Gabe Leidy Photography

06/15/2026

Began photographing this Barred Owl in our campground at Deep Creek Lake State Park. It clearly had developed a tolerance for humankind, and the many chipmunks the campers attract. Eventually it flew out to the main road & literally perched on the sign across from the nature center!

The ensuing scene was one of the most respectful interactions between humans and nature I’ve observed in some time. The owl naturally caused a traffic jam, as lucky cars stopped to take photos from mere feet away (would love to see some of these)! However, no one lingered & the owl was clearly tolerant of this behavior. Another crowd of gathered on foot & ooooed & awwwed from a distance. The owl didn’t fly until a truck hauling a big boat passed without noticing it.

Throughout, it was just so cool to see the excitement & joy on faces both old & young alike. Undoubtedly, this moment left a lasting impression of all involved. Through these eyes, which have seen hundreds of Barred Owls, this moment is one that will linger indefinitely. (flight shot in comments)

Maryland State Parks

Began photographing this Barred Owl in our campground at Deep Creek Lake State Park. It clearly had developed a tolerance for humankind, and the many chipmunks the campers attract. Eventually it flew out to the main road & literally perched on the sign across from the nature center!

The ensuing scene was one of the most respectful interactions between humans and nature I’ve observed in some time. The owl naturally caused a traffic jam, as lucky cars stopped to take photos from mere feet away (would love to see some of these)! However, no one lingered & the owl was clearly tolerant of this behavior. Another crowd of gathered on foot & ooooed & awwwed from a distance. The owl didn’t fly until a truck hauling a big boat passed without noticing it.

Throughout, it was just so cool to see the excitement & joy on faces both old & young alike. Undoubtedly, this moment left a lasting impression of all involved. Through these eyes, which have seen hundreds of Barred Owls, this moment is one that will linger indefinitely.

06/13/2026

A moment of appreciation for the technology we now find in our pockets. My ‘good camera’ wouldn’t even fit into this space, let alone have been able to focus.

Juvenile Red-spotted Newt (red eft). At the confluence of Lost Land Run & Potomac River, Potomac SF - Maryland

06/08/2026

Sound on!! Big Boy crossing the Black River in Lorain from a kayak. Pardon the language, kind of forgot that I was filming, but it is a real unfiltered reaction to experiencing this in person!

06/08/2026

The passage of Big Boy through Lorain couldn’t have come on a better weather day! Capturing a historical locomotive on a historical railroad bridge over the Black River was too cool an opportunity to pass up! Did a scouting run on the kayak the day before and really liked the unique angle presented by being on the water.

Zoooom to see the detail in the scene! (landscape version in comment section)

https://gabeleidyphotography.com/products/big-boy

06/06/2026

Wait for the end! Helped a Snapping Turtle cross the road on this morning’s bike commute. No footage of it trying to bite or p*e on me, unfortunately (my hands were full) 🤣

06/03/2026

‘Piebald’ deer are a rare phenomenon, but to witness a piebald fawn - that’s a privilege! The unique coloration stems from a recessive gene, which must be present in both parents. The resulting coat falls between albino & typical patterning, with a variable mix of white-and-brown coloration. Piebalds make up an estimated 0.01% of the White-tailed Deer population.

This individual was a great case study in typical fawn behavior. Does leave their children “hidden” while foraging, to avoid leaving scent trails & alerting predators to their presence. This individual was as vulnerable as any I’ve ever seen. However, staying at a distance, I was treated to some adorable poses – including one standing attempt, but facing the wrong direction!

I did receive confirmation it had been re-visited by the momma & moved, yesterday evening. Happy trails, you beautifully unique creature! Thanks, Tim Jasinski 🙏

06/01/2026

Once in a lifetime opportunity today! Check out this precious baby piebald White-tailed Deer. “Good photos” forthcoming 🙂

05/28/2026

Nothing has taught me more about the power of serendipity than photography. Ran out the door this morning, contacts still holstered, knowing I’d already missed the best color the sunrise had to offer.

Arriving at Huntington, the lake conditions were as mild as the breeze, & the water a sheet of glass. It was absolutely gorgeous morning & I was grateful to be part of it, despite the lack of epic light. Regretfully walking up the stairs to head to work, a voice yelled out - “did you see the baby raccoon?” Jae led me to a cottonwood & pointed to about spot 50-ft up. As I focused a blind eye on the branch she indicated THIS came into focus. What an incredibly adorable scene - and one that I’d nearly walked past, and skipped out all together.

Life is just better when we all work together. 🙂

05/25/2026

This morning’s foggy conditions. Honoring Memorial Day from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument in downtown Cleveland!

05/20/2026

Whoa check it out! This swarm of honeybees is shopping for a new home. When the colony gets too crowded, the queen bee packs up & takes some of the workers with her. When she needs to rest on the journey, the colony crowds around her for protection. Once their ‘all cash, over-asking price’ offer is finally accepted, all will fly off together to their new digs.

It’s well-documented that pollinators and honeybees specifically are in serious decline. I haven’t come across one of these swarms in years. Now more than ever, it’s uplifting to see a sight like this!