Nature Lover Club

31/05/2025

Cute

14/03/2025

How did photographer Andrew Orr () manage to capture this incredible shot of California Condor #731 standing majestically on the rugged cliff’s edge against the backdrop of northern Arizona’s Vermilion Cliffs without disturbing her?

He used a remote camera setup and positioned himself 100 feet from the bird so he wouldn’t disturb her. Using a wide-angle lens with preset focus and a high aperture to increase depth of field, Andrew made sure the bird would be in focus and manually triggered the shutter.

This wild condor is part of the California Condor reintroduction program aimed at restoring populations to their historic range. Previously, condor #731 received treatment for lead poisoning—an ongoing issue for condors that ingest lead ammunition fragments in the carrion they eat.

Andrew's spectacular shot made this year's Audubon Photography Awards top 100 list.

14/03/2025

Are these two Barred Owls fledglings doing a fist bump? For the first few weeks, after they leave the nest, Barred Owl fledglings often stay close together, even perching side by side. 🦉🦉⠀
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Check out more adorable photos of baby birds from the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards by clicking the link in our bio. ⠀
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📷: Shane Kalyn ()/Audubon Photography Awards

14/03/2025

You might have to look twice 🔍 to distinguish a female American Kestrel from a male, as both have the same pairs of black vertical slashes on the sides of their faces. But take a look at their wings—the males’ are slate-blue colored, while the females’ are reddish-brown.

Andrew Lee found this female American Kestrel during winter at the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. Using his SUV as a blind, he picked one simple and photogenic perch and positioned himself to get the shot. After the kestrel landed on that perch, she scanned her surroundings and began to groom herself.

He knew from observing kestrels’ behaviors that she would soon do the “dipping,” “bowing,” and “stretching” of her beautiful wings and hoped that he would have a good angle, lighting, and background to properly capture these special moments. Sure enough, he did—as his final photo captured the female stretching her wings while clutching the perch with her talons.

Andrew submitted his stunning photo to the 2021 .

14/03/2025

You've seen your neighborhood vireos already so why not find some that are still exotic to your life list? Learn about four exotic vireos that can still be found in the U.S. by clicking the link in our bio.⠀
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Cuban Vireo. Photo: All Canada Photos/Alamy

14/03/2025

The Northern Shoveler just might be our most unique dabbling duck, with its big spatulate bill that it uses to strain food from the water. This bird may not look like it's built for flying but that’s just not true. They’re great fliers, and at large gatherings, groups of them often are seen taking off, circling the area repeatedly, then alighting again.

Tatyana is always up for a challenge to take photos of ducks in flight, especially when it’s Northern Shovelers. She was able to photograph this one in mid-flight looking forward, perfectly capturing its comical yet useful bill.

Special thanks to Tatyana Soto () for sharing her stunning shots with us this week during our .

14/03/2025

14/03/2025

The Boreal Chickadee may only weigh one-third of an ounce, but this tiny bird survives harsh winters in the Boreal Forest in a few unexpected ways.⁠
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During summer, it catches a ton of insects and seeds, storing spruce seeds and stashing bugs in tree crevices. In fall, the bird puts on fresh, heavier plumage, creating a comfy down parka.⁠
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This rugged little bird has a few other ways of surviving in a cold, dark habitat. Tap the link in our bio to hear all of them from our friends at BirdNote ().⁠
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A Boreal Chickadee in Ontario, Canada. 📷: Jeff Manser ()

14/03/2025

Looking to impress your friends and family with your culinary flair? Try your hand at the Camp favorite Cream Puffin—a delightful combination of cold, sweet filling, chocolate, and pastry—courtesy of “Seabird Sue” Schubel.

“Part of my unofficial role here is to create joy and appreciation of seabirds,” says Sue. And that was the underlying spirit when she and her dad came up with the Cream Puffin concept around two decades ago, while brainstorming ocean-themed desserts she could bring to Hog Island.

Don’t sweat it if your batch falls short of puffin perfection. “Even though each individual one might be a little wonky, as a flock they look adorable,” says Sue.

We won't promise it'll be easy, but we guarantee it'll be just as sweet as it looks. Tap the link in our bio to get the full instructions on how to concoct these petite pastries. 🥐

A flock of Cream Puffins on a plate. 📷: Mike Fernandez ()/Audubon

14/03/2025

Bushtits are sociable birds, gathering in flocks in backyards of the southwestern interior. Since they are often inconspicuous, look closely for the birds while they feed together, sometimes hanging upside down.⁠
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📷: Mick Thompson ()/Audubon Photography Awards

14/03/2025

Can you think of anything dreamier than this Roseate Spoonbill flying peacefully through a bed of pastel, cotton candy-like clouds? 💕☁ We certainly can’t—and Scott Suriano (), who captured this prehistoric-looking bird during a vacation on Florida’s East Coast, felt the same way.

Sneaking away from his family early in the morning, Scott headed to a nearby spoonbill nesting colony where he observed them tending to their young. As the sun broke over the horizon, he spotted one flying across the sky.

Scott captured the downstroke of the Roseate Spoonbill's wings, displaying the bird’s vibrant bright pink plumage popping against a sky filled with lavender, pink, and gray clouds. With its long neck stretched forward, its wings reaching down, and its legs stretched out behind it, the magnificent wader appears to be suspended in the air.⁠ ⁠Scott’s dream-like photo made the 2021 top 100 list.

14/03/2025

Strictly coastal in their range, Elegant Terns feed mostly on small fish and the occasional small crustacean. 🐟 While foraging, they fly over the water, hovering and plunge-diving to catch their prey below the surface.

Jack happened to spot two Elegant Terns searching for their next meal, and soon enough, they ended up squabbling over a fish. One tern won the fight and hastily grabbed the fish—but not before the other gave it a peck on the wing.

His stunning photo captures this moment—the tern below holds the prized fish in its bill, while the other above dives while pecking its wing.

This gorgeous photo is part of our with Jack Zhi (.zhi.photo)—special thanks to him for sharing his images with us!