the Waterfowl congregate and I put on my website a set called Waterfowl in Winter. Now, that Spring is upon us, I have gone back to the lake for a continuation of the series. Waterfowl in Spring seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville%2Fwaterfow... If you like this photo, or ducks and geese, check it out!
Waterfowl in Spring: 2 Ducks A couple of months ago, I went to my favorite spot at the lake (specifically, the spot at Percy Priest Lake near the dam) where all the Waterfowl congregate and I put on my website a set called Waterfowl in Winter. Now, that Spring is upon us, I have gone back to the lake for a continuation of the series. Waterfowl in Spring seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=nashville%2Fwaterfow... If you like this photo, or ducks and geese, check it out!
Waterfowl in Spring: Duck A couple of months ago, I went to my favorite spot at the lake (specifically, the spot at Old Hickory Lake near the dam) where all the Waterfowl congregate and I put on my website a set called Waterfowl in Winter. Now, that Spring is upon us, I have gone back to the lake for a continuation of the series. Waterfowl in Spring seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=nashville%2Fwaterfow... If you like this photo, or ducks and geese, check it out!
Kangaroo at Kentucky Down Under On what was arguably the hottest day of the year, this was the only kangaroo willing to even stand up for me at the park. KDU may have had less to see and do than a regular zoo, but you could get up close and walk with some of the animals.
Mallard not afraid of the Giant Octopus "Big Jim" Sidwell worked at his family's furniture business in Murfreesboro, TN. He was looking for an outlet for his creativity when he and his family visiited Goofy Golf on a vaction to Florida. In his backyard, he built a large dnosaur out of wood and wire mesh, and then another and another. In 1961, he opened Jolly Golf in Gatlinburg with many of his creations. He went on to build more mini golf parks in Daytona, Marietta and Lake of the Ozarks. When other attractions which also wanted his dinosaurs came calling, he started a fiberglass dinosaur factory in Murfreesboro. In the late 70's his tourist attraction vision expanded to a theme park in Pigeon Forge called Magic World. At the gateway of the smokies, tourist attractions come and go, but one of the Sidwell family's parks is still open. Pigeon Forge exploded in popularity once Gatlinburg couldn't expand anymore. Adventure Golf along US441 looks like it remains popular after all these years. It has a charm I like that many oif the newer large corporate parks don't have. There's a large Dinosaur by the entrance and a shark in the pond right by the 18h hole. Perhaps the most noticable thing is the oversized octopus in another pond and one of its many tentacles is raised up in the air!
13-year Cicada Nymph Theeeeyyyyyyrrrreee Baaaaaaaaaaccccckkkk! I think about the swarm of Cicadas, and my first reaction is to shudder. That's because I think back to when I was 8 and how much they terrified me then. A couple of swarms later, and I'm an adult now, so I think I can handle it. When the cicada emerges from its shell, while still in the nymph stage, it's a white color, I suppose for a couple of hours. Then, there's this: brentkmoore.blogspot.com/2011/05/facts-about-brood-xix-ci... Facts about the Brood XIX Cicadas
Front Porch frog This is the second time I had seen a frog at my house. At least this time it wasn't in the pool. If you look closely, an ant is walking on the frog's nose. That's dangerous!
untitled bird I forgot what kind of bird this is, with gray and white feathers and a yellow beak. It was hanging out with the Lorikeets. Seen at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in Nashville, TN.
Meerkat This Meerkat told me he wanted to demonstrate the Rule of Thirds. Seen at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in Nashville, TN.
White Bengal Tiger Tiger's, even when they're yawning, look dangerous. Thanksfully, I'm behind a sloped hill, a moat and a high fence. Seen at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in Nashville, TN.
Cassowary: The World's Deadliest Bird! The Cassowary is a bird from Australia with the reputation of easily being able to kill a human. Not only does it have a sharp beak... Not only does it have a pointy hard thing on top of it's head... It also has a really long and sharp claw on its inner toe. This bird is also a Ratite, which means it's a cousin of the Ostirch, well known as one of Nature's stupid creatures. Luckily, this potent and small-brained creature can't fly so that the zoo doesn't have to put it behind a high fence.
Grassmere Turtle At the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, this wasn't even a turtle display, but a turtle walking around in some other animal's space. That leaf totally makes the picture for me. At first, I thought the red dots on the side of the face were the eyes, such that this turtle had large scary red eyes. In fact, you almost have to view the turtle at original size to even see the eyes.
Meerkat fascinated by the sky Maybe there was an airplane flying overhead. Meerkats seem to be fascinated by airplanes. I like the meerkats at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. There's several of them, and they stand still enough to pose for pictures.
Magenta Zinnia at Louisville Metro Hall This patch of pink flowers highlighted by a tall Magenta Zinnia is seen in front of Louisville Metro Hall, formerly known as the Jefferson County Courthouse
Alligator Seen at the Alligator Cove at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
2011 TN State Fair: a pile of Guineas These guinea chicks were kept warm in a heated box located at the poultry barn. In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
2011 TN State Fair: Petting Zoo Itchy Lamb In the petting zoo was this real tiny lamb which was never more than a few steps from its mother. In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
2011 TN State Fair: Nuzzling sheep In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
2011 TN State Fair: Petting Zoo Pig In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
2011 TN State Fair: Banana Derby Banana Derby is, in the vein of racing pigs, a dog race with the jockeys being Capuchin Monkeys. for more info on them, see www.bananaderby.com/ In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
2011 TN State Fair: Petting Zoo Lamb In the petting zoo, the little lamb was never far from its mother, and would often rest up against the salt lick. In addition to the few fair photos I have uploaded to flickr, I have many more which have been added to this gallery on the SeeMidTN.com website: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/2011-tn-s...
Bald Eagle! Not my best photo ever, but how often do you get to see a Bald Eagle?
Grasshopper close-up Seen at the Falls of the Ohio state park in Indiana. My favorite feature was the markings along the back leg, which almost looks like tire tread.
Walden Farm: Walden Farm is a fall agritourism farm just outside of Smyrna in Rutherford County. They have all the things you'd expect from such a place: a corn maze, hay rides, and pumpkins as far as the eye can see.
Walden Farm: Sheep Walden Farm is a fall agritourism farm just outside of Smyrna in Rutherford County. They have all the things you'd expect from such a place: a corn maze, hay rides, and pumpkins as far as the eye can see.
The Protective Mr. Goose Mr. Goose must of thought I was getting too close to Mrs. Goose as I was trying to take a picture. Mr. Goose stood right in front of me and then tried to start pecking at my feet while I backed up. After he felt like I was far enough away, he went back over to the sleeping Mrs. Goose and started honking loudly, probably in an effort to say how awesome he is.
Female Wood Duck Seen at a lake in Louisville, KY
Knoxville Zoo Prarie Dog While it looks like this prarie dog is ready to give a high five, it's really pressed up against a window. On this day, this prarie dog was sick and was seperated from the other prarie dogs.
Golden Skink (Eumeces Schneideri) Seen at the Louisville Zoo.
Amur (Siberian) Tiger Seen at the Louisville Zoo. At this zoo, the Tigers can be seen from a seating area which looks down on the tiger, making for a good scene. For more info on this tiger: www.louisvillezoo.org/collection/animals/MammalFS/Tiger-S...
This is why they keep tigers seperated from people I wouldn't want to meet up with the teeth of a Siberian Tiger. At the Louisville Zoo, the had the tiger perform a few tricks in exchange for a piece of raw meet attached to the end of what I hope is a really long stick. I think the trick the tiger is performing right now is called "look scary." For more info on this tiger: www.louisvillezoo.org/collection/animals/MammalFS/Tiger-S...
Emerald Tree Boa - Louisville Zoo The Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus) is a non-venomous boa species found in the rainforests of South America. Adults grow to about 6 feet in length. They have highly developed front teeth that are proportionately larger than those of any other non-venomous snake. The color pattern typically consists of an emerald green ground color with a white irregular interrupted zigzag stripe or so-called 'lightning bolts' down the back and a yellow belly. The Tree Boa is a strictly nocturnal and arboreal species, it spends its days in a characteristic coil over a tree branch with its head perched at the center. At night, it will remain coiled on its branch, but extends its head outward.
Louisville Zoo Zebra
Louisville Zoo Lioness This is why they invented nice telephoto lenses - so you can take a photo like this without having to hop the fence into their habitat!
Louisville Waterfowl Seen on a lake at the Louisville Zoo
Elephant train - Louisville Zoo These two elephants have learned how to walk tail-to-trunk. The one in the front is an Asian Elephant and the one in the back is an African Elephant. (You can tell by the size of the ears.)
Poison Dart Frogs Seen at the Louisville Zoo Herpaquarium
King Louie, the Albino Aligator King Louie is a rare albino alligator. As an albino, he is a genetic mutation of the common American Alligator. He is at the Louisville Zoo and is named after King Louis XVI, just like Louisville. He is currently 6 feet long and his species can grow up to 13 feet. An Albino Alligator wouldn't do so well in the wild, being more difficult to sneak up on prey.
Black Swans Based on10 minutes of google searches, I think this is a Cygnus atratus, which isn't native to North America. Either I've found the wrong swan or someone brought a couple over.
Black Swan Based on10 minutes of google searches, I think this is a Cygnus atratus, which isn't native to North America. Either I've found the wrong swan or someone brought a couple over.
Aldabra Giant Tortoise - Louisville Zoo This Tortoise is native to Aldabra Island in Seychelles. They are one of the longest living species on Earth (perhaps over 200 years) but we don't know for certain since they outlive their human observers. The typical male weighs 550 pounds en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldabra_giant_tortoise
Trumpeter Swan Seen at a lake at the zoo in Louisville KY
Woolly Monkey - Louisville Zoo The thing that I always like about monkeys is how they are built to be able to climb all around everything. (Many species have feet with opposable thumbs that work just like hands, as well as a prehensile tail that can grab hold as well.) For more info on this entertaining creature: www.louisvillezoo.org/collection/animals/MammalFS/Woolly%...
Louisville Zoo Aviary I forgot to remember the name of this bird species.
Wood Ducks, Female and Male Seen at Murfree Springs Wetlands in Murfreesboro, TN
Wood Duck Seen at Murfree Springs Wetlands in Murfreesboro, TN
Muskrat Swimming Seen at Murfree Springs Wetlands in Murfreesboro, TN
Muskrat eating Seen at Murfree Springs Wetlands in Murfreesboro, TN. I saw the creature swim for a bit then perch on a small log near the water level. While standing on the log, it ate the stalk of a plant. I like animals that can use front paws to hold food while eating.
Rhinocerous Hornbill The first thing you notice about this bird is the large colorful curved casque atop it's bill. The species is native to places like Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, but this one is seen at the Nashville Zoo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_Hornbill If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Brown Pelican comes in for a Landing Seen at St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida
Laughing Gull in flight Seen at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL.
Brown Pelican juvenile Juvenile Eastern Pelicans remain a mostly brown color for the first three years of their life before changing to their mature colorings. Seen at St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida.
Laughing Gull Seen at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL.
Congo, the Male Giraffe - Nashville Zoo There are three Masai Giraffes in the Giraffe Savanna at the Nashville Zoo. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Brown Pelican in St. Andrews Bay Seen at St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida.
Scary Meerkat - Nashville Zoo Everyone knows that Meerkats aren't scary. Instead, I just caught this one while yawning. I 'm not trying to burst your bubble, but I wasn't only two feet away from him either. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Bailey the Serval Seen at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, their Serval is not in an animal exhibit but is brought out for the Wildlife Wonders show. The serval looks a lot like a cheetah, but instead of being able to run fast, this wildcat can jump high. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Toco Toucan - Nashville Zoo I kept seeing this listed on the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere website, but I kept missing it. You have to go into the petting zoo to see it! Now, I want fruit loops. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Ring-Billed Gull in Flight seen along the Panama City Beach coastline
A Siamang Flies through the Air A siamang is a type of Gibbon, and there are a couple of them at Gibbon Insland at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Often times, they'll sit at the tops of the trees and not do anything particularly interesting for seemingly hours. Sometimes, they'll make loud howling sounds seemingly nonstop. While the howling is fun, they are the most entertaining when they swing from branch to branch with the greatest of ease. There are other times when they look like they're about to fall 20 feet crashing to the ground, and then you realize they got this, as they find the right branch to swing around. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Great Blue Turaco The Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) is a turaco, a group of African near-passerines. It is not only the largest turaco but the largest species in the diverse Cuculiformes order (which includes the cuckoos). Generally, the Great Blue Turaco is 28–30 inches in length with a mass of 1.8–2.71 lbs. There are a pair of these, along with a young'n in the aviary at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Rainbow Lorikeet (Olive-Headed) - Nashville Zoo The Lorikeet Landing at the Nashville Zoo makes for an interactive animal exhibit. Zoo visitors get to walk among the animals, and for a dollar you can purchase a cup of nectar. Or for free, on a hot day they'll land on your shoulder and lick the sweat off your face (if they suspect you're tasty). Another one tried to eat the buttons off my camera. The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) comes in a few different subspecies. Some like this one are mostly green with olive and yellow while others are green, yellow, red and blue. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Blue Hyacinth Macaw - Nashville Zoo These particular birds are the first animals you come to when going to the Nashville Zoo. I've always looked at the birds so much that I never noticed the water falls running through the exhibit. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Gator Lake - Panama City Beach, Fl EXPLORED! :) Thanks everyone. Peaked at #199. This is also my most interesting photo of 2012! Gator Lake is a small lake inside St. Andrews State Park at Panama City Beach, Fl. About a half dozen gators live there year round, and more show up in the spring when the water gets nice. This is the first time I'd seen an aligator "in the wild" and not in a zoo. I use the term "in the wild" loosely as these wild animals see humans all the time. At the time of this picture, there was nothing between me and this gator except a wooden fence that the gator could probably crawl under. I upload this photo today in honor of Stumpy. Earlier this week, some horrible person killed Stumpy. Stumpy, as he was affectionately known by the park rangers, was a three legged gator who liked to lay out on the pedestrian boardwalk. (I don't know if this is stumpy or not as his other front foot was the one that was missing and my photos are inconclusive.) For the full sad story, look here: www.newsherald.com/articles/stumpy-103646-beach-city.html
African Elephant - Nashville Zoo If you go to the Nashville Zoo elephant habitat and pass up one of the better overlooks for a partially obstructed view such as this one, you can pretend you're on a safari. And then, you see someone walking behind the elephant and it spoils the mood. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Brown Pelican in Flight Last week in Pascagoula, MS, my wife and I looked for a beach. While there was a place where land stopped and water started, it wasn't a beach. In the 5 minutes we were there, I got a better flying pelican photo than from the week we spent in Florida. Pelicans look so goofy on the ground but so graceful in flight.
Dama Gazelles
Hawk-Headed Parrot - Jackson, MS Zoo The Red-fan Parrot (Deroptyus accipitrinus), also known as the Hawk-headed Parrot, is an unusual New World parrot hailing from the Amazon Rainforest. It is the only member of the genus Deroptyus. The Red-fan Parrot possesses elongated neck feathers that can be raised to form an elaborate fan, which greatly increases the bird's apparent size, and is possibly used when threatened. It generally lives in undisturbed forest, feeding in the canopy on fruits. It nests in holes in trees and stumps, laying two to three eggs.
Saddle-billed Stork - Nashville Zoo The Saddle-billed Stork is a large wading bird in the stork family, Ciconiidae. It is a widespread species which is a resident breeder in sub-Saharan Africa. For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddle-billed_Stork The stork enclosure at the Nashville Zoo is nice. It has plenty of wet areas for them to wade and pick at bugs, plus there is a manmade canoe seen here. Like many animals, this stork has knees that are backward from human, so it is odd to see one sit don half-way like this, plus I got him yawning. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Great Indian Rhinoceros - Montgomery Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rhinoceros
A Heron flies in front of Chickamauga Dam Chattanooga
Reeves Muntjac - Montgomery Zoo Native to China, this species of Muntjac (or small deer) has also been introduced around Europe. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reeve%27s_Muntjac
Sumatran Tiger This Tiger was seen at the Montgomery Zoo, which has a nice "up close and personal" tiger exhibit. The tiger is about 10 feet away from me with about 4-6 inches of glass between us. The Sumatran Tiger is rarer than the Bengal Tiger. For more info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatran_tiger
Ring-Billed Gull Seen along Panama City Beach, FL en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring-billed_Gull
Bald Eagle - Montgomery Zoo
Desert Horned Lizard Seen at the Nashville Zoo in the Unseen World building. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desert_horned_lizard If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Five-Lined Skink juvenile A couple of days ago, my wife and I were crawling around a water fall and we saw these little guys everywhere. I'm usually not lucky or fast enough to catch skinks or lizards with my camera, but this one was sunning on a log. Then, we went home and the next day, my wife saw one in the yard. Go figure. The name of this one is pretty self explanatory as it is black in color with five red/yellow/orange stripes running down most of it's body. Then, closer to the tail, it turns into a vibrant blue color. As it grows up, the blue goes away, the head turns red and the black turns into a brown. In Tennessee, there are two almost identical species this might be. the regular Five-Lined Skink and the Southeastern Five-Lined Skink. The only discernible difference between the two is the size of scales underneath the tail.
Lutino Rosy-faced Lovebird The Rosy-faced Lovebird is also known as the Peach-faced Lovebird. This species has multiple color variations. The standard color outside of the peach-face is green. When they are mostly yellow like this one, they are called Lutino. This one was in a walk-in aviary at the Jackson, MS Zoo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosy-faced_Lovebird
Magpie Goose - Montgomery Zoo The Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) is a waterbird species found in coastal northern Australia and savannah in southern New Guinea. It is a unique member of the order Anseriformes, and arranged in a family and genus distinct from all other living waterfowl. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magpie_Goose
Komodo Dragon - Birmingham Zoo The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is a large species of lizard found in the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Padar. A member of the monitor lizard family, it is the largest living species of lizard, growing to a maximum length of 10 feet and weighing up to 150 lbs. As a result of their size, these lizards dominate the ecosystems in which they live. Komodo dragons hunt and ambush prey including invertebrates, birds, and mammals. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komodo_dragon
2011 Tennessee State Fair Sheep A few years ago, I was hired by the fair as their photographer that year. In recent times, as they transition from a government run organization to a non-profit, they have been increasingly needful of volunteers. I have allowed the fair to use any of my 2011 fair photos on my website to promote the 2012 fair. This sheep photo must have been of particular interest to them as it has already appeared in 2 (that I know of) local papers, Mature Lifestyles of Tennessee and Validity Magazine.
"Don't Look Ethel!" But it's too late, she'd already been incensed. Two Meerkats seen at the Birmingham Zoo.
American White Pelican en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_White_Pelican
Prevost's Squirrel - Birmingham Zoo This squirrel is a member of the Callosciurrus genus, which is referred to as the "Beautiful Squirrels" for their colorful appearance. Also known as the Asian Tri-Colored Squirrel, it is native to the forests of Southeast Asia.
Southern Cattail Seen at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL. I am not a aquatic floral expert, so I'm calling this the southern cattail because of a nearby marker. Let me know if I'm wrong. :)
Birmingham Zoo Ostrich I think my favorite thing about the ostrich is of all the animals on the planet, they have the smallest brain, compared to the size of the rest of the body. While they don't bury their head in the sand when frightened, I wouldn't want to get in a fight with one.
Prarie Dog in the hay. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_prairie_dog
Prarie Dog Standup This little fella has an expression like I caught him red-handed (that is if he was crawling through reddish mud). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_prairie_dog
Prarie Dogs en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-tailed_prairie_dog
Brown Pelican Adult Juvenile Eastern Pelicans remain a mostly brown color for the first three years of their life before changing to their mature colorings. Seen at St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach, Florida.
Roseate Spoonbill - Birmingham Zoo The Spoonbill enclosure at the Birmingham Zoo is quite nice. There were about 30 of these adorable birds behind a net and the humans could walk along two of the sides of the exhibit.
Bees and Wildflowers This was seen at the Reflection Riding Trail at the Chattanooga Nature Center. I am looking up at the backlight wildflowers and off in the distance is the base of Lookout Mountain.
Sarus Crane - Montgomery Zoo The Sarus Crane is a vulnerble species native to India, Southeast Asia and Australia. Reaching almost a height of 6 feet, this species of crane is the tallest bird that flies. They are believed to mate for life and in India they are a symbol for marriage. The couple seen here will be parents soon as they remain watchful over the nest. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarus_Crane
Laughing Gull Enjoys long walks on the beach and has a great sense of humor. Seen in Panama City Beach
California Sea Lion - Birmingham Zoo At the Birmingham Zoo, they have a nice enclosure for the sea lions, with quite a large pool for them to swim around in. You can also get pretty close to them and see them through the plexiglass. They also have a couple of shows every day.
Hamerkop - Montgomery Zoo The Hamerkop, also known as Hammerkop, Hammerkopf, Hammerhead, Hammerhead Stork, Umbrette, Umber Bird, Tufted Umber, or Anvilhead, is a medium-sized wading bird. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. It ranges from Africa, Madagascar to Arabia, in wetlands of a wide variety, including estuaries, lakesides, fish pond, riverbanks and rocky coasts in Tanzania. The Hamerkop, which is a sedentary bird that often show local movements, is not globally threatened and is locally abundant in Africa and Madagascar. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamerkop
Chiloe Wigeon Seen at the Birmingham Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiloe_Wigeon
Florida Shorebird Seen at Panama City Beach
Bumblebee and a Purple Coneflower Hey there, you've got something on your nose. Seen in far east Tennessee.
Cottonmouth
Sloth Bear - Montgomery Zoo Half Sloth, Half Bear - or something like that. :) File this under "animals that I didn't know existed until I saw one in a zoo." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloth_bear They originate from India.
Young Chimpanzee - Jackson Zoo Snacking on what's left of an orange peel.
American Rhea - Montgomery Zoo If you've never seen a Rhea before, it resembles an ostrich and is a member of the same animal order, but is a little smaller, has fewer tail feathers and has other minor differences. This is the American Rhea - as in South America - so it's natively found in places like Argentina and Brazil, but not Texas. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Rhea
Laughing Kookaburra - Jackson Zoo This bird is native to Australia and known for it's distinctive call (or laugh) frequently, the sound of this bird is used in movies as a jungle sound effect, even though they're don't live in a jungle. Want to hear one?
Violet-backed Starling male - Birmingham Zoo This vibrantly solid-colored bird which is also known as the Plum-coloured Starling or Amethyst Starling, is a relatively small species of starling in the Sturnidae family. This strongly sexually dimorphic species is found widely in woodland of mainland sub-Saharan Africa. He looks to be enjoying a tasty morsel of bird chow and is located at the zoo's rather new giraffe exhibit.
Blue and Gold Macaw - Birmingham Zoo This species of Macaw, is a large blue (top parts) and yellow (under parts) South American parrot, a member of the large group of Neotropical parrots known as macaws. It inhabits forest and woodland of tropical South America. They are popular in aviculture because of their striking color, ability to talk, ready availability in the marketplace, and close bonding to humans.
Siamang - Montgomery Zoo A Siamang is a type of gibbon, and this guy was very playful, but did slow down one time for me to get his picture.
Chilean Flamingo - Montgomery Zoo It breeds in temperate South America from Ecuador and Peru to Chile and Argentina and east to Brazil; it has been introduced into Germany and the Netherlands (colony on the border, Zwilbrockervenn) . Like all flamingos it lays a single chalky white egg on a mud mound. The plumage is pinker than the slightly larger Greater Flamingo, but less so than Caribbean Flamingo. It can be differentiated from these species by its greyish legs with pink "knees", and also by the larger amount of black on the bill (more than half). Young chicks may have no sign of pink coloring whatsoever, but instead remain grey. The Chilean Flamingo can be seen in the South American realm of the Montgomery Zoo.
Chilean Flamingo Sleeping - Montgomery Zoo It breeds in temperate South America from Ecuador and Peru to Chile and Argentina and east to Brazil; it has been introduced into Germany and the Netherlands (colony on the border, Zwilbrockervenn) . Like all flamingos it lays a single chalky white egg on a mud mound. The plumage is pinker than the slightly larger Greater Flamingo, but less so than Caribbean Flamingo. It can be differentiated from these species by its greyish legs with pink "knees", and also by the larger amount of black on the bill (more than half). Young chicks may have no sign of pink coloring whatsoever, but instead remain grey. The Chilean Flamingo can be seen in the South American realm of the Montgomery Zoo.
African Pygmy Goose - Birmingham Zoo
Dama Gazelle - Montgomery Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dama_gazelle
Leaping Dolphin at the Emerald Coast To paraphrase The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, humans think that we are smarter than the dolphins becuase we build roads and fight wars. The dolphins think they are smarter than us for the same reason. Assuming for a moment that humans really are smarter than dolphins, there's no doubt that learning about the things they do is fascinating. Last year when I spent a week at the Emerald Coast, one of my goals was to get a good photo of a dolphin. I spent about 30 minutes on a Panama City Beach fishing pier and about the time I was ready to give up, a school of them came by. 200 pictures later, this was my favorite. I took some video, too: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlIe__0vNdg
Brown Pelican in Flight Seen at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach, FL
Mossy Frog - Montgomery Zoo The Mossy Frog is a species of frog found in Northern Vietnam. The common name of the mossy frog arises from the fact that its skin is a mottled green and brown that resembles moss growing on rock, and forms an effective form of camouflage. They have large sticky pads on their toes and a soft underbelly. This species will curl into a ball when frightened, and play dead.
The Head of a Copperhead As a photographer that wants to get the shot, I will go to great lengths to get the photo that I want. If it means that I have to get within a foot of a deadly venomous snake, I will. Of course, it helps when you're at the zoo and there's a thick piece of glass between you and the snake. Seen at the Jackson Zoo in Mississippi.
Crowned Hornbill - Montgomery Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowned_Hornbill
North American River Otter Seen at the Montgomery Zoo, where htey provide two ways of seeing the otters. First, you can get a traditional view at and below water level behind plexiglass. There's also a walkway that goes over and behind the exhibit where you can look at them from above.
Green-Winged Macaw - Birmingham Zoo The Green-winged macaw is a large mostly-red macaw of the Ara genus. It is the largest of the Ara genus, widespread in the forests and woodlands of northern and central South America. However, in common with other macaws, in recent years there has been a marked decline in its numbers due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the parrot trade. The Green-winged macaw can be readily identified from the Scarlet Macaw as whilst the breast of both birds is bright red, the upper-wing covert feathers of the Green-winged macaw are mostly green but can occasionally sport a few yellow feathers above the band of green (as opposed to mostly yellow, or a strong mix of yellow and green in the Scarlet Macaw). In addition, the Green-winged macaw has characteristic red lines around the eyes formed by rows of tiny feathers on the otherwise bare white skin patch; this is one of the biggest differences from a Scarlet Macaw to the casual viewer. Iridescent teal feathers are surrounded by red on the tail. If seen together, the Green-winged macaw is clearly larger than the Scarlet Macaw as well.
Springbok - Jackson, MS Zoo A Springbok is an Antelope from Southwest Africa. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springbok
Siamang, hanging out This Siamang is seen out at the Nashville Zoo. A siamang is a type of Gibbon, and there are a couple of them at Gibbon Island. Often times, they'll sit at the tops of the trees where you can't see them and not do anything particularly interesting for what feels like hours. Sometimes, they'll make loud howling sounds seemingly nonstop. While the howling is fun, they are the most entertaining when they swing from branch to branch with the greatest of ease. There are other times when they look like they're about to fall 20 feet crashing to the ground, and then you realize they got this, as they find the right branch to swing around. And then on the rarest of occasions, there are times when they take a small break from their midair dance and they'll pose for me.
Black-Necked Stilt - Jackson Zoo The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is a locally abundant shorebird of American wetlands and coastlines. Adults have long pink legs and a long thin black bill. They are white below and have black wings and backs. The tail is white with some grey banding. A continuous area of black extends from the back along the hindneck to the head. There, it forms a cap covering the entire head from the top to just below eye-level, with the exception of the areas surrounding the bill and a small white spot above the eye. Males have a greenish gloss to the back and wings, particularly in the breeding season. This is less pronounced or absent in females, which have a brown tinge to these areas instead. Otherwise, the sexes look alike.
Blue Crowned Motmot Seen at the Nashville Zoo in the walk-through aviary. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-crowned_Motmot If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Black Skimmer - Pensacola Beach, FL One of my favorite shorebird from the week I spent in Florida, but also one I wish I had seen more of.
Sandwich Terns I like the look of these shorebirds. They stand there like a boss. Seen at Panama City Beach. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich_Tern
Scarlet Ibis - Montgomery Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Ibis
One Seagull for every Pier Column St. Andrews State Park at Panama City Beach, FL
Boxelder Bugs At least I think these are Boxelder Bugs, but I don't specialize in this kind of thing, especially since these aren't fully grown. Seen at the Falls of the Ohio State Park in Indiana just across the river from Louisville.
Tarantula: Greenbottle Blue - Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens First of all, I'd like to apologize to those of you who come to my photostream looking for my normal photo subjects of barns, courthouses, etc... My wife collects tarantulas. As of today, she has 30 of them. For a project she is working on, she wanted me to try to photograph each one. Now, some of them are camera shy so I was only able to photograph 23 of them. Like most reasonable people these things give me the Heebie Jeebies. However, my love of photography caused me to set aside by dislike of creepy crawlies as I tried to get a good picture of each one. They have different characteristics and personalities. Some like to stay burrowed (the ones I called camera shy). Some like to spin lots of web. A few of these are so young that they don't look now like they will as an adult. Some can be handled and others don't like their personal space to be violated. They have fangs and some are venomous and will hurt if they bite but I've been told that nothing in her collection is worse than a brown recluse bite. Some of them flick hairs if they feel threatened. My wife feeds them small crickets and worms, and I also find it icky that she goes to the store to buy those, too. Some can live up to 20 years. Finally, some of them jump, and she had to warn me to not get too close to them. With the blue, green and red, this is one of the most colorful tarantulas out there. That's webbing it's standing on. This one likes to eat so my wife gave it a pet name of Jaws. While I take the pictures, my wife does video. If you'd like to learn more about these guys, I invite you to check out her youtube channel: MariLynn's Web.
Red-Capped Cardinal This is seen in the Walk-in aviary at Nashville Zoo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-capped_Cardinal If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
South African Shelduck Adult South African Shelduck have ruddy bodies and wings strikingly marked with black, white and green. The male has a grey head, and the female has a white face and black crown, nape and neck sides. This pair is seen swimming at the lake at the Jackson Zoo.
Three Brown Pelicans flying along the Emerald Coast Shoreline
Ringed Teal en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringed_Teal Seen at the Jackson, MS Zoo
Black-crowned Night Heron Seen at the Jackson, MS Zoo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-crowned_Night_Heron
Wattled Crane - Jackson, MS Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wattled_crane
Albino Bennett’s Wallaby - Nashville Zoo The Wallabies came to the Nashville Zoo in 2010, but may be easy to miss. They are located in the Critter Encounter (Petting Zoo) area of the park. The females are brown, but the male is an albino. Bennett’s wallabies are smaller relatives to the kangaroo, and are native to southeastern portions of Australia including Tasmania. They are also known as red-necked wallabies due to the reddish fur on the back of the neck and shoulders. Wallabies are crepuscular meaning they are most active at twilight and dusk. Bennett’s wallabies have an average life span of 20 years and their conservation status is stable. If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Bee on Flower Seen at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center along the Reflection Riding Trail.
Lion-tailed Macaque The hair of the lion-tailed macaque is black. Its outstanding characteristic is the silver-white mane which surrounds the head from the cheeks down to its chin, which gives this monkey its German name Bartaffe - "beard ape". The hairless face is black in color. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion-tailed_macaque This one is seen at the Jackson, MS Zoo.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Seen at the Montgomery Zoo. I assume it's an exhibit but perhaps they just flew in. From Wikipedia: The Black-bellied Whistling Duck or Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis), formerly also called Black-bellied Tree Duck, is a whistling duck that breeds from the southernmost United States and tropical Central to south-central South America. In the USA, it can be found year-round in parts of southeast Texas, and seasonally in southeast Arizona, and Louisiana's Gulf Coast. It is a rare breeder in such disparate locations as Florida, Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina. There is a large population of several hundred that winter each year in Audubon Park in uptown New Orleans, Louisiana. Since it is one of only two whistling-duck species native to North America, it is occasionally just known as the "whistling duck" in the southern USA. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-bellied_Whistling_Duck
Crested Screamer - Birmingham Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Screamer
Spider Silhouette seen pre-dawn The other day, I was walking around outside a few minutes before sunrise as I thought the pink clouds on the dark blue sky were pretty. I know most people don't like spiders, but I don't mind them if I can see them on my own terms. If you like this, you might like my photos of my wife's tarantula collection: www.flickr.com/photos/brent_nashville/tags/tarantula/
Black-necked Swan Seen at the Jackson Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-necked_Swan
Coffee County Fair 2013: Rabbit Barn At the fairgrounds in Manchester, TN, the Rabbit Barn is laid out with all the bunny cages all together in one long row. The whole time I was there, this one rabbit was allowed to roam free along the top of the cages. I don't know if freedom was good or bad as it was the bunny everyone could pet. For those of you that are looking for sweet photos of bunnies, often it would stop and nuzzle and bunny kiss the one in the cage below it.
Patagonian Cavy - Montgomery Zoo This is one of those animals that I had never heard of until I saw them at the zoo. Still, I think they're cool rodents. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patagonian_Cavy
Chickasaw State Park in Autumn Located in West Tennessee in Chester County, Chickasaw State Park is built around Lake Placid. The lake was was built as a New Deal project and it features a footbridge which is raised for a section for paddleboats to cross under.
Bald Eagle at Reelfoot Lake There are quite a few Bald Eagles that have taken residence at this popular Tennessee state park. They also have a few at the visitor center, such as the one seen here.
Pink Variant Pre-pupation Eumorpha fasciatus With a face only a mother could love, this little fella will turn into a Banded-Sphinx Moth. Usually they're only found in the southern-most states but can travel further north. I saw this one in my back yard. It's possible I may have the species wrong since I'm not an expert on such things and this species has variations. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eumorpha_fasciatus
Leucistic Peacock This peacock was seen at the Jackson, MS Zoo. Since it was all white in color, I figured it was an albino. However a true albino peacock would have a pink colored eye and be quite rare. It is more common to be Leucistic which means it is mostly white but not all white.
Western green mamba - Louisville Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_green_mamba Uploaded in honor of St. Patricks Day 2015
Canadian Goose - Gosling drinks from puddle Seen at Drakes Creek Park in Hendersonville, TN.
Canadian Goose - Gosling Seen at Drakes Creek Park in Hendersonville, TN.
Bison at Land Between the Lakes Land Between the Lakes is the recreation area between Kentucky Land and Lake Barkley in Stewart County, TN up into Kentucky. There are two places to see bison at LBL. The best place is the Elk & Bison Prairie, where you can actually drive among them. This is the South Bison Range near the Homeplace 1850's Farm. Just south of the Kentucky Border, you can see the bison when driving along the Scenic Byway (TN461)
Water Lily This water lily among the lily pads was seen at Murfree Springs behind the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro, TN.
White Chinese Goose en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_goose Chinese geese differ from other wild geese as they are a much larger size, and have an often strongly developed basal knob on the upper side of the bill. The knob at the top of the beak is more prominent on males than females. This goose was seen wading at Drake Creek Park in Hendersonville, TN.
Male Widow Skimmer Dragonfly The widow skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is one of the group of dragonflies known as king skimmers. The species can be found commonly across much of the United States. Adults have a steely blue body area but juveniles are yellow with brown stipes. Wings of both sexes are marked with prominent black basal bands. Adult males develop broad white spots at midwing. The nymphs live in the water, molting and growing until they are ready to emerge from the water and then molting a final time to reveal their wings. This one was seen at a small private algae-covered pond in Rutherford County, TN
Tennessee Coneflower 50 years ago, it was believed that the Tennessee Coneflower was extinct. That was until Vanderbilt biologist Elsie Quarterman discovered some by accident. At the time it was added as an endangered species. Since then, conservation efforts have helped this flower to spread, but there are still only about 10 fields where you can find it. These fields tend to be glades where the soil isn't very thick above limestone in an area close to where Davidson, Wilson and Rutherford Counties meet close to Percy Priest Lake. Thanks to the conservation efforts, this Coneflower is no longer endangered as of 2011 and is now listed as Imperiled. The best place to see the Tennessee Coneflower is at the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area. A one mile loop trail takes you through a field where several patches of these grow. Some of them are right along the trail like the ones seen here. The best time to go is late June and early July when they are at full bloom. from Wikiipedia: Echinacea tennesseensis, also known as the Tennessee coneflower or Tennessee purple coneflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, endemic to the cedar glades of the central portion of the U.S. state of Tennessee. Echinacea tennesseensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 75 centimetres (2.46 ft) tall. The leaves are hairy, lanceolate, and arranged in a basal whorl with only a few small leaves on the flower stems. The flowers are produced in a capitulum (flowerhead) up to 8 cm broad, with a ring of purple ray florets surrounding the brown disc florets. A noticeable characteristic is its generally erect ray flowers, in contrast to the more drooping rays of its most similar congener, E. angustifolia (widespread throughout the prairie of the central U.S.) and other common Echinacea species such as E. purpurea.
Tennessee Coneflower and Bee 50 years ago, it was believed that the Tennessee Coneflower was extinct. That was until Vanderbilt biologist Elsie Quarterman discovered some by accident. At the time it was added as an endangered species. Since then, conservation efforts have helped this flower to spread, but there are still only about 10 fields where you can find it. These fields tend to be glades where the soil isn't very thick above limestone in an area close to where Davidson, Wilson and Rutherford Counties meet close to Percy Priest Lake. Thanks to the conservation efforts, this Coneflower is no longer endangered as of 2011 and is now listed as Imperiled. The best place to see the Tennessee Coneflower is at the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area. A one mile loop trail takes you through a field where several patches of these grow. Some of them are right along the trail like the ones seen here. The best time to go is late June and early July when they are at full bloom. from Wikiipedia: Echinacea tennesseensis, also known as the Tennessee coneflower or Tennessee purple coneflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, endemic to the cedar glades of the central portion of the U.S. state of Tennessee. Echinacea tennesseensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 75 centimetres (2.46 ft) tall. The leaves are hairy, lanceolate, and arranged in a basal whorl with only a few small leaves on the flower stems. The flowers are produced in a capitulum (flowerhead) up to 8 cm broad, with a ring of purple ray florets surrounding the brown disc florets. A noticeable characteristic is its generally erect ray flowers, in contrast to the more drooping rays of its most similar congener, E. angustifolia (widespread throughout the prairie of the central U.S.) and other common Echinacea species such as E. purpurea.
Tennessee Coneflowers 50 years ago, it was believed that the Tennessee Coneflower was extinct. That was until Vanderbilt biologist Elsie Quarterman discovered some by accident. At the time it was added as an endangered species. Since then, conservation efforts have helped this flower to spread, but there are still only about 10 fields where you can find it. These fields tend to be glades where the soil isn't very thick above limestone in an area close to where Davidson, Wilson and Rutherford Counties meet close to Percy Priest Lake. Thanks to the conservation efforts, this Coneflower is no longer endangered as of 2011 and is now listed as Imperiled. The best place to see the Tennessee Coneflower is at the Couchville Cedar Glade State Natural Area. A one mile loop trail takes you through a field where several patches of these grow. Some of them are right along the trail like the ones seen here. The best time to go is late June and early July when they are at full bloom. from Wikiipedia: Echinacea tennesseensis, also known as the Tennessee coneflower or Tennessee purple coneflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, endemic to the cedar glades of the central portion of the U.S. state of Tennessee. Echinacea tennesseensis is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 75 centimetres (2.46 ft) tall. The leaves are hairy, lanceolate, and arranged in a basal whorl with only a few small leaves on the flower stems. The flowers are produced in a capitulum (flowerhead) up to 8 cm broad, with a ring of purple ray florets surrounding the brown disc florets. A noticeable characteristic is its generally erect ray flowers, in contrast to the more drooping rays of its most similar congener, E. angustifolia (widespread throughout the prairie of the central U.S.) and other common Echinacea species such as E. purpurea.
Great Egret This common wading bird is seen in Florida
Alligator Never get into a staring content with a gator when he looks hungry.
Mississippi River Park in the Spring - Downtown Memphis Formerly known as Jefferson Davis Park, Mississippi River Park is located on the Mississippi River and near the Tennessee Welcome Center. This well-maintained park offers great open spaces, pedestrian walkways and great views of the Mississippi River. With Mud Island barely visible in the background, the water seen here is the Wolf River Harbor.
Mexican leaf frog - Nashville Zoo At the Nashville zoo in the Unseen New World building. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_leaf_frog
Florida Alligator I am thankful for telephoto lenses.
Cassowary - Nashville Zoo This species is often cited as the world's deadliest bird. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassowary For more Nashville Zoo pictures, look here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
Meeting of the Turtles - Nashville Zoo The Nashville Zoo has a Turtle enclosure where kids can touch the shells and feed them leafy food.
Triton Cockatoo - Nashville Zoo The Triton Cockatoo is on exhibit in the Kangaroo petting area at the Nashville Zoo. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulphur-crested_cockatoo
Kangaroo - Nashville Zoo The Kangaroo Kickabout was added to the Nashville Zoo in Fall 2013. This area allows zoo visitors to pet any kangaroo that comes to the sidewalk and is willing. Others just want to sleep in peace.
Wood Stork The Wood stork is an American wading bird with a neck that looks like tree bark. It is the only native stork to North America and is found close to Florida. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_stork
Brown Pelican in flight Seen at Panama City Beach
Prehensile-tailed porcupine - Nashville, TN Charlie is a Prehensile-Tailed Porcupine at the Nashville Zoo. Charlie is not on exhibit but is instead used in shows and tours. The Prehensile tail means that it is able to grab with the tail. In mammals, is it rare for a species to have this and not be a primate.
Mallard Ducklings A family of mallard ducks were seen at Gateway Island city park in Murfreesboro.
Mallard male - Gateway Island - Murfreesboro, TN Gateway Island is a rather new city park located near St. Thomas Rutherford hospital in Murfreesboro.
The Old Sentry - St. Andrews Bay, FL Text of the sign: This heritage Oak Tree is estimated to be over 250 years old. It was standing during the War Between the States as if a sentry standing guard over Old St. Andrews Bay. This is a central part of Oaks by the Bay Park in the Historic St. Andrews area of Panama City. Artists must like painting pictures of this tree, based on the three I saw there during my brief visit.
Duck - Gateway Island - Murfreesboro, TN Gateway Island is a rather new city park located near St. Thomas Rutherford hospital in Murfreesboro. I'm not able to identify this species. If you can, please help.
Great Egret This common wading bird is seen in Florida. This one was seen along the gulf shoreline at Fort Desoto County Park
Muscovy Duck The Muscovy Duck is more prominently found in areas south of the United States, but plenty of them have found their way into Tennessee. I think of them as the ducks with the superhero mask. This one was seen at Gateway Island city park in Murfreesboro.
The Pelican Tree - St. Andrews, FL This used to be a live oak tree at the Historic St. Andrews marina area of Panama City, FL. In 1995, the tree was destroyed by winds and storm surge of Hurricane Opal. Instead of removing the tree, it became a symbol of the rebuilding community as it was re-purposed by a chainsaw artist into a landmark. The tree will continue to decay, but you can enjoy the carvings of the pelicans, plus there is a dolphin at the base.
Delano Park Rose Garden - Decatur, AL Decatur's historic Delano Park and it's featured Rose Garden was started in 1934 as an FDR New Deal project. Read the whole story here: delanopark.org/?page_id=47
Snowy Owl Male - Nashville Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowy_Owl If you like zoo animals, or are a fan of the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, I invite you to check out my Nashville Zoo website gallery: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
World's only four-headed palm tree This rare four-headed Pindo Palm Tree is the only one of its kind known in the world. In 1997, it was relocated from the Panama City water treatment facility to this location at Oaks by the Bay Park in the St. Andrews area.
2017 TN State Fair: Hungry Goat
Young Alpaca - Lucky Ladd Farm - Eagleville, TN
This egret will stand wherever it wants If this great egret wants to ride on the back of an Alligator, than it will do as it pleases.
Yellow and Red Hibiscus Seen in Florida, this species is native to tropical climates.
Southern White Rhino - Nashville Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_white_rhinoceros There are four female rhinos at the Nashville Zoo. They are at the former elephant habitat since the summer of 2017.
Churchill Downs Race: Jockey Calvin Borel I recently had the opportunity to drive to Louisville and attend a Twilight Thursday at Churchill Downs and see several races. Although the sun eventually came out, the track was sloppy (muddy) after a full day of rain. I was able to view races from both trackside as well as the Millionaires Row on the 4th floor. In this race, Jockey Calvin Borel rode Berko. As jockey, Borel is a three time winner of the Kentucky Derby and has 5,000 wins in his career. He has over 1,000 wins at Churchill Downs, making him the 2nd all time winningest jockey there behind Pat Day. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Borel
Great Blue Heron wading
Great Blue Heron head
Great Blue Heron
Northern Puffer fish - UGA Aquarium This Pufferfish is an exhibit of the University of Georgia Marine Education Center and Aquarium. This small aquarium is located on Skidaway Island near Savannah and contains marine life found in area waters. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_puffer
American white ibis Seen in Florida en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_white_ibis
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Petting Zoo
Orange Zinnia - Sevierville, TN
Goat at Lucky Ladd Farm
Highland Cow Seen at Lucky Ladd Farm near Eagleville, TN. Highland Cattle are known for their distinctive long hair.
Lamb - Lucky Ladd Farm Lucky Ladd Farm near Eagleville, TN in Rutherford County.
Orinoco Crocodile en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orinoco_crocodile This was seen at the Crocodile Encounter at Angleton, TX
This Ginkgo Tree will live 800 years... This Ginkgo Tree Will live 800 years If you don't hurt it 1959 to 2759. This tree is located in Winchester, TN. There is a small Confederate cemetery and Memorial adjacent to Winchester City Cemetery accessible on 6th Ave.
Heliconius hecale - Tiger Longwing Butterfly en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_hecale This is part of the walk-in butterfly exhibit at the Chattanooga Aquarium on the freshwater side.
Common gallinule - Florida The gallinule has dark plumage apart from the white undertail, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. this species was considered a Moorhen until the American Ornithological Society made a distinction in 2011. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_gallinule
American Alligator en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator This one was seen at Crocodile Encounter of Angleton, TX
Giant Tortoise This was seen at Crocodile Encounter in Angleton, TX. At this zoo, you can feed these turtles.
White-Cheeked Gibbon female - Nashville Zoo
Red-bellied piranha This Piranha was seen at the Newport Aquarium en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-bellied_piranha The red-bellied piranha, also known as the red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), is a species of piranha native to South America, found in the Amazon, Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. This fish is locally abundant in its freshwater habitat. They are omnivorous foragers and feed on insects, worms, crustaceans and fish. They are not a migratory species, but do travel to seek out conditions conducive to breeding and spawning during periods of increased rainfall. Red-bellied piranhas often travel in shoals as a predatory defense, but rarely exhibit group hunting behavior. Acoustic communication is common, and is sometimes exhibited along with aggressive behaviors. Through media influence, the red-bellied piranha has developed a reputation as a ferocious predator, though this is not actually the case. They are a popular aquarium fish.
Upside-down Jellyfish also known as Cassiopea en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassiopea Seen at the Grassmere Nashville Zoo in the Unseen World building.
Eyelash Viper - Nashville Zoo Here is the description of the Eyelash Viper at the Nashville Zoo: These pit vipers are named for the distinctive scales above their eyes. The exact use of which is unknown though it is believed that they help protect the snake’s eyes as it travels through vegetation. The eyelash palm pit viper is the smallest venomous snake in Central America. They generally avoid humans but use their long fangs to inject venom into their prey which they then eat. The eyelash palm pit viper has rough and sharp scales unlike other snakes smooth scales, these are thought to protect it within the trees it lives. The eyelash palm pit viper gives birth to live young, meaning that young either hatch inside the mother or right after the eggs are laid by the female. You can see our eyelash palm pit viper in Unseen New World. Learn more here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bothriechis_schlegelii
Kookaburra - Crocodile Encounter This Kookaburra is one of the animals on display at Crocodile Encounter in Angleton, TX. The kookaburra is best known for it's laugh call, which is use as a stock sound effect for jungle scenes in movies, although it is native to Australia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kookaburra
Summer Flounder Flounder is a group of several species of flatfish which lays on the surface of the ocean floor in an attempt to disguise itself. My favorite feature is how a juvenile flounder has an eye on the other side but as it ages it moves to the other side (so both will be near each other and facing up). This one was seen at the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.
Siamang - Nashville Zoo This Siamang is seen out at the Nashville Zoo. A siamang is a type of Gibbon, and there are a couple of them at Gibbon Island. Often times, they'll sit at the tops of the trees where you can't see them and not do anything particularly interesting for what feels like hours. Sometimes, they'll make loud howling sounds seemingly nonstop. While the howling is fun, they are the most entertaining when they swing from branch to branch with the greatest of ease. There are other times when they look like they're about to fall 20 feet crashing to the ground, and then you realize they got this, as they find the right branch to swing around. And then on the rarest of occasions, there are times when they take a small break from their midair dance and they'll pose for me.
Mallard hen and ducklings Seen at the lake at East Nashville's Shelby Park spring 2021.
Nile Crocodile en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nile_crocodile Seen at Crocodile Encounter at Angleton, TX
Great Blue Heron catches a fish The Heron was seen wading in the lake at Shelby Park in East Nashville.
banded orange heliconian butterfly en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryadula_phaetusa This butterfly species was one of the species on display inside the Chattanooga Aquarium.
Oinkin' Oasis at Circle W Ranch Oinkin Oasis at Circle W Ranch is a Pig Rescue Forever Home near the East Texas town of Gilmer. These photos show a small sampling of the 170 swine now under their care. The ranch includes Willow's Cabin which is available as a vacation rental. Learn more at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oinkinoasis/
Oinkin' Oasis at Circle W Ranch Oinkin Oasis at Circle W Ranch is a Pig Rescue Forever Home near the East Texas town of Gilmer. These photos show a small sampling of the 170 swine now under their care. The ranch includes Willow's Cabin which is available as a vacation rental. Learn more at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oinkinoasis/ This pig just might be my spirit animal. :)
Oinkin' Oasis at Circle W Ranch Oinkin Oasis at Circle W Ranch is a Pig Rescue Forever Home near the East Texas town of Gilmer. These photos show a small sampling of the 170 swine now under their care. The ranch includes Willow's Cabin which is available as a vacation rental. Learn more at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/oinkinoasis/ After being curious for a little bit, this one followed me around for a bit and then wanted to be petted. They have different personalities, but some are very friendly to people.
Stingray - Newport Aquarium
Red Panda - Nashville Zoo www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/nashville-zoos-red-pa... Known for their cinnamon colored fur and bushy ringed tail, the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is native to the mountains of Central China, Nepal and northern Myanmar (Burma). They are considered vulnerable to extinction due to habitat destruction. In addition, slow rates of reproduction and high infant mortality rates make it very hard for this species to rebound from population declines.
IMG_4358 Don't you hate it when you go to the zoo, and forget to remember the names of the animals you photographed. I usually take a picture of the sign but forgot to do that this time. It was at the Nashville Zoo in the Unseen World.
Barred Owl - Tim's Ford State Park Tim Ford State Park in Tennessee has a small aviary next to the visitor's center. According to their sign: The barred owl can be identified by its dark eyes, the barred pattern on its throat and streaks on its belly. Their feathers make it possible to fly almost silently as they hunt their prey of rodents, birds, reptiles and large insects.
Chattanooga Aquarium Butterfly After searching their website and a google search, I can't identify this butterfly species.
Shark Ray - Newport Aquarium Learn more at their website: www.newportaquarium.com/Things-to-do/Animals/Shark-Rays
Lucky Ladd Farms Alpaca This Alpaca is one of the animals you can feed at Lucky Ladd Farms, an agritourism site in Rutherford County, TN. I was here as part of my sons field trip and he came close to me - close enough that he let me take the two of us together in a selfie. Since I didn't bring food, he started to eat my hair.
Feros Zombi the Leucistic Gator See a video of him here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDIN9oQd0MA Feros Zombi is Cajun for Fierce Ghost. This Leucistic Alligator is at Gatorland in Orlando. Leucism is rarer than albinos and is noted as mostly but not fully white. An albino would have pink eyes, but this one has blue eyes. His location in the park has changed since this photo was taken in 2015.
Spider Monkey - Nashville Zoo The Nashville Zoo has had many excellent expansion projects over the last decade, and the Spider Monkey exhibit is one of them. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_monkey
Blue Mangrove Jellyfish The Mangrove Jellyfish is probably better known as the Upside-down Jellyfish. However, this one was right side up (by traditional jellyfish standards) and I didn't want the title to be confusing. I saw this and several others on a recent trip to the Florida Keys at Veterans Memorial Beach. (This free beach is at the key on the western end of Seven Mile Bridge.) There were several of this species of jellyfish near the shore on this day. About half of them were upside-down. About two thirds were a light brown and the rest were blue like this. It appeared to have all white tentacles, which on this species are short but much-branched. It took me an hour of google searching to find this as it's usually not pictured like this. The other blue jellyfish look nothing like this one. The scientific name is Cassiopea xamachana. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cassiopea_xamachana
Lionfish This one is seen at the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_lionfish
Meerkats - Nashville Zoo en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meerkat See even more Nashville Zoo pictures on my website gallery here: seemidtn.com/gallery3/index.php?album=nashville/nashville...
A pile of Alligators - Chattanooga Aquarium tnaqua.org/animal/american-alligator/
Florida's curly-tailed lizard The Curly-Tailed lizard is an invasive Species in Florida. They are native to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Cuba, but they were introduced to Palm Beach in the 1940s in an attempt to control sugar cane pests. I saw hundreds of these on a small island in the Florida Keys. A local said many people have tried to keep these as pets, but when they no longer want them, they drop them off at this small island. They look nice, but the locals consider them a pest.
Red Lionfish The red lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a venomous coral reef fish and invasive species seen along the U.S. east coast. This one is seen at the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_lionfish
Fred the Tree - Seven Mile Bridge Some days I think I have a wide audience on the internet. Then some days I realize a tree is more pop culturally relevant that I'll ever be. Someone created a facebook page for this tree and it has 200 times as many followers as my photography facebook page. Apparently, this tree is going to appear in the forthcoming 2024 remake of the movie Road House. This Australian Pine Tree is growing out of an abandoned segment of the Seven Mile Bridge. This bridge is perhaps the most famous along the Overseas Highway which connects the Florida Mainland to Key West. With this view, you get a glimpse of how a railroad bridge which opened in 1912 was converted to auto traffic in 1935 - and why a new bridge had to replace it in 1982. A two-lane bridge for cars must be wider than a railroad bridge. The concrete surface was widened and overhangs the original concrete arch. Original segments of track were converted into guardrail and support beams. If you look closely on the right, you can see where a portion of this fell apart. Learn more about the bridge: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Mile_Bridge Learn more about the tree: flamingomag.com/2022/11/29/have-you-met-fred-the-tree-int...
Diamondback Terrapin This Terrapin was seen at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium in Savannah, GA. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamondback_terrapin
A seagull caught a fish I watched this seagull catch a fish. Then it brought the fish onto the beach and had to spin it around a few times until it got it to an angle where the bird could swallow this fish. Seen at South Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida, which is just north of St. Augustine along A1A.
First Brood XIX Cicada in Tennessee This is the year of the Brood XIX Cicada in Tennessee. While they usually come out in May, this one nymph came out a couple of months early. Seen in Rutherford County.
A Black Swallowtail Butterfly on a Zinnia This was seen at the "Labors of Love Garden" at Charlie Daniels Park in Mt. Juliet, TN. This garden includes a Monarch Butterfly Waystation, and the gardener told me the Monarchs will be here in August.
