Shrimp Thief
In this image, a laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is captured mid-flight, having just snatched a shrimp from the water. Upon closer inspection, the shrimp is visible in the gull's beak, along with droplets of water suspended in the air from its dramatic takeoff. Meanwhile, in the lower left corner, a sanderling (Calidris alba) strolls by, passing a piece of driftwood resting on the sandy shore.
If you enjoy wildlife and nature photography, check out my photo gallery here:
Grackle's Bayou Forage
Grackles are fascinating birds, known for behaviors that demonstrate intelligence similar to that of crows. They are not corvids though, they are members of the blackbird family, Icteridae. Common grackles often form large flocks that, according to accounts, can seemingly fill the skies of central Texas. This particular bird, however, is a boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major), which is found exclusively near the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in the United States.
Grackles belong to the blackbird family. To view images of these striking birds and other members of their family, visit my photo gallery at:
West Barns In Conclusion - Canvas Print
Have these old barns finally reached the end of their days?
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Good morning, friends. 
15 April 2025
Several boards on my utility trailer need to be replaced. I've been keeping an eye on them for a few months, and the other day, I noticed that one had deteriorated to the point where it now has a hole. The boards are secured at both ends with top and bottom enclosures, making their removal and replacement a bit of a challenge. To replace a board, you use what's known as the "teeter-totter" method. This involves sliding one end of the board into position, placing a block underneath to bend the board enough for the other end to clear the metal lip of the trailer, and then removing the block to let the board settle into place. It reminds me of my old saying: "nothing is ever easy."
“Everything is difficult," she whispered. "Maybe that's something else that I've learned.” - Alison Croggon, The Singing
Dragon at Dawn
This image of a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) evokes the image of a dragon soaring above the sea. In reality, it is indeed flying over an ocean—the Gulf of Mexico—just off the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Explore a curated collection of heron and egret images in my photo gallery. Take a look!
Ostrich on the Path
During our visit to the Gone Wild Safari near Alexandria, Louisiana, we came across an ostrich (Struthio camelus). I stopped the car to take a picture, and the ostrich began approaching, clearly hoping for some feed. Unfortunately, my cup of feed had already been stolen—thanks to the camel at the entrance. That camel was a real thug!
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Nature's Aeronaut
Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) are fascinating to observe. I captured this image as one of these remarkable birds ventured close to the shore in Gulfport, Mississippi. Earlier, I had been watching it farther out, diving for dinner—a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Discover nature's fleeting moments through my lens—visit my photo gallery to see more.
Flight of the Scavenger
This is an easy spot—vultures are always around somewhere, whether turkey vultures or black vultures. I've mentioned before that they inhabit the forest behind my house. This turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) happened to fly directly overhead while Charlie and I were relaxing under the pergola this morning. When he's being an exceptionally good boy, Charlie stays still by my chair as I watch and photograph the backyard birds. At times, it feels like a full aviary back there. Perhaps we were too still today. 
I have a collection of vulture images in my photo gallery. If you're interested, feel free to check it out at:
Missed Opportunity
I missed the chance to capture a hawk soaring above the forest this morning. Instead, here’s a pigeon, doing its best impression of an eagle, that stopped by earlier.
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Good morning. 
13 April 2025
Ben is barking—it’s almost mealtime. Meanwhile, Charlie is staring at me with his tail wagging enthusiastically. I could feed them early, but rules are rules. I’ve only been awake for about 20 minutes, and as usual, I’m trying to put my thoughts into writing. After only 20 minutes of being awake, my mind feels pretty empty. Lately, I’ve been considering buying a second EGO 5Ah battery. There’s the BA2800 and the BA2800T—the latter costs about $100 more than the former. Essentially, the choice boils down to spending $200 or $300, but there must be more to it than just the price. It’s intriguing how much these batteries cost…
“Shutting off the thought process is not rejuvenating; the mind is like a car battery – it recharges by running.” - Bill Watterson
Godwits in Formation
These five birds are likely marbled godwits (Limosa fedoa), although it’s possible they could be Hudsonian godwits (Limosa haemastica). I encountered both species last year in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story.
Sparrow's Prize Moment
Chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina) are abundant right now, though they will soon begin their migration north in the coming months. While I often spot them at my bird feeders enjoying seeds, they are also known to feed on insects. Here is one captured in a remarkable moment, perched with a small green caterpillar in its beak.
If you enjoy photos of birds and other wildlife, take a look at my photo gallery. Sparrows are never overlooked—they're a valued and important part of my collection. Feel free to explore!
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