The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is especially bright and colorful in summer when males are wearing their breeding plumage. Unlike many birds, goldfinches breed later in the season, often waiting until mid to late summer so they can take advantage of the abundance of seeds from thistles and other wild plants. They’re strict vegetarians, feeding almost entirely on seeds, and even their chicks are raised on a plant-based diet. I photographed this goldfinch last summer in Rhode Island, going flower to flower eating, and in this case, spreading those seeds. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 800, f/5.6 at 1/2000th of a second.
To me, Madagascar is the most exotic place on earth. I first visited in 2007 and am now in the process of planning a trip (or two) for 2027. On the agenda is a return to Berenty Private Reserve in the south where I photographed this ring-tailed lemur. If you’re interested in traveling with us, please reach out. We’d love to have an informational conversation about the possibilities. Nikon D200 with Nikkor 80-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 100, f/4.5 at 1/750th of a second.
Karen and I visited the excellent Playa Cativo Lodge in southern Costa Rica back in March. The lodge is fortuitously situated in the middle of Piedras Blancas National Park, on the Golfo Dulce, isolated from any other habitation via miles of rainforest. I put together a short(ish) video for the owner of the lodge highlighting all the great wildlife that can be seen around the property — six days of hiking, boating, swimming and even sitting on the front porch of our “casita” as the animals came to us. Creating similar video/photo packages for other eco/wildlife lodges is something I hope to do more of in the future and I’m currently working on a pricing structure that I’ll start marketing.
The Celebes black macaque (Macaca nigra), also known as the crested black macaque, is found only on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and a few nearby islets. With jet-black fur, a mohawk-like crest, and intense amber eyes, Celebes black macaque’s are one of the most visually distinctive primates in the world. They’re known for their expressive faces, especially their smile, which is actually a sign of submission. Sadly, they are critically endangered due to habitat loss and hunting, making their conservation especially urgent. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 32mm) ISO 800, f/2.8 at 1/125th of a second.
The tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba) is found in forests and wooded areas throughout Central and South America (this one was photographed in central Panama). Despite the name, these owls don’t screech. They let out a soft, trilling call that sounds more like a frog than a typical owl. Well-camouflaged with mottled gray or brown plumage, they blend perfectly into tree bark during the day, often going completely unnoticed. At night, they become efficient hunters, swooping silently after insects, small reptiles, and even the occasional bat. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 330mm) ISO 400, f/8 at 1/200th of a second, Nikon SB-900 flash.
While the boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) is primarily nocturnal, it’s occasionally active during the day, especially in quiet, shaded wetlands where it feels safe. I’ve photographed them several times in Peru, but only at night, so it was great to capture one during the day on our recent trip to Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 2000, f/5.6 at 1/1600th of a second.
Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) may look ungainly with their large tusks and warty faces, but they’re surprisingly agile and intelligent. They are also attentive parents and live in close-knit family groups called sounders. In just a few more weeks, Karen and I will be leading another group back to the Masai Mara where I took this photo. If you’re interested in traveling with us, let’s get the conversation started. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 70-200mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 640, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.
Mealy parrots (Amazona farinosa) are known for their social and vocal nature and often squabble as a way of maintaining hierarchy and communication within their flocks. These noisy disagreements can involve jostling for perches, defending favorite feeding spots, or simply reinforcing pair bonds through animated chatter. Squabbles can be intense, but usually brief and harmless. Photographed in Piedras Blancas National Park in southern Costa Rica. Nikon Z8 with Nikkor 500mm PF lens, ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second.
The eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is one of the largest and most common kangaroo species in Australia. Eastern greys are known for their powerful hind legs and graceful leaping ability that can cover over 25 feet in a single hop. I got the camera on the ground for this low-angle perspective in Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 200mm) ISO 800, f/5 at 1/5000th of a second.
The crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), also known as the long-tailed macaque, is a highly intelligent and adaptable primate found throughout Southeast Asia. Despite the name, crabs are only a small part of their diet. They eat everything from fruit and seeds to small animals and, wherever they can find them, human leftovers. I photographed this one outside of a temple on the Malay Peninsula of Thailand. Nikon D500 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/1000th of a second.
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