#drdadbooks

[drdadbooks]

On Gentle Breezes 6U8A6528 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: With a maximum wingspan of over 10 feet, the Andean Condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world. It is the national bird of Chile and several other South American nations. Standing on the precipice of unguarded cliffs overlooking the Chilean countryside was shear exhilaration as dozens of these massive birds danced on gentle breezes.

[elsie-lazlo]

Sunset Silhouette C7A1221 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: When the setting sun creates long shadows over the hills of Patagonia and pumas crest the ridge, it’s time to shoot silhouettes.

[johnnyslittleanimalblog]

All Legs 38W9508 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: One doesn’t have to look hard to see the love between a dam and her foal. This colt is likely no more than a day or so old. He is still a bit wobbly but horses stand within minutes of birth. They have to in order to nurse, and they must nurse in order to survive. They usually begin trying to run within a day and this little guy is no exception. You can see from his stature, he is all legs. The legs of horses at birth are proportionately large compared to adults. The reasons for this are clear. #WildHorses

[a-study-in-life]

What's a Mother to do? 0268 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: Like most bear cubs, polar bear cubs are not infrequently rambunctious and fidgety. Finding just the right spot to sleep, nurse, or do just about anything isn't done with precision and planning. It's all about fulfilling a need and finding comfort. To that end, mother bear is patient beyond belief, and like so many mothers of so many species, she even seems to enjoy their activity. What's a mother to do? Just sit back, smile, and know they love you! #PolarBears I've been trying to share a video to Flickr without success. Here is the link on Youtube for those who are interested. youtu.be/LDVO8SCIjO8

[drdadbooks]

The Physics of Light. 6U8A8815 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: I generally prefer photographing wading birds at the waterline, but there are few advantages of shooting from an elevated platform. Depending upon your location, you won’t have to worry about the hidden alligator lurking beneath the surface just inches from your face. In addition, the physics of light can be an added pleasure. In still waters reflections become an important part of the image. Add a stunning bird and the photo captures attention.

[drdadbooks]

At Home 6U8A3447 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: Common folklore suggests that the red fox was an introduced species in North America, but red foxes existed in the boreal forests and western montane long before any introduction of Eurasian red foxes by European settlers. Studies of mitochondrial DNA in 2012 showed that foxes that came to populate the east and southeast were actually derived from those from Canada. There are pockets of foxes sharing Eurasian lineage in western Washington and California that likely derived from crossbreeding between native and introduced species. In short, the red fox is more at home in North America than most humans.

[drdadbooks]

The Wish for Fish C7A1184 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: A skilled hunter, the blue heron stands motionless, staring into the shadows beneath the water’s surface. Only the brief calculated turn of his head or craning of his neck might give away his presence. He strikes like a lightening bold emerging with an astounding catch. On this occasion, the wish for fish is stronger and more cunning that the wish to survive. The circle of life rolls onward and nature rarely chooses favorites.

[drdadbooks]

Hunting Gaze6U8A0563 by Daniel D'Auria Via Flickr: My first successful encounter with a pygmy owl was incredible, yet flawed. Twenty feet off the road and at shoulder height, the owl stood atop the branch of an old snag. It was hunting in a snowstorm. I wasn’t the only visitor to stop. A dozen other passers-by were mesmerized at the flurry of activity so close to the road. It might have been the best morning of a hundred visits to the park but for the fact that I had not driven alone. For on this occasion I had come with a coach and there was no place for the driver to park. A ranger showed up quickly, angrily threatening to ticket everyone involved. The hunting gaze of the owl made me feel twice as threatened. It was a great few moments and dozen snaps but I can’t help thinking of the opportunity lost.