1001

Humpback Whale Breach          

Humpback whales exhibit many interesting behaviors including breaching during the mating and calving season which they spend in the shallow waters of the Pacific in the channel between the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Lanai.

1003

Humpback Whale Breaching          

Humpback whales exhibit many interesting behaviors including breaching during the mating and calving season which they spend in the shallow waters of the Pacific in the channel between the Hawaiian Islands of Maui and Lanai. This is the same whale as in photograph 1001 above. Other photographs from this breach sequence are available (contact the artist).

1005

An-Hinga (Female)          

The female An-Hinga closely resembles the Double-Crested Cormorant. Distinguished from the cormorant by its long, slender, s-shaped neck and long slender spear-like beak, it also is known as the Snakebird due to its habit of swimming mostly submerged with only the head and neck above the water. Its dagger-like serrated bill is ideally suited for catching fish which it spears and flips in the air before catching and swallowing the meal. Lacking the oil glands used by most birds for preening, the An-Hinga must dry its wings in the sun after swimming.

1006

An-Hinga Wings          

The An-Hinga also is known as the Snakebird due to its habit of swimming mostly submerged with only the head and neck above the water. Its dagger-like serrated bill is ideally suited for catching fish which it spears and flips in the air before catching and swallowing the meal. Lacking the oil glands used by most birds for preening, the An-Hinga must dry its wings in the sun after swimming.

1009

Black Vulture Face          

The black vulture is a scavenger feeding on carrion and weak or sick birds and mammals. Unlike the Turkey Vulture that finds its meals using a keen sense of smell, the Black Vulture hunts using their superb vision. Notice the shape of the beak, superbly designed for tearing flesh and the concentration made evident by the posture and watchful eyes.

1010

Tricolored Heron Face          

Formerly called the Louisiana Heron, this colorful shore bird is the most abundant heron in the Southern United States. Notice the variation in feather colors along the back of the neck and the sharp eyes.

1015

White Tailed Deer Face          

White-Tailed Deer found at Fire Island National Seashore. One of a small herd of deer that inhabits the park here, the artist was moved by the hopeful and almost sad look in the eyes of this doe.

1021

Great Egret Face          

The Great Egret is a large white heron with a yellow bill and black legs. The smaller but similar Snowy Egret has a black bill and yellow feet. The Great Egret has been known by many other names including Common, Large, and White Egret but is now officially classified as the Great Egret. Like the Great Blue Heron, this impressive bird feeds on frogs, fish, snakes, and crayfish.

1022

Great Blue Heron Face          

The Great Blue Heron is often seen standing at the edge of ponds or streams looking for frogs and fish which are its principal food. When startled, these herons take flight showing off a folded neck and impressive wing span.

1049

Alligator Mouth          

Lunch Anyone? That is, Do you want to be My Lunch? While this image makes the alligator look threatening, more than likely the mouth is open to help regulate body temperature in the hot Florida sun. This photograph was taken near Shark Valley in Everglades National Park, Florida.

1050

Alligator          

Most people I know would not want to see this fellow swimmer anytime they are in the water. Alligator is derived from the Spanish el lagarto which means the lizard which makes perfect sense after one look at their skin. This image is typical of alligator behavior as they travel from place to place.

1051

Great Egret Face          

The Great Egret is a large white heron with a yellow bill and black legs. The smaller but similar Snowy Egret has a black bill and yellow feet. The Great Egret has been known by many other names including Common, Large, and White Egret but is now officially classified as the Great Egret. Like the Great Blue Heron, this impressive bird feeds on frogs, fish, snakes, and crayfish.