Migration, Scaly Things, and Baby Season - Raleigh, North Carolina
Happy June Everyone!
I’m Shannon your Raleigh photographer and I have been busy alternating between Nature Photography, Portrait Shoots, and trying to relax and enjoy the early summer season out in my garden with my pups.
This Indigo Bunting arrived in Cary recently after wintering down south.
I absolutely love these loud and boisterous birds. This one was seen in a wetlands habitat, flying from snag to snag.
This male Eastern Box Turtle was along a Cary Greenway! If Box Turtles are safely off the trail and out of harms way (keep dogs and cats back) - you can admire them, maybe add them to iNaturalist, and leave them to do their turtle thing!
If you see them in the road, you can safely carry them across - just make sure to help them in the direction they were headed!
Eek! This ADORABLE Beaver couple had TWO baby beavers with them. Holy cow. This was a slow evening, with not many exciting spots and then BOOM, family of beavers made my whole entire week. We stayed until well after sunset to watch them.
Next up is from my own front yard - a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
Did you know Gnatcatchers build multiple nests in order to prevent brood-parasitism from Brown Cowbirds (brood-parasitism is when adults lay eggs in other species’ nests). Once one nest is parasitized, they move on to another they have built.
I really hope the one built in my red Maple has chirping baby birds this summer.
This gorgeous Northern Yellow Warbler was my migratory highlight!
This warbler is only in our region temporarily so I was so grateful to get a beautiful shot of this bright bird.
This individual is sitting in a black willow tree- an important wetlands tree that acts as a host plant to many caterpillars, including those of Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Mourning Cloak, Red-spotted Purple, Viceroy, Eastern Comma, and more.
A certified HUNK - this Snapping Turtle was seen making the treck from a small wetlands pond and into the forest. I can’t help what wonder and hope it’s a female heading off to lay eggs!
Next, please meet a good friend of mine, the North American Racer.
Racers are not venomous - but can still bite so give them their space! They are wonderful neighbors and will keep your rodent population down!
I end my birding morning with this snake almost every time I hike this trail!
The Orchard Oriole - what a find!
Again, this lady is foraging from a Black Willow tree - which quickly became the focus tree of my hike!
This male Green Anole was doing his mating dance for surrounding females just outside my house. The male bobs his head and flashes his bright red dewlap to prove to females he is a strong and suitable mate!
Last, a fan favorite, Solo, the fledgling from Shelley and Raleigh’s nest at Shelley Lake, Raleigh, North Carolina.
This park is right across from the studio - stopping in for a headshot or a passport? I highly recommend making time for a Shelley Lake visit before you head home. You just may see the poster child for endangered species that have made an incredible comeback.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the photos above, they have been added to my gallery, here.
I can also show you some already printed options in my Raleigh studio - just let me know if you have a specific photo in mind before you stop in so I know I have it in stock!
Not able to purchase anything at this time? No problem, leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite!
-Shannon
