Love, Joy and Peas: wildlife

Showing posts with label wildlife. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Cooper's Hawk for Wild Wednesday

Happy wild Wednesday! I'm excited to share what I think are our first Cooper's hawk photos.

Downward stare: Copyright © Ben Wheeler, 2016
Used with permission

My husband spotted this beauty, called me over and we got to enjoy its majestic presence for a few minutes before it flew off.

Wild bird gaze: Copyright © Ben Wheeler, 2016
Used with permission

This is one beautiful wild bird! I love seeing local wildlife up close. It's a true blessing.

Hunting hawk: Copyright © Ben Wheeler, 2016
Used with permission

Hearty thanks to my husband for spotting the bird and sharing his photos with us here! And thank you for visiting! May God bless and keep you!

Related posts:
Wet wild birds: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wet-wild-birds.html
Catbird and Robin: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/catbird-and-robin.html
Eagle festival: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/03/eagle-festival-photos.html

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Sunflowers and Bees at McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area

Happy wild Wednesday! I hope you enjoy my bee and sunflower photos from McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area. Today was my second ever visit but I hope to return again.

I thought this bee in flight over the sunflower field was neat.

Some people bring ladders, chairs and stools but I just did the best I could with what God gave me.

It really is amazing to see so many sunflowers with bees buzzing about happily.

I feel blessed to have been able to enjoy such a beautiful experience. God is good!

Thank you for visiting! May God bless and keep you!

Related posts:
Battling bees and sunflowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/bees-fighting-over-sunflower-photo.html
Teddy bear sunflower: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/teddy-bear-sunflower-black-eyed-susan.html
Sunflower and more: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/sunflower-day-lilies-vinca-and-mystery.html

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Summer Wildlife at Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Happy wild Wednesday! My husband and I recently visited Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens and were thrilled to see so much wildlife, especially because we visited on a hot afternoon. The first three photos are by me and the last two were generously shared by my talented husband. We hope you enjoy them all.

The deer in the top photo was eating leaves and definitely knew we were there as she kept looking right at us. The red headed little reptile didn't appear to see me until I took its photo.

Can you see the tiny spider? She's camouflaged well on one of the magnolia leaves.

I saw two of these pretty butterflies but my husband got the best photo.

And this little striped reptile was too fast for me but my husband photographed it dashing for cover.

Hearty thanks to my dear husband for sharing his photos with us! May God bless him and may He bless you too!

Related posts:
Kenilworth overview photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/05/kenilworth-park-aquatic-gardens-photos.html
Amazing lotus flowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/06/lotus-flower-photos-haiku-poem.html
Kenilworth flowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/05/flowers-at-kenilworth-aquatic-gardens.html

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Splashing Robin, Blazing Azaleas

Happy Wild Wednesday! This wild robin had a great time splashing around in our bird bath.

I thought she looked especially pretty with the fiery red azaleas in the background.

She definitely noticed me taking photos.

But just kept an eye on me as she went about her wildlife business.

Then she gave me one more glance before flying away.

Whenever I have something new and fun I aim to post a Wild Wednesday feature for you. But when a post isn't possible I do still usually share something on my blog's Facebook page so be sure to check there if you miss seeing something here.

Thank you so much for visiting! If you liked this post, I'd appreciate a Google +1 and if you like the blog in general, a separate +1 for the main blog would be fabulous too. May God bless you!

Love Joy and Peace on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovejoypeas/timeline

Related posts:
Catbird and robin: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/catbird-and-robin.html
Wet & wild birds: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wet-wild-birds.html
Azaleas galore: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/05/azalea-walk-landscape-photos.html

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Black Squirrel Close Up Photos

Happy wild Wednesday! This female black squirrel let me get fairly close to her and didn't run away even when my camera beeped and all the other wild squirrels fled.

It was a real treat to have plenty of time to photograph her.

Wildlife is rarely this cooperative so I'm guessing someone feeds her.

This black squirrel, I'm pretty sure, is different from the one I posted a few weeks ago.

I found her in a different neighborhood and she's certainly more friendly.

Thank you for visiting! May God bless you!

Related posts:
Original black squirrel: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2016/02/black-squirrel-photos-haiku-poem.html
Wild raccoon: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wild-raccoon-in-national-arboretum.html
Cute critters on flowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/cute-critters-on-flowers.html

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Northern Mockingbird Photos

Happy wild Wednesday! I was excited to get these northern mockingbird photos to share with you. I see them every now and then but they are usually in tree tops too far away to capture.

This northern mockingbird looked like it might fly away when it saw me with my camera.

But I'm glad it hung around for a while, even through some gusts of wind that ruffled its feathers.

I think you can see the ruffled feathers of this pretty wild bird better in this photo.

I wonder if the northern mockingbird was waiting on its mate? I hope they find each other!

Thank you for visiting! May God bless you and our feathered friends!

Related posts:
Catbird and Robin: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/catbird-and-robin.html
Wet & Wild Birds: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wet-wild-birds.html
Wildlife at Glendening: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wildlife-at-glendening-preserves.html

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Beautiful Swans at Thomas Point Park

Happy wild Wednesday! This week I was treated to the amazing sight of a huge group of wild swans at Thomas Point Park in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

I think this was my third visit to this hidden gem of a park and it was the first time I saw the swans.

It seemed like they were aware of me watching them and the closer swans spent most of their time with their heads in the water so I felt really blessed to get this photo of a swan with its wings partially extended and body mostly out of the water.

I love their graceful necks.

It's amazing how much wildlife we can find even near large cities. I'm not sure if the swans are still there, and if they are, how long they'll remain but if you're a local, it might be worth a trip to see them. My understanding is that permits are required starting April 1st, they will cost $5 each and are limited to a certain number per day so March is a great time to visit. That's all for this wild Wednesday. May God bless you and yours!

Related posts:
Wild raccoon photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wild-raccoon-in-national-arboretum.html
Black squirrel photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2016/02/black-squirrel-photos-haiku-poem.html
Cute critters on flowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/06/cute-critters-on-flowers.html

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Pretty Butterflies and Fuzzy Bee for Wild Wednesday

Happy wild Wednesday! I hope these butterfly and bee photos from last summer in my Maryland garden brighten your day.

The giant zinnias were the star of the garden last summer. Bees, butterflies and small birds flocked to them and made me very happy.

The butterfly bushes also attracted a lot of insect wildlife.

It was great to be able to see butterflies almost every time I walked in the garden and I'm already looking forward to next summer's adventures in gardening and wildlife.

May God bless you this winter and always!

Related posts:
Butterflies & bees on purple coneflowers: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/07/butterflies-and-bees-love-purple.html
Brian Dering's Aruba wildlife photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/wildlife-in-aruba-photos-by-guest.html
Wild raccoon photos: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/07/wild-raccoon-in-national-arboretum.html

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Black Squirrel Photos & Haiku Poem

Happy wild Wednesday! I was on my walk today, wondering what to share for today's post when I spied this pretty black squirrel foraging in a suburban Maryland yard. She even inspired me to write a little poem in her honor when I got home:

Black Squirrel Haiku Poem:

Skittish black squirrel
entertained me with jumping
running, and hiding

This was the last shot I got before she hid behind the solid fence and scampered off (I could her her rustling the leaves).

This was one of the first shots I got of her. She definitely noticed me taking my camera out.

And here's an overview of where I first spotted her foraging. It's fun to photograph local wildlife. I have a family member who wishes to remain anonymous but loves black squirrels. This post is in his honor. I love you!

There's a white squirrel in this neighborhood too but it's always been to fast for me to photograph. Perhaps 2016 is the year I'll catch him.

Thank you for visiting! May God bless you in every way!

Related posts:
Brave little deer: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/brave-little-deer-photos.html
Halloween squirrel: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2012/10/happy-halloween-squirrelly-photos-and.html
Quiet Waters Park deer: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2015/09/wild-deer-in-quiet-waters-park.html

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Wild Deer in Quiet Waters Park

Happy wild Wednesday! I was blessed with the sighting of a beautiful deer family while walking in Quiet Waters Park this week. The deer kept an eye on me but didn't seem bothered; just watchful.

The family, as far as I could see, consisted of an adult female (doe) and two fawns (babies). I love the spots on the young deer.

When some other walkers approached the deer's ears went straight up but they didn't run away.

I've only been to Quiet Waters Park a few times but I might start going more often.

Because baby deer are adorable.

Thank you for visiting! May God bless you!

Related posts:
Brave baby deer: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2013/08/brave-little-deer-photos.html
Baby bull and goofy goats: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2014/10/baby-bull-and-goofy-goats-for-wild.html
Deer family video: http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com/2011/12/endearing-deer-family.html