The Sanguine Lens

08/16/2026

For everyone who tuned into the live video earlier today, here is the "official" photo of that monarch caterpillar. It was so much fun getting to show this little guy off live while he was working his way down the milkweed stem.

He actually ended up pulling a disappearing act right after. He was there one second and gone the next, so I have no idea if he went on a wild adventure or unfortunately became someone's lunch. Glad I took the photo before the video. Lol.

08/16/2026

08/16/2026

I always knew that birds like blue jays and cardinals could completely lose their head feathers during a late-summer molt, but seeing it on the internet is nothing compared to spotting it in person. In my entire 35 years on this planet, I have never actually run across a balding feathered bird live. I have seen my fair share of naturally bald ones like vultures, of course, but catching this guy looking like a little dinosaur on a branch was such a cool first time experience.

By the way, if you want to learn how to spot and photograph unique local birds yourself, registration is still open for my upcoming class, Framing the Flock, starting September 8th. You can sign up using the link right here: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGP-Oo1S4T

08/16/2026

Managed to catch this green heron hanging out on a little rock, with its reflection looking sharp in the water. I love how the duck in the background adds a nice layer of depth to the whole scene.

By the way, if you want to learn some simple tricks for spotting birds and framing up your own shots like this, registration is open for my upcoming class, Framing the Flock! It is a 4-week beginner birding and photography workshop at Camp Catalpa for ages 55+ starting September 8th. Any camera is welcome, even your smartphone, so come join the fun. You can sign up using the link right here: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGP-Oo1S4T

08/15/2026

This one is a little closer than I would usually take, but he was spying on me from the branches and I just wanted to spy right back. I love how crisp the details on his fur turned out, and you can even see the reflection of the trees in his eye.

By the way, if you want to learn some simple tricks for spotting birds and framing up your own shots, registration is open for my upcoming class, Framing the Flock! It is a 4-week beginner birding and photography workshop at Camp Catalpa for ages 55+ starting September 8th. Any camera is welcome, even your smartphone, so come join the fun. You can sign up using the link right here: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGP-Oo1S4T

08/15/2026

This milkweed patch is seriously the gift that keeps on giving. I caught this monarch stopping by for a quick lunch, and the lighting was just right. Even without a macro lens, the details on its wings and antennae came through pretty sharp. Watching these guys do their thing never gets old.

By the way, if you want to learn some simple tricks for spotting birds and framing up your own shots, registration is open for my upcoming class, Framing the Flock! It is a 4-week beginner birding and photography workshop at Camp Catalpa for ages 55+ starting September 8th. Any camera is welcome, even your smartphone, so come join the fun. You can sign up using the link right here: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGP-Oo1S4T

08/15/2026

I have never actually seen a hummingbird moth before the other day, so spotting my very first one on these milkweed blooms was pretty neat. I was completely focused on catching it mid-hover when a bumblebee decided to fly right into the frame at the exact same time. Getting both of these fast little pollinators in the same shot made it a pretty lucky bonus.

By the way, if you want to learn some simple tricks for spotting birds and framing up your own shots, registration is open for my upcoming class, Framing the Flock! It is a 4-week beginner birding and photography workshop at Camp Catalpa for ages 55+ starting September 8th. Any camera is welcome, even your smartphone, so come join the fun. You can sign up using the link right here: https://www.canvaqr.com/RGP-Oo1S4T

08/15/2026