Civilization has forgotten what indigenous cultures always knew: all living beings have a soul. God doesn’t create disposable life forms.

When I photograph creatures, I tune into their essence & awareness, and share their indifference to what science believes about them.

Reptiles and amphibians obviously don’t know what a camera is, but some can sense when they’re being appreciated and loved. That’s partly why I’m able to get so close.

Tags:   frog frogs amphibian amphibians wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water YBSAnimals22

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This male newt is enjoying a relaxed swim during a warm spring afternoon on my North Carolina property. He’s seeking neither food nor a mate, but rather engaging in a few moments of peaceful recreation.

The red and orange colors come from fallen leaves that are now part of the substrate. The blue is reflections of sky piercing the canopy.

Tags:   newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water aquatic animals spring peace joy colors WPD23Animals YBS23Nature

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Early spring is mating season for aquatic newts on my NC property. A male approaches females, putting his nose in the appropriate spot to assess readiness.

If conditions are right, he wrestles her to the bottom and deposits a sperm package on a leaf, which is then absorbed through an opening called a cloaca in the female’s body.

Though not a very romantic union, the birthing process is surprisingly tender. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs per day, gently nestling them in floating plant roots for protection. Hatchlings remain there until ready to venture forth.

Tags:   newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water aquatic mating animals spring birth

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Spring came early on my NC property and several species of newts surfaced to bask in the mild water, nibble on insects beneath the string algae, and mate…..unconcerned about snakes, frogs and other predators still hibernating.

Tags:   newt newts amphibian amphibians wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water aquatic mating animals spring trees shadows swimming colors

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Gumbo is a rescue turtle. In 2014 he was run over by a car that crushed his shell and ruptured his eyes. I took him to the Turtle Rescue Team at NC State. An amazing vet put him back together but couldn’t save his eyes. I adopted him but was told the odds were slim, because blind turtles lose the will to live, and refuse to eat. It took several months of love and coaxing, but he now eats ravenously from my hand.

He responds to numerous words, including his name. When I approach his tank and say, “I love you,” his head rises all the way up and the dewlap under his neck starts pounding.

Gumbo strolls in my garden every week and has learned to use his other senses to navigate. He loves to play in the hose. It helps orientate his location and the coils are simply fun.

Tags:   turtle turtles reptile reptiles wildlife nature beauty magic outdoors forest water animals angels angelic beautiful animal rescue healing

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