Female hyenas are the dominant sex and raise their cubs in communal dens, where the young are fiercely protected and play constantly to build strength and social skills. Despite their reputation as scavengers, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters, and mothers will nurse their cubs for up to 18 months, one of the longest periods of any carnivore. On our last trip to Kenya, we saw so many spotted hyenas, most with cubs. If you want to join us on an upcoming trip, we’d love to talk. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5000, f/5.6 at 1/1250th of a second.
The three-toed sloth, also known as the brown-throated or three-fingered sloth, spends most of its life hanging upside down in the rainforest canopy, moving so slowly that algae actually grows on its fur, helping it blend into the greenery. They sleep most of the day, but I caught this guy up and at it. Well, sort of. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 220, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second.
The yellow-headed caracara is a clever and opportunistic bird of prey found throughout Central and South America. Unlike many raptors, it’s often seen walking on the ground or perched on cattle, where it picks off ticks and insects, earning it a bit of a reputation as nature’s janitor. It’s also known to scavenge and even steal food from other animals, making it one of the more adaptable and resourceful birds in its range. Every day while we were in Costa Rica, this guy would come and sit on the railing of our deck, affording me very close up portraits. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
As we get closer to our trip to Kenya and Uganda in June, and start to put the schedule together for later in the year and 2026, I’ve been thinking about some of the species we’re going to see, including the always entertaining gerenuk. Their long necks are well adapted to get at the foliage that other grazers can not (well, not including giraffes or elephants, but you get the idea). If you’d like to join us on a trip, including later this year, reach out to start a conversation. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1400, f/5.6 at 1/400th of a second.
The common basilisk lizard, also known as the “Jesus Christ lizard,” is famous for its ability to run across the surface of water. Using rapid movements of its hind legs and flared toes, it can sprint short distances across ponds and streams to escape predators. Despite this ability, it’s even better at avoiding notice altogether, often freezing motionless to blend into dense vegetation. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 1250, f/5.6 at 1/200th of a second.
I’ve posted a few images of male black curassows before. They are all black with a bright yellow beak. This is the female of the species. They have a distinctive curly crest of feathers atop their heads, giving them a slightly wild, regal appearance. Their plumage varies in color, ranging from barred, rufous, to black morphs. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 4000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
A quick interruption from all the recent Costa Rica posts. I’ve been working on a project featuring critically endangered species that I’ve photographed over the years. The Bornean orangutan is chief among them. This is an alpha male, distinguished by the dish-shaped face. The large, flat cheek pads are called flanges and are a sign of sexual maturity and dominance. Thay not only make the orangutan more attractive to females but also amplify his long calls, which can carry through the forest to assert territory and deter rival males. Photographed back in September of 2009 in Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/125th of a second.
The Central American white-faced capuchin monkey is highly intelligent and social, often seen traveling in lively troops through the forest canopy. Curious and resourceful, they use tools, groom one another to strengthen social bonds, and communicate with a wide range of vocalizations and facial expressions. I spotted these two in a small group hanging out in a large fruiting tree in Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5000, f/5.6 at 1/500th of a second.
The agouti looks a bit like a squirrel, but larger and with longer, skinner legs. They are a shy but resourceful rodent known for their important role in forest ecosystems. They spend much of their time foraging for fallen fruits and nuts, often burying seeds for later—some of which they forget, helping regenerate the forest. I photographed this one last month in Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 5600, f/5.6 at 1/320th of a second.
A ringed kingfisher doing what ringed kingfishers (and all kingfishers) do. Diving for a fish. I captured this one on a boat excursion through the mangroves of Piedras Blancas National Park in Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 900, f/5.6 at 1/2500th of a second.
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