This enormous praying mantis stared at me intently as I slowly approached, deciding I was too big to eat, not interested in eating him, and therefore irrelevant. He remained calm and unresponsive as I drew close with my camera.
Tags: praying mantis insect insects nature beauty magic outdoors forest colors communion close up mysterious
© All Rights Reserved
Frogs are not unlike humans in that individuals have very different personalities. Some are terrified of people, screeching and diving under water at the first hint of proximity. With others, one can gradually forge a relationship of trust.
Wild frogs of the right temperament can be slowly approached by gently talking to them with a musical voice. They may not understand words but can sense intent within tonalities and over time become familiar with certain notes.
I built such a bond of trust with the tree frog in this photo during the summer of 2023. With dew lap throbbing in response to my greetings, it remained comfortable as I got very close with my camera.
Tags: frog frogs amphibian amphibians wildlife nature water aquatic plants beauty magic outdoors forest animals interspecies relationships trust love sunlight bonding
© All Rights Reserved
This newt is swimming at a downward angle through a collage of reflections. The reddish lines are tree branches surrounding blue patches of sky. The amphibian’s tail tilts upward, catching the sun’s rays.
Tags: newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature sunlight summer beauty reflections outdoors forest water aquatic habitat animals ancient mystery prehistoric sweetness playfulness
© All Rights Reserved
The young newt was swimming perpendicular to my position. Suddenly it gracefully pivoted and swam directly toward me.
Newts exist at the crossroads of evolution, when life first emerged from the oceans to land. They are a captivating blend of sweetness and mystery.
Taken on my North Carolina property.
Tags: newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature sunlight summer beauty reflections outdoors forest water aquatic habitat animals ancient mystery prehistoric sweetness playfulness
© All Rights Reserved
This baby frog was one of a hundred eggs who grew from a nearly microscopic hatchling to a full-sized tadpole, surviving predation at every stage, before finally transforming into a tiny frog, the size of a fingernail.
It was resting on a leaf to gather strength, allowing its muscular-skeletal system to finish maturing, before venturing forth onto land. The back legs appear developed but the front legs are still coalescing.
Tags: frog frogs baby babies amphibian amphibians transformation wildlife nature water aquatic plants beauty magic outdoors forest
© All Rights Reserved