John Ray Photography

03/17/2026

Due to the ever growing of and sharing of Ai images/videos as well as non wildlife political and/or opinion posts, I’ve been spending more time on Flickr lately as I continue to focus on what I enjoy most, wildlife photography. I just want to enjoy someplace where images can be shared and appreciated without distractions, allowing the work itself to speak. Personal beliefs and opinions aren’t something I bring into my photography, and I enjoy viewing others’ work the same way.

If you’re on Flickr, I’d love to connect, feel free to follow me, and I’ll gladly return the support.

Explore John Ray’s 279 photos on Flickr!

03/13/2026

Competitors

Early morning on the water brought two very different kinds of fishermen.

Different methods, different gear, but the same goal.

GBH | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/12/2026

The last light of sunrise was just beginning to fade when two American White Pelicans came gliding across the morning sky. With wings stretched wide, they moved effortlessly through the air.

American White Pelicans | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/11/2026

A Great Blue Heron crossed the morning sky in silence, wings spread wide as it glided above the dark silhouettes of the trees. Against the warm colors of the sunrise, it appear as nothing more than a shadow. A quiet reminder of how wild and beautiful even the simplest moments in nature can be.

GBH | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/10/2026

The first light of morning started lighting up the tree tops and there were only a few boats in the distances heading to their favorite spots. This kind of quiet refreshes the soul only exists in those first moments after sunrise.

As the light grew stronger, four Canada Goose were welcoming the new day with their calls as they were catching the warm morning light as they flew by. Below them, drifting across the lake, a lone Common Loon moved about, unbothered by the rush of the waking day.

Canada Goose | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/09/2026

Shortly after the prime color started to fade, a bald eagle finally took flight, flying just along the bottom edge of the clouds in the background. It was one of those moments that’s just as rewarding to witness as it is to photograph.

Was it perfect? No. But I was there, experiencing it and that’s what makes moments like this special.

Bald Eagle | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/08/2026

I headed out this past Saturday morning with two goals in mind: capture a bird silhouette, hopefully a bald eagle, against the colors of the sunrise, and find some American White Pelicans.

The sunrise didn’t disappoint. Although the bald eagle silhouette happened a little after the peak color, this Ring-billed Gull and a few others provided plenty of great opportunities in the morning light. More to come...

I did manage to find the American White Pelicans and will definitely be heading back for more images. I captured several while I was there, and this one is one of my favorites.

Ring-billed Gull & American White Pelicans | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/7/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR w/ TC 1.4

03/07/2026

03/07/2026

Common Loon | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/5/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR w/Z TC 1.4

03/06/2026

Spent an late afternoon with a pair of beautiful eagles.

Bald Eagle | Franklin County, Tennessee | 3/5/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR w/Z TC 1.4

03/05/2026

Barred Owl | Bedford County, Tennessee | 2/28/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

03/04/2026

Barred Owl | Bedford County, Tennessee | 2/28/26

Nikon Z6III | Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR