Wildlife – John Michael Morgan Photos

Signals of Springtime

Both of these images are a signal that springtime in SW Virginia is well underway. Hopefully, the remainder of 2021 will offer lots of outside photographic activities and travel compared to 2020 … which as we all know was not so good.

Head cocked toward the ground, this Robin is scanning below for worms and insects.

White Dogwood tree in full springtime glory.

Hiding in a Tree

Close Up, Wildlife

A bright red Cardinal and a Bluejay were almost hidden in a Dogwood tree, but their colors gave them away.

A Perfect Bluebird

Close Up, Wildlife

Chirping in the Tree

Wildlife

A Robin chirping in a springtime Maple tree.

North American Robin

Close Up, Wildlife

There is a difference between “Robins” seen in America and those in the British Isles. The most obvious difference is the size of the bird’s red breast, which is much larger here. SW Virginia Robins have been very active lately, hopping around our yard seeking worms near the surface of the ground. As a kid my parents pointed to them as an example and told me “an early bird always catches the worm” trying to motivate me to do something productive.

A Cold Cardinal

Close Up, Wildlife

By luck I had my 55-200mm lens attached when I glanced up and spotted this female Cardinal sitting on a tree limb overhead. Winter is not a good time in SW Virginia for bird photography. Thus, “luck” rules.

Two Crows Watching

Landscape, Wildlife

Virginia’s State Insect

Close Up, Flowers, Wildlife

Our Lantana flowers are now attracting a variety of insects. My favorites are butterflies. The Commonwealth of Virginia where we live has designated the colorful and rather large “Eastern Tiger Swallowtail” as the state’s honorary insect. I’m sure the butterflies could care less that they have been so honored.

A Butterfly Gathering

Close Up, Wildlife

A colorful mix of butterflies, gathering on the damp sand along the shoreline of the Smith River near Martinsville, VA.