Amazing photo!

A Northern Mockingbird stands alert on a sunlit pine branch, its gray plumage and white underparts contrasting softly with the dappled green forest background. The bird’s posture is upright and watchful, its long tail slightly raised as it scans the area, framed by fine pine needles and textured bark.

Mockingbird mode: activated.

Probably just memorized your ringtone and is judging your taste.

#birding #NaturePhotography #mockingbird #wildlife #birdphotography #birds

A vivid Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly perches delicately on a blooming spike of violet-blue Pickerelweed flowers. The butterfly's creamy yellow wings are streaked with bold black stripes, while its hindwings showcase striking blue and orange spots near the tips. Lush green leaves blur in the background, creating a vibrant contrast that highlights the pollinator's delicate balance on the aquatic bloom.

Slowly getting back to sharing my recent favorites.

Pretty sure this is an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail on a Pickerelweed—but botany/insecty folks, please correct me!

I just thought it was a pretty shot and it made me happy 😆

#butterfly #NaturePhotography #wildlife #flowers #insects #photography

An osprey perched high in a tree, partially obscured by leaves and branches. Its sharp yellow eyes are fixed in an intense gaze, and its black-and-white plumage contrasts against the bright blue sky. Sunlight highlights the texture of its feathers and the lichen-covered branch beneath its talons.

Ospreys always look like they flew straight out of a Renaissance painting and into a war council.

Caught this one mid-survey of its kingdom. Thought your fish were safe? Think again…

#birds #photography #photo #osprey

I'm thinking I'll stick with birds, cats, and dogs -- and just stay away from everything else ☺️

A bald eagle in mid-flight skimming over a rippling body of water with its talons extended, moments before striking the surface to catch prey. The eagle’s wings are fully outstretched, showing intricate feather details, with its white head and tail contrasting against the dark brown body.

Took a couple months off social media to work on my mental health.

Now I just have a backlog of bird photos.

Nothing says says 4th of July like a bald eagle hunting while the world burns around it.

Anyway, here’s a cool photo.

Be kind out there.

#birds #photography #photo #bluesky

I love it! My wife named this game Herman 😂

I appreciate it, Hamster!

Thanks Valerie!

I’m learning so much from this photo!

I will do my best 😂

I have quite a few diving duck species nearby, but I very seldom can get close to them

Crazy awesome little dinosaurs 😄

Thanks, I love herons :)

Seriously? I had no idea!

No kidding? I had no idea. I'm going to have to find my cat and look at their eyes

A close-up photo of a Great Blue Heron, showing intricate feather patterns with fine, wispy plumes draping over its back. The heron’s sharp, orange beak is prominent, and its yellow eye is partially covered by a translucent, milky-white nictitating membrane mid-blink. The background features soft, circular bokeh highlights from sunlight reflecting on water, adding a shimmering effect behind the heron. The heron’s head feathers have a slight windblown look, with long, dark plumes trailing from the back of its head. The image captures fine details of the heron’s textures and colors with a beautiful blend of natural light and soft background blur.

Caught mid-blink! How cool is that?!

Did you know herons have a special see-through eyelid called a nictitating membrane? It protects their eyes while keeping their vision sharp!

Nature’s coolest built-in goggles!

#birds #photography #heron #nature #photo #eastcoastkin

Verissimo, grazie mille! 😁

I appreciate that!

Thanks Shirl!

(3/3). I also received a couple questions about the #EastCoastKin hashtag.

EastCoastKin is an art focused collective created by two amazing photographers, @jaycee-visionlogic.bsky.social and @jacgfxgeek.bsky.social.

You can learn more here: bsky.app/profile/jacg.... Definitely worth checking out!

(2/3) Photography has been such a joy for me, and I want to use this moment to highlight other amazing photographers and ways to get involved.

First, here is an starter pack for you to find other amazing photographers!

go.bsky.app/E47Chog

(1/3) I woke up this morning to see that my Heron photograph has over 11,500 likes. I am absolutely blown away and humbled by the incredible support from this community. Each of you is amazing.

(continued below)

#birds #photography #photo #EastCoastKin #bluesky

bsky.app/profile/lefo...

I appreciate it Corey!

Thanks RT!

And thank you for saying nice things!

Wow - that’s beautiful! You should be proud of that one!

Ah, shucks ☺️

Thanks Sigh!

Michael, that is an absolutely beautiful photo. Very well done!