From the Forum ... (click to view Steve's "Oystercatcher Family Time")
Oystercatcher Family Time - Steve Ellwood
Learning Bird Vocalizations
Joe Kegley | E-Mail | Updated 01-15-2012
The -Learning Bird Vocalizations- web page has been updated to include a brief review of a wonderful new internet application called Larkwire. The program is a robust learning tool with a simple user interface for students of bird songs. The program fits perfectly into the bird song learning paradigm right after Peterson's Birding by Ear CDs. Read more ...
Sugarlands Stone Cabin Ruins
Joe Kegley | E-Mail | Updated 12-10-2011
Located in the southern vicinity of the Sugarlands in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the well hidden remains of a stone dwelling. The structure is missing the roof and flooring but the stonework is well intact. Not a small accomplishment considering the environment and years of neglect. The history behind the ruins is uncertain. Read more ...
South Mountains State Park
Joe Kegley : E-Mail | Steve Thomas : E-Mail | Updated 11-7-2011
An impressive waterfall, intimate cascades, and seasonal wildflowers await the naturalist or nature photographer within South Mountains State Park, North Carolina. The park isn't limited to those two activities either; campers, hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, equestrians, trout fishermen, and picnickers will all find their perspective venues within the park. Read more ...
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Jim Flowers | E-Mail | Posted 09-01-2011
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is the flagship within this series of articles on 'Exploring the Delaware Coast' and in this article we'll explore the diversity of wildlife and the seasonal variations that make Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge so special.
Woodland Beach Wildlife Area
Jim Flowers | E-Mail | Posted 09-01-2011
The Woodland Beach Wildlife Area consists of three large land tracts consuming roughly 6,320 acres of coastal prairie and tidal marsh. The on-site ponds, wetlands and boardwalks make this an ideal location for nature study. Florio Road is one of the main access points to the wildlife area. It provides better viewing of several ponds without the traffic of Route 9.
Exploring the Delaware Bay Coast
Jim Flowers | E-Mail | Posted 09-01-2011
Delaware is rich in avian and wildlife conservation efforts state wide, and one of the largest concentrations of wildlife management areas along with state and national wildlife refuges can be found along the coastline of the Delaware Bay and its tributaries.
Hunters of the Night - the Barn Owl
Layout and design Jim FlowersLarry Hitchens | E-Mail | Posted 07-14-2011
Not long ago I got a request from the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife for some photos and it occurred to me to ask if they would be able to assist me in getting a Barn Owl photo. Much to my surprise the reply was "Sure, we're getting ready to band the Barn Owls next week and you're welcome to come along".
Eastern Screech Owl
Photography by Jim Flowers | Eric Gerber | Larry Hitchens Jim Flowers | E-Mail | Posted 7-10-2011
The Eastern Screech Owl is a small nocturnal owl of the woodlands with an average length of about 9 inches however; the male of the species is roughly an inch shorter. The female has an average wingspan of 22 inches versus the males at 21 inches. The normal weight of the female is 7.3 ounces with the male near 7 ounces.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Photography by Joe Kegley | Robert KemmerlinJoe Kegley | E-Mail | Updated 07-01-2011
This refuge offers a welcome respite from gated communities and coastal development. Refuges like Harris Neck not only play a critical role in maintaining wildlife havens, they provide much needed breathing space and allow us to continue our relationship with nature and enjoy our natural resources. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is truly a Georgia gem.
Optimizing Opportunities ...
Lisel Shoffner Powell | E-Mail | Updated 6-01-2011
When I look over my best images, I have a rather involved story for nearly all of them. I realized one day that this is not just because I like to hear myself talk (which I do), but it is because the majority of my best shots are of subjects I know very well. This concept seems fairly intuitive at first, but when you start to think about it you realize that many nature photographers do not take the time to really study their subjects and learn the habits and behaviors of those subjects. Read more ...
Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve
Bob Decker | E-Mail | Updated 05-09-2011
Established in 1985, the reserve consists of five small islands and several smaller shoals. Four of these islands, Town Marsh, Carrot Island, Bird Shoals and Horse Island, are nestled together just across from Beaufort along Taylor's Creek. This section, the main area of the reserve, is about three miles long and less than a mile across at its widest point.
For the Love of Owls ...
Photography by Jim Flowers | Eric Gerber | Larry Hitchens Jim Flowers | E-Mail | Posted 3-31-2011
I've been fascinated by owls since my childhood when I'd spend summers and the Christmas holidays on my grandparents farm in rural Louisiana and my evenings on their front porch. There I would listen to the hoots and chuckles of the Barred Owl in the nearby swamp on balmy summer nights or the romantic messages of a Great Horned Owl pair high in the surrounding pines during their mid winter courtship.