Category: Nature

Views of nature and the natural world. Plants, animals, and wildlife from around the world.

Friday (02-January-2009) — New Jersey

Backyard Winter Nature in New Jersey: Afternoon Walkabout.

Holly tree and red berries after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 230 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec) (David J Mathre)
Holly tree and red berries after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 230 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec) (David J Mathre)
Lone pine cone after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1600, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/160 sec) (David J Mathre)
Lone pine cone after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1600, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/160 sec) (David J Mathre)
Rhododendron bush after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 230 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec) (David J Mathre)
Rhododendron bush after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1250, 230 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec) (David J Mathre)
Lone male red cardinal after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1600, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec) (David J Mathre)
Lone male red cardinal after a light snow. Images taken with a Nikon D700 camera and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 1600, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec) (David J Mathre)

Monday (29-December-2008) — New Jersey

Winter Indoor Nature in New Jersey: Stink Bug Eating Pink Grapefruit.

The invasive stink bugs that invaded Pennsylvania have expanded into New Jersey. They come into houses during the winter to stay warm.  As seen here, one is feasting on a pink grapefruit that I just brought back from Florida.

Stink Bug Eating Pink Grapefruit. Image taken with an Nikon D3 and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, f/16, 1/60 sec, ring flash). (David J Mathre)
Stink Bug Eating Pink Grapefruit. Image taken with an Nikon D3 and 200 mm f/4 macro lens (ISO 200, f/16, 1/60 sec, ring flash).

Saturday (27-December-2008) — Florida

Gone to See Florida 2008 Road Trip Day 6: Birds and Reptiles at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

This was the first time that I visited Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. It is right next to (and is part of the John F. Kennedy Space Center). The wildlife viewing road can be closed during launches. Black Point Wildlife Drive is a target rich environment for viewing Florida wildlife. I have included a few images of birds (White Ibis, White Egret, Anhanga) and alligators. There was also a viewing station with telescopes set up to see a pair of American Bald Eagles building a nest.

White Ibis Fishing at Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. Image taken with an Nikon D3x and 300 mm f/2.8 VR lens (ISO 100, 300 mm, f/8, 1/320 sec). (David J Mathre)
White Ibis Fishing at Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. Image taken with an Nikon D3x and 300 mm f/2.8 VR lens (ISO 100, 300 mm, f/8, 1/320 sec).  White Egret Fishing at Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. Image taken with an Nikon D3x and 300 mm f/2.8 VR lens (ISO 100, 300 mm, f/8, 1/320 sec).


Friday (26-December-2008) — Florida

Gone to See Florida 2008 Road Trip Day 5: Pair of Great Blue Heron Dancing.

Back again at Fort De Soto Park. This is a great birding location. I saw these two Great Blue Herons dancing just off a small mangrove island. Another example where the high-resolution of the D3x camera proved useful for wildlife images. The camera is not just for studio applications.

Great Blue Heron Dancing in the Morning Sun. Image taken with an Nikon D3x and 300 mm f/2.8 lens with 1.4 II TC (ISO 200, 420 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec). (David J Mathre)
Great Blue Heron Dancing in the Morning Sun. Image taken with an Nikon D3x and 300 mm f/2.8 lens with 1.4 II TC (ISO 200, 420 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec). (David J Mathre)