Pileated woodpecker – Large, unmistakable woodpecker. Mostly black, with red crest and bold white stripes on head and neck. Flies with deep, rowing wingbeats, almost like a crow but more irregular; also look for mostly white underwings and white patches on upperwing. Pairs inhabit mature deciduous or coniferous forests with large trees. Makes large oval-shaped holes in decaying trees to search for insects. Listen for slow resonant drumming and loud clucking calls. Occasionally visits feeders in appropriate habitat, especially fond of suet. #Pileatedwoodpecker #birding #birdphotography #sonya9iii #appalachianmountains

When I look at this image, I focus on that perfectly split rock. I always think, “Wow—how much force did it take to split this rock so cleanly, and what natural force caused it?” This rock is along a hike to Eagle Lake in Lake Tahoe, California. I love seeing things like this in nature. It keeps your mind and body thinking, learning, and exploring. That’s why I love being in nature and creating images of everything I see that sparks my curiosity. #eaglelake #laketahoecalifornia #California #rock #sony

The American Oystercatcher – Galápagos Islands 3-9-24 #galapagosislands #Galápagos #worldtraveller #birder #sonya9III

A Bald-Faced Hornet’s Nest — this nest was incredibly large and active when I filmed it! You’ll notice many of the hornets stopping at the entrance and fanning their wings to create airflow inside the nest. #baldfacedhornets #hornets #hornetsnest #sonya9iii #beesnest #nature #evolution #tennessee #easttennessee #appalachianmountains #wildlifevideographer #videographer #wildlifephotography #insectvideo #beevideo #hornetvideo

On a recent trip to @visitcalifornia Amador County in the Sierra Nevada mountains our @airbnb had some amazing wildlife living all around it! From a female bobcat who I saw with a young cub to a Grey Fox, many white tail deer and red-tail hawks this home had beautiful wildlife right in the back yard! The vineyards and wildlands in Amador County provide wonderful wildlife and vineyard experiences! @sheena.jessee24 and I really enjoyed our time in California!

Recently I worked with @debscannell providing drone video and photos of these wonderful treehouses @highlands_treehouseretreat. These are amazing Airbnb treehouses! They each have a unique walkway among the trees to a “crow nest” where you can hangout and chill! https://highlandstreehouse.com #treehouse #airbnb #dronevideography #dronephotography #dronepilot @appalachiandroneworks

Hibiscus in my flower bed! 🌺 #hibiscus #flower #f16 #detail #rain #sonya9III

A male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird – I wanted to create some unique images of a hummingbird like you rarely see. I love the vibrant colors of their feathers and the way they change color by the angle of light reflection. I hope you enjoy the detail in these images. Be sure to watch the video to see how these were shot. Below is a little more detail as well! A hummingbird beats its wings many times a second. The challenge to photographing a hummingbird is stopping all motion. You may think this is an easy task but in reality it’s super challenging without very specialized gear. Luckly the @sonyelectronics Sony A9III camera has a global sensor, meaning it records the whole image instantly instead of reading the sensor from top to bottom. This removes the need for shutter sync speed typically 1/250th of a sec. (Otherwise over 1/250th of a second and you will have a dark line on your image when using flash) Captured in direct sunlight with flash added. 1/8000th – f9 – iso 2000 Sony A9III with a Sony 200-600mm + 1.4x Sony wireless flash system. #sonya9iii #sonyalphapro #rubythroatedhummingbird #hummingbird #migratorybird #birdwatching #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #globalshutter #flashphotography #highspeedflashphotography

Monarch butterflies are magical to me! From their long-distance migration to the beautiful colors and patterns of their wings, these insects always capture my attention each year as they journey south to Mexico. They depend heavily on milkweed as an energy source and thrive on a variety of wildflowers as well. #monarchbutterfly #monarchbutterflymigration #monarch #sonya9III #sony200600 #wildlifephotography #naturephotograpy