IUCN Conservation Status: Varies Lichens are known as composite organisms I took this photo while out for a hike with Matt at Eagle Creek Park in central Indiana. we had rented a super telephoto lens to take some bird photos. While we were getting out to the lake, I was playing with matts 105mm lens […]
IUCN Conservation Status: Varies Curly maple is sought out by woodworkers Curly maple is commonly known to woodworkers for the unique grain that is created by the grain of the wood. Seeing curly maple in the wild is not common, and can be quite astounding as you try to uncover why the tree grew in […]
Shades State Park The drop off is 100 feet to the bottom of the sandstone ridge! Step after step we hiked up the trail. It was a perfect day for hiking with temperatures in the mid-seventies. The sun was shining that day, and there wasn’t a hint of foul weather. Jill and I were hiking […]
IUCN Conservation Status: Data Deficient Sea cucumbers are echinoderms in the class Holothuroidea. This photo is of a Pacific white-spotted sea cucumber, which is also known as the Hawaiian sea cucumber. I saw this wild looking animal while snorkeling in only a few feet of water with my wife at Anini Beach on the north […]
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern Ornate butterflyfish can be recognized by their black and white stripes, as well as their yellow markings. The ornate butterflyfish is a beautiful creature that can be found in reefs around the world. These fish are brightly colored and playful, making them an excellent choice for people who want to […]
IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern They eat zooplankton, algae, and other small plants, and they live in coral reefs. Poipu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kaua’i. It has a beautiful view and is great for snorkeling. Indo-Pacific sergeant majors, parrot fish, turtles, and more can all be seen when swimming in […]
Hedgehog Cactus – IUCN Conservation Status: Varied This is likely either a Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus or a Strawberry Cactus When walking through the desert during the golden hour right before or after sunset, there are so many amazing photos that you can take. This photo is of a hedgehog cactus that I took near the […]
Plum Island It is also famous because of the purple sands that appear at high tide. The sands get their color from tiny crystals of pink pyrope garnet. Matt and I had hiked from the road to the Atlantic Ocean out on Plum Island. The sky was a bit overcast that day, which I have […]
Koa Tree – IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern The largest populations of koa are found on the islands of Hawai’i, Maui, and O’ahu. This photo is of one of my favorite trees in the world, the koa tree. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and it can be found on Kaua’i where this photo […]
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle – Observations There were thousands of bees, wasps, beetles, butterflies, and other insects moving about around us. This orange and black beetle is a goldenrod soldier beetle. I took this photo while on a short hike at Eagle Creek Park with Matt. We were hiking in a big open field that is […]