#patuxentresearchrefuge

[greyloch]

Tundra swans I did not expect to see a pair of Tundra swans on the pond. It was amusing to watch them get up on the ice, take a few steps, only to have the ice break under their weight (wasn’t cold long enough for the ice to be thick), and do it all again. #tundraswans #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #nature #patuxentresearchrefuge #sonya7iii (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co2hYGrLT0c/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[nunoxaviermoreira]

by EJMphoto mushroom https://flic.kr/p/2jwjaGp

[americanbirdconservancy]

Reduction of 2018 budget for the U.S. Geological Survey has resulted in closure of the Whooping Crane captive breeding program at Patuxent Research Refuge (Laurel, MD). We’re saddened by the news and hoping for no long-term adverse effects on this endangered species. Here’s a statement from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lawhoopingcranes/posts/1202614459844665

(Photo of Whooping Crane by Derek Hanking)

[lauriera]

So beautiful! #Birdsafewindows at #patuxentresearchrefuge. #birdcollisions #birdconservation (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AJX4bJCWf/?igshid=1cej5abgdv8jh

[greyloch]

male American goldfinch doing…. I’m not sure what He was systematically ripping this plant/flower apart. Not sure if he was eating some tasty seeds or wanted the “fluff” for a nest. Wasn’t in a position to ask. 😉 #americangoldfinch #birdsofinstagram #sonyfe200600mmgoss #clearimagezoom #naturephotography #nature #sonya7iii #patuxentresearchrefuge (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CjLwG7HpRws/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greyloch]

Pearl Crescent butterfly The pattern really reminded me of a very ornate folding fan. Seen at the Patuxent Research Refuge #pearlcrescentbutterfly #butterfliesofinstagram #sonyphotography #clearimagezoom #sonya7iii #patuxentresearchrefuge #topazsharpenai #niksoftwarecolorefex (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPZmqmPDRvK/?utm_medium=tumblr

[greyloch]

A “Charm” of hummingbirds #birdsofinstagram #rubythroatedhummingbirds #patuxentresearchrefuge #sonya7iii #sonyphotography #clearimagezoom (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTlNGKujtJk/?utm_medium=tumblr

[greyloch]

Chicory flower Same plant we get the coffee substitute and/or add-in. Never have seen it before (heard about it, tho) nor realized to could grow in the northern (mid-Atlantic) climate. #patuxentresearchrefuge #flowersofinstagram #chicory #topazdenoiseai #sonya7iii #macrophotography #sonyfe50mmf28macro (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CivSUKqph6b/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greyloch]

Hummingbird Clearwing moth I have never seen a Hummingbird moth before I took this photo. Very much a highlight of my photo expedition to Patuxent Research Refuge. I was almost afraid to breathe as I didn’t want to scare it away. It’s about half the size of a Ruby-throated hummingbird and systematically went from plant to plant and got within a foot of where I was standing. #hummingbirdmothsofinstagram #hummingbirdclearwingmoth #naturephotography #insectsofinstagram #mothsofinstagram #sonya7iii #sonyfe200600g #patuxentresearchrefuge (at Patuxent Wildlife Refuge, Odenton, MD) https://www.instagram.com/p/CiTxZkHjsuu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greyloch]

Pearl Crescent butterfly #insectsofinstagram #pearlcrescentbutterfly #butterfly #sonya7iii #patuxentresearchrefuge (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChgTcy1DVQJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[greyloch]

Chinese mantis This young lady flew into my face. It’s kind of hard to ignore a 5-inch bug when it decides your face is a perfect place to park herself. #patuxentresearchrefuge #insectsofinstagram #insecphotography #sonya7iii #chinesemantis (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZR4EEPLWc0/?utm_medium=tumblr

[greyloch]

Three American goldfinches on a feeder Last time I went to #patuxentresearchrefuge there were a bunch of photographers with some serious lenses (500 mm, high-end class) all focused on the hummingbirds flitting about. However, they were all so hyper-focused on the hummingbirds that no one but me noticed that multiple goldfinches had shown up. I can honestly say that I’ve never seen three sharing the same feeder before. In my experience, American goldfinches have been more difficult to capture with my camera than hummingbirds as they are extremely nervous birds. When it comes to wildlife photography, you gotta pay attention to everything or else you may miss something special. I guess this goes for all photography, once you think about it. #americangoldfinch #birdsofinstagram #sonya7iii #sonyphotography #clearimagezoom (at Patuxent Research Refuge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFRMIhF3bI/?utm_medium=tumblr

[nunoxaviermoreira]

by EJMphoto Rat Snake https://flic.kr/p/2iQeTSz

[nunoxaviermoreira]

Cash Lake Water Lily Macro 2017 by matthewbeziat This is a macro image of a pink water lily on the South Tract of the Patuxent Research Refuge in Maryland. http://flic.kr/p/V6mCFz