During the fall rut in Alaska bull moose move through the trees, grunting and sniffing the air for the scent of receptive cows. Their necks swell with testosterone, and they may thrash saplings or engage in head-to-head battles with rival bulls to assert dominance. I kept my distance, for the most part, as this guy zeroed in on a nearby cow. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 140mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/1000th of a second.
The polka-dot tree frog is quite common in forest-edge and secondary-growth habitats and is often seen perched on broad leaves like this little guy, photographed in Madidi National Park in the Bolivian Amazon. Nikon D300 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm with Canon 500D close up filter) ISO 200, f/20 at 1/60th of a second, Nikon SB-800 flash.
The martial eagle is Africa’s largest and most powerful eagle, with a wingspan that can exceed 7 feet and the strength to take down prey as large as small antelope or monkeys. As an apex predator, the martial eagle plays a vital role in balancing ecosystems, but it’s under threat from habitat loss and persecution, leading to sharp population declines in recent years. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 2500, f/5.6 at 1/80th of a second.
We called them helicopters when I was a kid. Whirlybirds were another common nickname, but they are actually called samaras, and they are most common with maple trees. Chipmunks — like this one that recently visited my backyard camera trap — collect them and store them for winter. They peel back the paper-y outer wings and eat the seed that sits inside. Nikon D3300 with Nikkor 18-55mm lens (at 29mm) ISO 400, f/14 at 1/250th of a second, Camtraptions camera housing and triggers, Nikon SB-900 flash units.
The secretary bird is known for its distinctive strut across the African savanna. Unlike most birds of prey, it hunts almost entirely on foot, covering vast distances with a deliberate, high-stepping gait. Its powerful legs and sharp talons are built for speed and precision, perfect for stomping and striking snakes, lizards, and small mammals. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 2800, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.
An elephant cow is a fiercely devoted mother, guiding her calf with both gentleness and strength. From birth, the calf rarely strays far from her side, using its trunk to explore the world while learning vital survival skills. The mother uses low-frequency rumbles to communicate with her calf — even over long distances — and will shield it from danger with her massive body. Calves nurse for up to two years and remain under the care and protection of the herd well into adolescence. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 24-70mm lens (at 49mm) ISO 250, f/5 at 1/500th of a second.
The mangrove tree crab lives high in the branches of mangrove trees along tropical coastlines. Unlike most crabs, it spends much of its life out of water, using its hooked legs to climb and cling to bark and leaves. It feeds primarily on mangrove leaves but also snacks on algae, insects, and detritus, making it both a herbivore and a scavenger. When threatened, it can drop from the canopy into the water below, quickly scurrying to safety. Small but ecologically important, this crab helps recycle nutrients and maintain the delicate balance of the mangrove ecosystem. I photographed this on in Piedras Blancas National Park in southern Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second, Godox 860iii flash.
The Patagonian gray fox is a small, agile canid native to the windswept grasslands and shrublands of southern Argentina and Chile. Despite its name, it’s more closely related to wolves and jackals than true foxes, and it’s well-adapted to the harsh, open landscapes of Patagonia. With a bushy tail and a mottled grey/rust coat, it blends easily into its surroundings while hunting for rodents, birds, fruit, and carrion. Curious but cautious, they’re often seen pausing to glance back before disappearing into the wild Patagonian steppe. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 240mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/500th of a second.
The common wombat is a sturdy, nocturnal marsupial known for its powerful digging abilities. Using strong claws, it excavates complex burrow systems that can extend over 100 feet underground. These burrows provide shelter from extreme temperatures and predators, making them essential for survival. Uniquely, wombats have a backward-facing pouch to keep dirt from filling it while they dig. Nikon D800 with Sigma 15mm fisheye lens, ISO 800, f/7.1 at 1/1600th of a second.
A yawning leopard might look relaxed, but it’s often a sign of transition, waking up from rest or preparing to settle down or begin a hunt. The wide-open jaws reveal long, curved canines and a surprisingly pink tongue, making for an impressive (and sometimes intimidating) display. We came across this guy on our most recent Crane Wildlife Tours trip in June. If you’d like to join us on an upcoming trip we’d love to start the conversation. It’s never too early, or too late. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.