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1231 images Created 4 Jun 2015

Stock Photography of Birds
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  • A black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) takes flight above the Chagres River in Soberanía National Park, its bright pink legs trailing behind as it banks over the waters of the Panama Canal. These striking ducks are a common sight in wetland habitats across Central America, often seen in noisy flocks that whistle their way through the morning mist. As omnivores that forage by dabbling in shallow waters, they rely heavily on the health of riparian corridors like those found here. While the region is protected, growing urban pressures and canal-related development continue to alter wetland dynamics. Conservation of these ecosystems is essential not only for waterbirds like the black-bellied whistling duck, but also for the broader tropical biodiversity the Canal zone supports.
    black-bellied whistling duck - Panam...jpg
  • With wings outstretched and its namesake whistle trailing behind, a black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) flies low over the surface of the Chagres River, backlit by the morning sun in Panama’s Soberanía National Park. These gregarious waterfowl are easily identified by their high-pitched vocalizations, long pink legs, and striking contrast of chestnut, black, and white plumage. Unusual among ducks for their strong pair bonds and arboreal nesting habits, they often roost and breed in tree cavities near rivers and wetlands. As year-round residents of Central America’s lowland tropical forests and wetlands, their populations are stable but dependent on the protection of wetland corridors such as those found along the Panama Canal. While not currently endangered, habitat degradation and pollution remain long-term threats to these charismatic birds and the ecological integrity of their wetland environments.
    black-bellied whistling duck - Panam...jpg
  • A black-bellied whistling duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) makes a graceful turn mid-air above the broad waters of the Chagres River in Soberanía National Park, a key conservation area within the Panama Canal watershed. Known for their social nature and distinctive whistling calls, these ducks are a hallmark of healthy tropical wetlands. They are often found nesting in tree hollows near freshwater, and their feeding behavior—primarily nocturnal and plant-based—makes them valuable indicators of ecosystem change. The proximity of Soberanía’s protected forests to one of the most trafficked shipping lanes in the world highlights the delicate balance between development and biodiversity. As development pressures expand in the Canal Zone, the long-term persistence of wetland specialists like the black-bellied whistling duck depends on transboundary conservation efforts that maintain the integrity of tropical aquatic systems.
    black-bellied whistling duck - Panam...jpg
  • In the amber light of sunset, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) darts across the glassy surface of a Prairie Pothole pond, lunging after insects that hover just above the waterline. While known primarily as underwater foragers, Eared Grebes also take advantage of aerial insect swarms in spring and summer — a seasonal behavior tied to energy demands during breeding and molting. In these glacially carved wetlands of the northern Great Plains, insect-rich evenings signal ecological abundance, supporting not only grebes but a vast web of nesting birds, amphibians, and aquatic life. Yet as warming trends shorten hydroperiods and reduce emergent vegetation, the reliability of these insect booms is increasingly at risk — a subtle but significant threat to the complex life histories of wetland specialists like the Eared Grebe.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • In a sudden vertical burst of energy, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) leaps from the water to snatch a flying insect — a rarely seen hunting behavior captured in the moment. Though primarily known as underwater foragers, Eared Grebes will opportunistically catch insects in flight, especially during the breeding season when energy demands are high. In the Prairie Pothole Region, where insect life explodes with the thaw of spring, these shallow wetlands provide an abundance of food for birds rearing young. As ephemeral wetlands dry sooner each year due to shifting climate patterns, the reliable availability of protein-rich insect life — and the grebes that depend on it — hangs in delicate balance.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • In the early light of a calm spring morning, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) stretches its wings over the glassy surface of a Prairie Pothole pond. The golden ear tufts glow against dark feathers, revealing the full splendor of this species’ breeding appearance. Though these birds are powerful divers, they are awkward on land and flightless during their post-nesting molt — a vulnerability that makes healthy wetlands essential throughout the season. As the climate warms and drought conditions intensify, the availability of these shallow, invertebrate-rich wetlands is under threat, putting added pressure on birds like the Eared Grebe that rely exclusively on such habitats to breed and raise young.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • Rising briefly from the surface, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) throws open its wings, water beading off its plumage in the stillness of a prairie pothole morning. Wing-flapping in this context may serve multiple purposes: a balance check, a courtship cue, or simply a physical reset after foraging. These behaviors are part of the daily rhythm in the Prairie Pothole Region, where life for grebes is centered entirely around water. Because they are flightless during post-breeding molt, Eared Grebes are acutely dependent on stable wetland systems — a growing challenge as seasonal ponds across the Great Plains face mounting pressures from agriculture and drought.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • With wings outstretched and chest puffed above the surface, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) stands tall on the water in a classic post-preening wing-flap. This behavior, often seen after bathing or during social signaling, offers a glimpse of the bird’s rarely seen flight feathers and striking breeding plumage. In the Prairie Pothole Region, these shallow wetlands serve as critical breeding habitat for the species, offering shelter, food, and security in isolated ponds surrounded by cattails and sedges. As wetland loss accelerates across the northern plains, moments like this underscore the value of conserving the region’s ephemeral basins — not only for Eared Grebes but for the full web of life these wetlands support.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • A male and female Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) sit quietly at the edge of a prairie pothole, nestled beside a stand of dried cattails that line the wetland margin. The drake’s crisp black-and-gray contrast and the hen’s subtle earth tones are typical of this diving duck species, which prefers small, vegetated ponds for breeding. Though often mistaken for scaup, Ring-necked Ducks are more likely to nest in temporary wetlands with ample emergent vegetation — habitats that are disappearing rapidly across the Prairie Pothole Region due to drainage and agricultural conversion. Like many species that breed in this glacial landscape, their population health is directly tied to the availability of shallow wetlands during spring and early summer. Protecting these water bodies is not only critical for sustaining Ring-necked Ducks but also for maintaining the overall diversity of one of North America’s most important waterfowl production zones.
    ringed-necked duck - prairie pothole...jpg
  • An Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) floats serenely across open blue water, framed by the soft blur of cattails along a Prairie Pothole shoreline. These small but charismatic diving birds rely almost entirely on wetlands for every stage of their life cycle — from nesting to molting to migration staging. During the breeding season, Eared Grebes select shallow, fishless wetlands rich in aquatic invertebrates, using submerged vegetation to anchor their floating nests. The Prairie Pothole Region remains a global stronghold for this species, but as climate change alters precipitation cycles and agricultural development continues to drain seasonal wetlands, the availability of suitable breeding habitat is shrinking. Conservation of these ephemeral basins is essential not only for the Eared Grebe but for hundreds of species that depend on this dynamic and fragile ecosystem.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • A solitary male Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) glides through calm water, framed by the golden tones of last season’s cattails in a Prairie Pothole wetland. With his striking emerald head, chestnut flanks, and oversized spatula-like bill, the drake cuts a vivid silhouette against the spring marsh. This species is one of the most specialized filter feeders among North American ducks, using comb-like lamellae inside its bill to strain zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates from the water. The Prairie Pothole Region remains a critical stronghold for the species, though its future hinges on the preservation of the shallow, nutrient-rich wetlands that define this threatened biome.
    Northern Shoveler - prairie potholes...jpg
  • A male Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) floats past a backdrop of sunlit cattails in a shallow marsh of the Prairie Pothole Region. With his iridescent green head, bold white chest, and oversized spatula-shaped bill, the drake is unmistakable — an emblem of the productivity and biodiversity of these glacially formed wetlands. Northern Shovelers are among the most efficient filter-feeding ducks in North America, using their unique bills to strain plankton and aquatic invertebrates from the water. Their dependence on healthy, vegetated wetlands makes them especially vulnerable to habitat loss, as seasonal wetlands are increasingly drained or degraded across the northern plains.
    Northern Shoveler - prairie potholes...jpg
  • With its golden crest flared and eyes glowing crimson, an Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) floats quietly on a shallow prairie wetland in full breeding plumage. These birds undergo one of the most dramatic seasonal transformations in the avian world, trading their nondescript winter feathers for a palette of jet black, coppery brown, and vivid yellow tufts during the nesting season. In the Prairie Pothole Region, Eared Grebes depend on fishless wetlands rich in aquatic invertebrates — a habitat type that is vanishing in many parts of the Great Plains due to agricultural drainage and climate stress. Their striking breeding attire is not just for show; it plays a key role in elaborate courtship rituals that unfold across the springtime marshes of North Dakota.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • In a layered composition unique to moments in wild wetland mornings, a male Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) floats on calm water while another teal — blurred in mid-flight — frames the scene in soft motion. The Prairie Pothole Region is not only the most important breeding ground for ducks in North America, but also a place where abundance shapes behavior, and where encounters like this are shaped by density, synchronicity, and habitat richness. Males, easily identified by their bold facial crescents and blue-gray wing coverts, often congregate in loose flocks early in the season before territorial instincts take hold. The contrast of stillness and flight in this image hints at the layered energy of spring migration — a brief window when wetlands teem with courtship, competition, and return.
    blue-winged teal - prairie potholes ...jpg
  • A male and female Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) rest side by side on a quiet prairie pothole at sunrise, their postures relaxed and mirrored in the golden water. These small, migratory dabbling ducks are among the first to arrive each spring in the Prairie Pothole Region, where seasonal wetlands offer nesting cover, abundant aquatic invertebrates, and refuge from predators. The male, with his bold facial crescent and slate-blue wing patch, contrasts sharply with the mottled browns of the female, yet both are exquisitely adapted to life in these glacially carved basins. As the climate warms and shallow wetlands vanish across the Great Plains, the future of breeding teal — and the rich wetland tapestry they depend on — hinges on the conservation of this vital North American landscape.
    blue-winged teal - prairie potholes ...jpg
  • A pair of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) stand together in shallow water, their bodies tense and alert in the seconds before initiating the “rushing” display — one of the most energetic and iconic movements in avian courtship. This behavior, in which both birds sprint across the water’s surface side by side, requires exceptional coordination and physical fitness. These rituals help ensure compatibility and timing between partners before nesting begins. In the remote wetlands of the Prairie Pothole Region, this spectacle plays out far from roads and trails, a vital drama of spring reproduction that underscores the importance of conserving undisturbed wetland habitat.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • In one of their more theatrical displays, a pair of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) stand upright on the water’s surface, feet churning in unison to keep their slender bodies high above the waterline. Known for their elaborate courtship rituals, this species performs a series of “dances” throughout the early breeding season, each one a symbolic rehearsal of the nesting partnership to come. These displays are most often seen in undisturbed prairie wetlands where visibility is low and emergent vegetation provides both safety and spectacle. Their highly coordinated behavior is essential in a species where visual communication plays a central role in reproductive success.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • Floating calmly in mirrored posture, two Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) perform a lesser-known part of their courtship ritual — synchronized preening. This quiet behavior is a key element in their pair bonding, reinforcing synchronization and mutual tolerance that will be vital once nesting begins. Found in shallow, food-rich wetlands like those in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region, these grebes rely on aquatic invertebrates and dense vegetation for nesting platforms. Their golden ear plumes and deep red eyes make them among the most striking waterbirds in North America during the breeding season.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • A pair of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) engage in a dramatic courtship dance, rising upright and paddling across the surface in near-perfect sync, their golden ear tufts catching the low morning light. These ritualized displays are not only spectacular to witness, but are essential for reinforcing pair bonds in a species that re-pairs each breeding season. In the Prairie Pothole Region, these grebes depend on shallow, fishless wetlands where aquatic insects and dense vegetation provide both food and cover. Their elaborate dances — including rushing, weed displays, and synchronized movements — have evolved in part because these birds are entirely flightless during their post-breeding molt, making pair selection and breeding success all the more critical each spring.
    eared grebe - prairie potholes - Nor...jpg
  • A male Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) drifts through golden reflections in a prairie pothole wetland at dawn, his speckled plumage and pale facial crescent aglow in the warmth of morning. These small dabbling ducks are among the first waterfowl to return to North Dakota each spring, often arriving just days after ice-out to claim territory and begin the nesting season. Males like this one are known for their understated elegance and strong site fidelity, returning year after year to the same wetlands if conditions remain suitable. Yet this reliability also leaves them vulnerable to habitat loss, as shallow wetlands — the very ones they prefer — are the first to be drained for agriculture or lost during drought cycles intensified by climate change. In the soft light of sunrise, the beauty of this moment is matched only by the fragility of the ecosystem it depends upon.
    blue-winged teal - prairie potholes ...jpg
  • Perched near a clump of last year’s cattails, a male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) surveys the water in search of rivals and potential mates. These birds are known for their elaborate bubble-blowing courtship displays, which they perform in small, semi-permanent wetlands scattered across the Prairie Pothole Region. North Dakota is a core breeding ground for this species, offering a mix of dense cover, abundant food, and shallow water that few places can match. As the sun rises, the entire scene is illuminated with warmth — a moment of beauty underpinned by the ecological urgency of conserving one of North America’s most important waterfowl nurseries.
    ruddy duck - prairie potholes - Nort...jpg
  • Nestled beside the broken stalks of dead cattails, a male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) pauses in the quiet shallows of a prairie marsh at sunrise. These old cattail stands not only provide structure and shelter but also mark the cyclical pulse of these ephemeral wetlands, which flood and dry with the changing seasons. Ruddy Ducks nest in dense cover near water, relying on vegetation like this for protection from predators and harsh prairie winds. As much as this photo captures a quiet moment, it also documents the ecological rhythm of the Prairie Pothole Region — a place where seasonal cues trigger some of the most vital nesting activity in the continent.
    ruddy duck - prairie potholes - Nort...jpg
  • A vividly colored male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) glides across calm prairie water under the soft light of dawn. With his tail cocked high and his powder-blue bill catching the light, he is in peak breeding form — part of an evolutionary strategy to attract mates in the open wetlands of the northern plains. These shallow lakes and potholes, formed by the retreat of the last Ice Age, remain one of the most productive duck breeding habitats in the Western Hemisphere. However, the Ruddy Duck’s future is inextricably tied to wetland protection, as climate shifts and agricultural pressures threaten to reduce the availability of suitable nesting sites across the prairie biome.
    ruddy duck - prairie potholes - Nort...jpg
  • A male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) rests quietly on a still prairie pothole just after sunrise, the coppery sheen of his plumage glowing in the morning light. This iconic stiff-tailed duck is well-adapted to the shallow glacial wetlands of North Dakota, where dense stands of aquatic vegetation provide food, cover, and nesting habitat. During the breeding season, males like this one become unmistakable, flaunting vibrant chestnut flanks, a sky-blue bill, and an upright tail held like a rudder. Though populations are considered stable, Ruddy Ducks are highly dependent on intact wetland mosaics — habitats increasingly threatened by agricultural drainage and climate variability across the northern prairies.
    ruddy duck - prairie potholes - Nort...jpg
  • Bathed in the golden light of dawn, a male Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) drifts across a quiet wetland in North Dakota’s Prairie Pothole Region, his cobalt-blue bill and rich chestnut body unmistakable signs of the breeding season. This region, often referred to as the “Duck Factory of North America,” supports over half of the continent’s breeding dabbling ducks, and the Ruddy Duck is one of its most visually striking residents. Unlike many waterfowl, Ruddy Ducks are stiff-tailed divers, using rapid foot movements to propel themselves underwater in pursuit of aquatic invertebrates and seeds. Their numbers, while relatively stable, depend heavily on healthy wetland ecosystems, making the conservation of shallow prairie marshes essential to their survival. In two of these images, the male is pictured near the broken stalks of last year’s cattails — a symbol of the seasonal renewal these pothole wetlands represent.
    ruddy duck - prairie potholes - Nort...jpg
  • In a shallow estuary, a reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) casts its wing over its head, using a specialized hunting technique known as canopy feeding. By shading the water, the bird reduces surface glare and startles fish into motion, improving its strike success rate. This behavior is emblematic of the reddish egret’s elaborate foraging style, often described as a dance of precision and improvisation. Found along the coastal margins of the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the Caribbean, the species is considered near-threatened due to historical plume hunting and ongoing habitat degradation. Today, protected estuarine zones and public awareness campaigns play a critical role in the recovery of these flamboyant but fragile shorebirds.
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  • A reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) plunges its beak into the calm surface of a shallow estuary, captured mid-hunt with its reflection mirrored in the water. This striking wader is one of the most animated and acrobatic hunters among North American herons, known for its erratic footwork and sudden lunges as it pursues small fish across mudflats and tidal shallows. Despite their flair, reddish egrets are among the rarest herons in the United States, with the majority of breeding pairs found along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Florida. Habitat loss due to coastal development and sea-level rise has impacted nesting success in some areas. Conservation efforts focus on protecting shallow feeding flats and maintaining undisturbed rookeries to support this unique and charismatic species.
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  • A royal tern (Thalasseus maximus) soars with a freshly caught fish in its beak, silhouetted against the soft pastel glow of a cloud-streaked sky just before sunrise. These large seabirds breed in dense colonies on remote sandy islands and are known for their noisy courtship displays and sharp, dagger-like bills. Royal terns plunge-dive for fish in shallow coastal waters, often seen returning to mates or chicks with prey held crosswise in their bills. While still widespread along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, their nesting sites are increasingly at risk from sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Early morning flights like this one—elegant and ephemeral—underscore the delicate balance between marine productivity and the habitat stability these birds rely on.
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  • With wings outstretched and feet just inches from the surface, an endangered piping plover (Charadrius melodus) prepares to land at the water’s edge along a protected coastal beach. These small, pale shorebirds are masters of camouflage, nesting directly on sandy beaches and shell flats where their speckled eggs are nearly indistinguishable from their surroundings. Their precarious nesting habits have left them extremely vulnerable to human recreation, habitat loss, and predation. Listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, conservation efforts have included symbolic fencing, beach closures, and predator control to safeguard nesting areas. Every successful landing, like this one, is a delicate reminder of how fragile yet resilient these coastal specialists remain in the face of increasing pressures from rising tides and beach development.
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  • A black skimmer (Rynchops niger) glides just above a marshy waterway, its lower mandible skimming the surface in a blur of motion captured through a slow shutter exposure. The blurred wings and mirrored water evoke a sense of fluidity, echoing the bird’s highly specialized feeding behavior that relies on touch rather than sight. Feeding mostly at dawn and dusk, skimmers require calm, shallow water to detect small fish with precision, and marshes often provide key foraging grounds during high tides or migration. These charismatic birds are often found along Atlantic and Gulf coasts but remain highly sensitive to disturbance at their nesting sites. Maintaining buffers around breeding colonies and preserving dynamic wetland ecosystems are critical to ensuring that these elegant flyers continue to grace our shorelines.
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  • Captured with a slow shutter speed and high-key exposure, this image reveals a black skimmer (Rynchops niger) in motion—its body blurred slightly with movement as it drags its lower mandible through the water in a classic feeding pose. The unique anatomy of this species allows for tactile foraging, with the lower bill longer than the upper, snapping shut on contact with prey. The high-key treatment emphasizes the bird’s fluidity and grace, reducing visual noise and focusing attention on form and behavior. These elegant foragers are increasingly impacted by shoreline development and rising sea levels, which shrink nesting beaches and introduce disturbances that lead to nest abandonment. Their presence in healthy numbers serves as an indicator of intact coastal ecosystems, making them a priority species for monitoring and protection.
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  • A black skimmer (Rynchops niger) banks sharply in flight, its wings nearly vertical and just inches above the surface of the water in a shallow coastal lagoon. This specialized seabird is renowned for its unique feeding strategy—slicing the water with its elongated lower mandible to detect and capture small fish and crustaceans. The vertical banking behavior allows the bird to reposition quickly with exceptional control, often necessary when feeding in unpredictable currents or avoiding obstacles in tight estuarine spaces. Black skimmers are colonial nesters, favoring open sandbars and low-lying coastal islands, where their eggs are vulnerable to flooding, disturbance, and predation. As sea-level rise and recreational pressure erode nesting habitats, conservationists have focused on habitat protection and the designation of seasonal no-entry zones to help safeguard breeding colonies.
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  • An Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) perches silently on a moss-draped branch nearly 8,000 feet high in the cloud forests of La Amistad International Park, western Panama. With its bold crest, intricate plumage, and piercing gaze, the ornate hawk-eagle is one of the most striking raptors of the Neotropics. This powerful predator preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Found from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, the species depends on large tracts of undisturbed forest, making it highly sensitive to habitat loss. Conservation of high-elevation cloud forests like those in La Amistad is vital for the ornate hawk-eagle’s survival, as these ancient ecosystems face mounting threats from deforestation and climate change.
    Ornate Hawk-Eagle - cloud forest - P...jpg
  • A regal Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) blends into a moss-laden branch high in the cloud forests of La Amistad International Park, Panama. The thick layers of moss and epiphytes that coat the branches here are hallmarks of mature cloud forests, ecosystems renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and delicate environmental balance. Ornate hawk-eagles are rarely seen due to their secretive behavior and preference for dense, unfragmented forests. As cloud forests are increasingly impacted by agricultural expansion and rising temperatures, the loss of suitable habitat poses a major threat to this apex predator. Preserving the integrity of La Amistad’s remote montane forests remains critical for sustaining species like the ornate hawk-eagle and the web of life they anchor.
    Ornate Hawk-Eagle - cloud forest - P...jpg
  • An Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) locks eyes with the camera, perched atop a moss-covered branch nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the cloud forests of La Amistad International Park, western Panama. The direct gaze of this elusive raptor offers a rare glimpse into the life of a species that typically remains hidden among the dense canopy. With its ornate crest and intricately patterned feathers, the hawk-eagle is a symbol of the rich biodiversity found in Panama’s highland forests. Yet, habitat loss, fragmentation, and the impacts of climate change increasingly threaten these ancient ecosystems. Protecting La Amistad’s pristine cloud forests is crucial to securing the future of species like the ornate hawk-eagle, whose survival depends on intact, undisturbed wilderness.
    Ornate Hawk-Eagle - cloud forest - P...jpg
  • Amid the mist and moss of La Amistad National Park, an Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) rests quietly on a sturdy branch, surveying its mountainous domain. This highland raptor is specially adapted to life in densely forested environments, where patience and stealth are keys to ambushing prey. Despite their commanding presence, ornate hawk-eagles are increasingly vulnerable to population declines across their range, largely due to habitat destruction and human encroachment. The ancient cloud forests of the Talamanca Range offer some of the last refuges for this species, emphasizing the urgent need for transboundary conservation efforts between Panama and Costa Rica. Safeguarding these ecosystems ensures the survival of one of the Neotropics’ most charismatic and ecologically important raptors.
    Ornate Hawk-Eagle - cloud forest - P...jpg
  • Perched serenely on a mossy branch wrapped in mist, an Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus) epitomizes the mystery and majesty of the cloud forests of La Amistad International Park, Panama. Here at nearly 8,000 feet in elevation, conditions foster lush growths of mosses, bromeliads, and orchids, creating one of the most biologically rich yet vulnerable ecosystems on Earth. The ornate hawk-eagle relies on expansive, undisturbed tracts of forest to hunt and breed — making it especially susceptible to the pressures of deforestation and climate change. Efforts to conserve cloud forest habitats are not just about protecting rare species like this hawk-eagle; they are essential for safeguarding the resilience of entire ecosystems that provide critical water resources and biodiversity.
    Ornate Hawk-Eagle - cloud forest - P...jpg
  • A Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) perches atop the flower of a Heliconia lankesteri var. rubra, while a Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis) rests below on one of the plant’s broad leaves, captured against a clean white background in Panama’s cloud forest. High-key images like this reveal fine details of structure, color, and form often hidden within the dense forest understory. Both species are high-elevation specialists, thriving in the cool, misty environments of western Panama and Costa Rica. Heliconias are critical nectar sources, having evolved complex mutualisms with hummingbirds that drive plant diversity in tropical ecosystems. As climate change and habitat fragmentation increasingly pressure cloud forests, protecting floral resources like Heliconia and the pollinators they sustain is essential for preserving the biodiversity and ecological function of montane habitats.
    hummingbirds on heliconia - Panama-5...jpg
  • A Snowy-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia edward) perches quietly among a stand of purple porterweed (Stachytarpheta spp.) in the montane forests of western Panama. This small, iridescent hummingbird is recognized by its brilliant emerald back and strikingly white underparts, flashing like a beacon against the lush greenery of its highland habitat. Porterweed flowers provide an important nectar source in tropical and subtropical ecosystems, offering year-round foraging opportunities in regions where other blooms may be seasonal. Although relatively adaptable compared to some highland specialists, the Snowy-bellied Hummingbird still faces growing threats from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its range. Conserving the montane forests of western Panama ensures that critical plant-pollinator relationships like this one can endure amid changing environmental conditions.
    snow-bellied hummingbird - Panama-29...jpg
  • Bathed in soft mountain light, a Snowy-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia edward) rests within a dense stand of purple porterweed (Stachytarpheta spp.) in the highland forests of western Panama. The snowy underbelly and shimmering green plumage make this species a striking but sometimes overlooked gem of the montane landscape. These hummingbirds are important pollinators, transferring pollen between scattered flowers as they forage across the forest understory. However, even relatively common species like the Snowy-bellied Hummingbird are vulnerable to the cascading effects of habitat loss, especially as agriculture and development encroach on Panama’s highland regions. Protecting native flowering plants and preserving intact forest corridors is key to maintaining the resilience of montane ecosystems and the wildlife they support.
    snow-bellied hummingbird - Panama-22...jpg
  • A Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) ascends toward a Centropogon granulosus flower, its brilliant gorget flashing with iridescent color beneath the dense canopy of La Amistad International Park in western Panama. This highland species, found only in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama, relies on tubular flowers like Centropogon for nectar, using its specialized bill to access deep within the blooms. The vibrant gorget plays a critical role in territorial displays and courtship, dazzling both rivals and potential mates. La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects one of the largest remaining tracts of Central American cloud forest, a crucial refuge as warming temperatures drive montane species ever higher. Conserving these biodiverse highlands is vital for the future of species like the Talamanca Hummingbird and the complex ecological relationships that sustain them.
    talamanca hummingbird - Panama-6351.jpg
  • A male Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) perches in the foreground, sharply in focus, while a female rests in the background amid a stand of wetland vegetation near Lake Gatun, Panama. Behind them, a burst of yellow blossoms from a tropical tree hints at the lush biodiversity surrounding the Panama Canal. Snail kites display notable sexual dimorphism: males are slate gray with red eyes and legs, while females are brown with lighter streaking. Both sexes share the same ecological specialization, feeding almost entirely on apple snails, a reliance that makes them highly sensitive to changes in wetland health. As human pressures reshape the wetlands and forests around Lake Gatun, conservation of these freshwater habitats becomes increasingly critical to sustaining both the snail kite and the intricate ecosystem it helps anchor.
    snail kites - Panama Canal-5496.jpg
  • A Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) perches quietly on wetland vegetation along the edge of Lake Gatun, part of the Panama Canal system. With its sharply hooked bill and piercing red eyes, this specialized raptor is uniquely adapted to feed almost exclusively on apple snails (Pomacea spp.). The snail kite’s dependence on healthy freshwater wetlands makes it an important indicator species for the ecological health of tropical aquatic systems. As pressures mount from habitat loss, invasive species, and water level fluctuations tied to human use of the Panama Canal, the conservation of these wetland areas is critical to sustaining both the snail kite population and broader biodiversity. Protecting Panama’s inland waterways ensures survival for species like this and maintains the delicate balance between commerce and nature.
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  • Partially concealed by floating aquatic plants, a Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) peers through the dense vegetation along the Chagres River near its confluence with the Panama Canal. These remarkable birds are specially adapted for life atop water plants, with long toes that distribute their weight and allow them to walk across seemingly fragile surfaces. Jacanas rely on healthy wetland ecosystems, where thick mats of vegetation provide both foraging grounds and nesting sites. However, freshwater wetlands near the Panama Canal face increasing pressure from habitat alteration, pollution, and water management changes. Safeguarding riparian zones like the Chagres River is crucial for maintaining the rich biodiversity that species like the wattled jacana depend upon.
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  • A Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) takes flight over the Chagres River near its confluence with the Panama Canal. Known for their extraordinarily long toes and claws, wattled jacanas are able to walk across floating vegetation, earning them the nickname “lily-trotters.” While usually seen delicately stepping among aquatic plants, jacanas are agile fliers, particularly when startled. The Chagres River is a vital artery of freshwater that feeds the Panama Canal, supporting a rich mosaic of wetlands that provide habitat for species like the wattled jacana. However, increasing development pressure, pollution, and changes to water flow dynamics pose growing threats to these ecosystems, making the conservation of riparian and wetland areas in the Canal Zone critically important.
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  • A Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) soars above the wetlands where the Chagres River meets the Panama Canal, its broad wings flashing against the backdrop of the river. This species is a common but charismatic resident of tropical wetlands across Central and South America, playing a key ecological role by dispersing seeds and controlling aquatic insect populations. The jacana’s unique life history includes polyandrous mating systems, with females often maintaining harems of males who solely care for the eggs and young. As wetlands near the Canal face threats from urban expansion, agricultural runoff, and altered hydrology, preserving these freshwater habitats is critical for maintaining the biodiversity they support, including iconic wetland birds like the wattled jacana.
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  • A Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) flying over Lake Gatun, an expansive artificial lake that forms a key part of the Panama Canal system, with an apple snail clutched tightly in its talons. This highly specialized raptor has evolved a slender, deeply curved bill to efficiently extract meat from the snails, a food source few other birds can exploit. The wetlands surrounding Lake Gatun provide critical habitat for snail kites, yet these ecosystems are increasingly pressured by urban development, pollution, and invasive species such as water hyacinth. Conservation of Panama’s freshwater wetlands is essential for the survival of the snail kite and for preserving the ecological integrity of the Canal Zone’s vital waterways.
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  • In a burst of motion, a Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) lifts off from the surface vegetation of the Chagres River, near its junction with the Panama Canal. The bright yellow flight feathers contrast with its otherwise dark body and chestnut back, a striking feature when seen in full flight. Jacanas thrive in tropical wetlands where floating vegetation offers both food and nesting sites, but they remain highly vulnerable to habitat degradation. The health of the Chagres River wetlands is tightly linked to the overall environmental stability of the Panama Canal watershed, underscoring the need for integrated conservation strategies. Protecting these riverine ecosystems not only benefits species like the wattled jacana but also ensures the resilience of one of the world’s most important waterways.
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  • A Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) hovers above the waters of the Panama Canal, poised to swoop down toward its prey. Specializing almost exclusively in apple snails (Pomacea spp.), snail kites are uniquely adapted for this diet, with deeply hooked bills designed to extract snails from their shells. Their survival is intricately tied to the health of wetland ecosystems that sustain robust apple snail populations. Although considered stable in parts of their range, snail kites remain vulnerable to habitat loss, invasive plant species, and fluctuations in water levels that can impact prey availability. Protecting freshwater wetlands along the Panama Canal watershed is vital not only for global commerce but for the wildlife that depends on these dynamic aquatic environments.
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  • Suspended in midair, a Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) feeds from the underside of an unidentified tropical flower in the cloud forests of western Panama. The male’s dazzling gorget shimmers with metallic greens and violets as it maneuvers to reach the nectar hidden within the blossom. These hummingbirds are important pollinators in highland ecosystems, forming ancient mutualistic relationships with flowering plants adapted for their long bills and hovering flight. However, with cloud forests shrinking due to agricultural expansion and climate-driven habitat shifts, the future of both the Talamanca Hummingbird and the plants they depend on grows increasingly uncertain. Conservation efforts to preserve intact montane forests are essential to safeguard these vital pollination networks.
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  • A Talamanca Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) hovers beneath an unidentified tropical flower while feeding in the cloud forests of western Panama. The brilliant iridescent gorget of the male flashes into view as it moves, a key feature used in both mate attraction and territorial defense. Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama, the Talamanca Hummingbird is specially adapted to cooler, moisture-rich mountain environments. As global temperatures rise, the narrow elevational range these birds occupy is increasingly at risk, compressing species into smaller refuges. Protecting the remaining cloud forests is vital not only for hummingbirds like this, but for maintaining the intricate web of life that depends on high-elevation ecosystems.
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  • A Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis) perches atop a Heliconia lankesteri var. rubra flower, its iridescent gorget ablaze with brilliant colors under the diffuse light of Panama’s cloud forest canopy. This species is renowned for its dazzling throat, which flashes gold, orange, and red depending on the angle of the light. Found only in the high elevations of Costa Rica and western Panama, the Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a symbol of the unique biodiversity harbored in the Talamancan montane forests. Flowers such as this heliconia provide critical foraging sites, and their decline would directly impact hummingbird populations. Conservation of these montane habitats is vital, not just for endemic species like the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, but for preserving one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth.
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  • Two Talamanca Hummingbirds (Eugenes spectabilis), also known as magnificent hummingbirds, perch on opposite ends of a Heliconia lankesteri var. rubra flower in the Chiriquí Highlands of western Panama. Although fiercely territorial when feeding, hummingbirds will sometimes tolerate each other’s presence at particularly rich nectar sources. The Talamanca Hummingbird is a species of highland specialists, found only in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama. These birds play a vital role in the pollination of tropical flowers, yet their survival is increasingly tied to the preservation of intact montane ecosystems. With cloud forests shrinking due to agriculture, warming temperatures, and human development, conservation of highland habitats remains an urgent priority for protecting the biodiversity of this region.
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  • A male Violet Sabrewing (Campylopterus hemileucurus) hovers above a Heliconia lankesteri var. rubra flower in the misty cloud forests of western Panama. The Violet Sabrewing is among the largest hummingbirds in Central America, known for its deep violet plumage and loud, mechanical wingbeats. Heliconia species like this one are a crucial part of the hummingbird’s ecosystem, offering a steady supply of nectar in a habitat where food can be highly seasonal. As cloud forests face mounting threats from climate change, deforestation, and land conversion, the survival of these specialized pollination relationships grows increasingly precarious. Conservation efforts to protect highland forests are critical not only for hummingbirds like the Violet Sabrewing but for the intricate web of plants and animals that depend on them.
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  • A solitary ochraceous pewee (Contopus ochraceus) pauses amid the epiphyte-draped branches of western Panama’s cloud forest canopy. This species occupies a highly specific niche within mid-elevation montane forests, where cool, mist-laden air supports dense moss growth and a rich community of arthropod prey. Unlike many tropical birds, the ochraceous pewee is dull in coloration, relying on its sit-and-wait foraging strategy rather than bold displays. Though not yet classified as endangered, its vulnerability stems from a combination of limited range and reliance on intact forest systems. Conservationists are increasingly concerned that even minor shifts in climate or land use could have outsized impacts on this and other cloud forest specialists.
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  • The ochraceous pewee (Contopus ochraceus) is photographed here in the Chiriquí Highlands of Panama, where it occupies dense, humid broadleaf forests near the continental divide. Characterized by its plain ochre plumage and upright posture, this insectivorous bird is part of the tyrant flycatcher family and often perches motionless while scanning for flying insects. Although not widely studied, the species is known to be highly sensitive to forest degradation and fragmentation, making it a useful bioindicator in conservation monitoring. Because it exists only in a narrow geographic band across two countries, its long-term survival depends heavily on preserving cloud forest corridors. Increasing ecotourism and scientific interest in Panama’s avifauna may offer new opportunities for targeted conservation efforts.
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  • The ochraceous pewee (Contopus ochraceus) is shown perched in its typical mid-elevation cloud forest habitat in western Panama, a region recognized for both its endemism and vulnerability. Restricted to the Talamanca-Chiriquí mountain range across southern Central America, this elusive flycatcher occupies a narrow elevational band where forest humidity, structure, and insect abundance meet its ecological requirements. While still classified as Near Threatened, the species faces mounting pressure from agricultural expansion, road construction, and climate-driven shifts in forest composition. Its sedentary nature and dependence on mature forest make it particularly susceptible to habitat fragmentation. Conservation strategies in the region now include identifying avian microendemics like the ochraceous pewee as priority species for corridor protection and cloud forest preservation.
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  • An adult ochraceous pewee (Contopus ochraceus) perches quietly on a moss-covered branch in the cloud forests of western Panama. This small flycatcher is one of the lesser-known avian species endemic to the highland forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, typically found between 1,200 and 3,000 meters elevation. Due to its limited range and preference for mature, undisturbed montane forest, the species is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN. It is frequently overshadowed by more colorful cloud forest birds, yet its presence is a strong indicator of healthy mid-elevation ecosystems. Habitat loss from agriculture and deforestation continues to shrink its already restricted range, placing the ochraceous pewee at increasing risk despite its current global population being considered stable.
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  • A bald eagle soars in front of a fog-covered mountain range in Alaska, a solitary figure navigating the rugged northern landscape. These birds are found throughout Alaska’s coastal and interior regions, where they build massive nests in old-growth trees or on rocky cliffs overlooking water. Their survival is closely tied to the availability of fish, particularly herring and salmon, which provide essential nutrients for both adults and their young. However, as climate change alters marine ecosystems, fish populations are shifting, forcing eagles to adapt to changing food sources. Conservation efforts focused on maintaining pristine coastal habitats, regulating fishing industries, and protecting nesting sites will be key to ensuring the long-term stability of bald eagle populations in Alaska.
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  • Two bald eagles engage in a struggle over a herring in the frigid waters of Alaska, each bird using its powerful talons in an attempt to claim the fish. While bald eagles are skilled hunters, opportunistic scavenging and food theft—known as kleptoparasitism—are common behaviors. These birds often steal from one another, as well as from other species such as ospreys and gulls. Competition for food can be fierce, especially in areas where herring stocks have declined due to environmental changes and overfishing. As climate change alters ocean ecosystems, these interactions may become even more frequent as predators struggle to secure their traditional food sources. Ensuring the sustainability of herring fisheries is crucial to maintaining healthy bald eagle populations in Alaska.
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  • A bald eagle soars against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains in Alaska, a landscape that provides essential habitat for this species. These raptors rely on coastal waters, rivers, and forests to nest, hunt, and raise their young. While bald eagles have rebounded significantly since the banning of DDT, they remain sensitive to environmental changes. In Alaska, fluctuations in herring populations due to warming ocean temperatures, changing migration patterns, and overfishing can impact eagle survival. Conservation efforts focused on protecting critical nesting sites, maintaining healthy fish stocks, and minimizing human disturbance are essential to ensuring that bald eagles continue to thrive in these remote northern landscapes.
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  • A bald eagle takes flight from the surface of an Alaskan bay, its sharp talons gripping a herring freshly caught from the water below. These large raptors are highly efficient hunters, capable of diving at speeds up to 100 miles per hour to capture fish. Once they lock onto their prey, their powerful grip—capable of exerting over 400 pounds per square inch of pressure—ensures the fish is held securely during flight. Herring are a critical food source for bald eagles, particularly during the breeding season when adults must provide for their chicks. However, herring stocks in Alaska are under pressure from commercial fishing and environmental changes, leading to increased competition between eagles and other marine predators. Conservation strategies focused on sustainable fisheries management will play a key role in maintaining food security for these birds in the coming decades.
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  • Two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soar over the calm coastal waters of Alaska, scanning below for potential prey. These raptors are highly dependent on the availability of herring, which make up a large portion of their diet along Alaska’s coastline. Bald eagles were once at risk due to habitat destruction, pesticide contamination, and hunting, but their populations have made a significant recovery under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Despite this success, modern threats persist, including the depletion of herring stocks due to overfishing and climate-driven changes in ocean temperatures. Protecting sustainable fisheries and maintaining clean coastal ecosystems is critical to ensuring a stable food supply for eagles and other marine wildlife in Alaska.
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  • Talons gripping a freshly caught herring, a bald eagle rises from the surface of an Alaskan bay, droplets cascading in its wake. While these raptors are expert fishers, their ability to thrive depends on healthy herring populations. Overfishing, ocean warming, and pollution threaten this critical prey species, putting additional strain on bald eagles and the entire coastal food web. Protecting Alaska’s fisheries is key to maintaining the delicate predator-prey balance that has defined these ecosystems for centuries.
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  • As golden sunlight filters through a light rain, a bald eagle flies through a delicate array of backlit water droplets, creating an ethereal scene of power and grace. These moments of quiet beauty contrast with the larger challenges facing bald eagles in Alaska. With climate change altering weather patterns and marine food supplies, the future of these birds remains closely linked to how we protect their environment—both in the skies and beneath the water’s surface.
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  • bald eagle glides above the water, a massive rock formation towering in the background. These birds are perfectly adapted to the rugged landscapes of Alaska, where herring-rich waters provide critical nourishment for both breeding and migratory eagles. However, rising ocean temperatures and industrial fishing pressures threaten the balance of marine ecosystems, underscoring the importance of protected coastal habitats and responsible fisheries management.
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  • A bald eagle skims inches above the surface of an Alaskan bay, its wings stretched forward as it prepares to strike. This precise hunting technique has been honed over millennia, but human activity is rapidly altering marine food webs. With herring stocks dwindling, bald eagles and other marine predators face increasing competition for food. Sustainable fishery management and conservation policies will determine the future of these apex predators in Alaska’s coastal wilderness.
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  • ocked onto its target, a bald eagle flies toward the water with wings fully outstretched, mere moments before plunging its talons into the surface to seize a herring. These birds are highly specialized fish hunters, capable of spotting prey from over 100 feet above. But their survival is tied to the health of Alaska’s fisheries. With herring stocks declining due to overfishing and environmental shifts, conservation efforts are crucial to maintaining the predator-prey relationships that sustain coastal ecosystems.
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  • A bald eagle rushes past, its powerful wings cutting through the crisp Alaskan air. With a wingspan exceeding seven feet, these birds are among North America’s most formidable aerial predators. Despite their successful recovery from near extinction, bald eagles remain vulnerable to environmental changes, particularly declining herring populations. Sustainable fishery practices and habitat conservation efforts are essential to preserving the delicate balance of Alaska’s coastal ecosystems.
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  • With wings outstretched, a bald eagle soars in front of Alaska’s snowcapped Kenai Mountains, a striking symbol of wilderness and resilience. These raptors thrive in the rugged landscapes of the North Pacific, where they rely on healthy marine ecosystems for sustenance. However, climate change is altering fish migration patterns, particularly for herring, one of the eagles’ primary food sources. Protecting these vital prey species is essential to ensuring that Alaska’s bald eagles continue to dominate the skies.
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  • A dramatic aerial clash unfolds as two bald eagles simultaneously lunge for a herring, their talons extended in a fight for dominance. Bald eagles are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, often engaging in mid-air battles to secure food. With commercial fisheries targeting the same fish that sustain these birds, competition is not limited to eagles alone. Conservationists warn that declining herring stocks could have cascading effects on Alaska’s coastal food web, emphasizing the need for responsible fishery management to maintain ecological balance.
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  • A bald eagle glides effortlessly over Alaska’s glassy waters, illuminated by the soft golden light of dawn. Once endangered due to DDT contamination and habitat destruction, these raptors have made an extraordinary comeback. However, threats remain, particularly for herring populations, a staple in the eagle’s diet. Warming ocean temperatures and commercial fishing pressures continue to deplete herring stocks, highlighting the need for sustainable fisheries management to protect both eagles and the broader coastal ecosystem.
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  • A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soars over the still waters of Alaska at dawn, its silhouette stark against the cool hues of the morning sky. These apex predators rely heavily on herring stocks, a keystone species in Alaskan marine ecosystems, but overfishing and climate-driven shifts in ocean temperatures threaten this vital food source. While the bald eagle population has rebounded from the brink of extinction, conservation efforts remain crucial to maintaining the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems that support both eagles and the fisheries they depend on.
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  • A Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) feeds on a red flower in the misty heights of Panama’s cloud forests, its iridescent plumage flashing against the green backdrop. Found only in the high-altitude regions of Costa Rica and western Panama, this species is uniquely adapted to life in the thin, cool air of the mountains. However, climate change is driving cloud forests to higher elevations, reducing the available habitat for specialized species like this. Conservation of highland ecosystems, reforestation projects, and sustainable land management are essential to ensuring that the Talamanca hummingbird and its role as a key pollinator remain secure in the face of an uncertain future.
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  • A white-throated mountaingem (Lampornis castaneoventris) hovers effortlessly as it feeds from a red flower deep in the cloud forests of western Panama. Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and Panama, this striking hummingbird depends on native flowering plants for survival. However, habitat fragmentation and climate-driven shifts in plant blooming cycles threaten its food supply. Conservation efforts in Panama’s high-altitude reserves aim to protect primary forests, maintain pollinator-friendly habitats, and mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring that these spectacular birds continue to thrive in one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth.
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  • In the cloud forests of western Panama, a Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) hovers midair, feeding from a red flower while a fiery-throated hummingbird (Panterpe insignis) perches on the stem, waiting for its turn. These high-altitude specialists are essential pollinators, but competition for nectar is fierce as habitat loss and climate change alter the delicate balance of the ecosystem. As deforestation shrinks their feeding grounds and rising temperatures push cloud forests higher, these species face increasing challenges in finding reliable food sources. Protecting Panama’s montane forests is crucial to preserving the rich biodiversity that relies on these tiny but powerful pollinators.
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  • A rare moment of simultaneous feeding shows a female white-throated mountaingem (Lampornis castaneoventris) and two Talamanca hummingbirds (Eugenes spectabilis) sharing a single flower. While hummingbirds are typically aggressive defenders of their feeding territories, the competition for food in shrinking habitats is forcing some species to tolerate closer encounters. The future of Panama’s cloud forests—and the hummingbirds that inhabit them—depends on conservation efforts that protect native flowering plants and prevent further deforestation.
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  • A chaotic display of iridescent feathers and rapid wingbeats unfolds as several hummingbird species—including the fiery-throated hummingbird (Panterpe insignis), Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis), white-throated mountaingem (Lampornis castaneoventris), and green-crowned brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula)—compete fiercely for access to a single flower. In the wild, these territorial battles are common, especially as habitat loss forces multiple species to vie for dwindling food sources. Protecting Panama’s cloud forests is essential to maintaining the delicate ecological balance that supports these vital pollinators and the plants that depend on them.
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  • A male white-throated mountaingem (Lampornis castaneoventris) perches momentarily at a red flower, its iridescent throat catching the light as it feeds. This striking hummingbird, endemic to the mountains of Costa Rica and western Panama, is a cloud forest specialist that depends on diverse flowering plants for survival. However, habitat destruction is threatening the interconnected relationships between hummingbirds and the plants they pollinate. Conservation organizations are working to preserve Panama’s high-altitude forests, ensuring that species like the white-throated mountaingem continue to thrive.
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  • A fleeting moment captures a Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) and a green-crowned brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) feeding in the same space, a rare instance of coexistence between two territorial species. Hummingbirds are fierce competitors for nectar, often defending their feeding grounds aggressively. As cloud forests disappear due to human activity, competition for food resources is intensifying, making habitat protection more crucial than ever. Sustainable ecotourism and conservation efforts in Panama aim to balance human presence with the preservation of these biodiverse mountain ecosystems.
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  • Wings beating at incredible speeds, a Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) hovers before a red flower in Panama’s cloud forests, where mist and rain nourish a diverse range of plant and animal life. These forests are among the most threatened ecosystems in Central America, with deforestation and climate change altering the delicate balance that hummingbirds and other pollinators depend on. Efforts to restore degraded habitats and establish protected areas are essential in maintaining the biodiversity of Panama’s highland regions.
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  • A Talamanca hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) approaches a red flower, its metallic green body and violet-blue throat flashing in the soft mountain light. Found only in the high-elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, this large hummingbird is a key pollinator of native plant species. However, rising temperatures due to climate change are pushing cloud forest habitats to higher elevations, forcing species like the Talamanca hummingbird into ever-shrinking refuges. Conservation initiatives aimed at protecting high-altitude forests are critical to ensuring the survival of this species and the fragile ecosystems it supports.
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  • A green-crowned brilliant hummingbird (Heliodoxa jacula) delicately feeds on nectar from a vine draped in white and purple flowers, its long bill perfectly adapted for extracting sustenance from deep, tubular blooms. As pollinators, hummingbirds play a vital role in maintaining cloud forest ecosystems, but widespread deforestation threatens their food sources. The expansion of agriculture and human settlements in Panama’s mountains is reducing the availability of native flowering plants, highlighting the urgent need for conservation programs that promote reforestation and sustainable land use.
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  • A green-crowned brilliant (Heliodoxa jacula) hovers in midair, its iridescent green plumage shimmering as it feeds on nectar from bright yellow flowers in the misty mountains of western Panama. This highland hummingbird thrives in cloud forests, where dense vegetation provides an abundance of nectar-rich flowers. However, habitat fragmentation caused by deforestation and climate change threatens the delicate ecosystems these birds depend on. Conservation efforts in Panama’s highlands focus on preserving native forests and establishing ecological corridors to protect hummingbird populations and the biodiversity they support.
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  • A red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena) floating on calm water with a mirrored reflection. This aquatic bird is characterized by its distinctive reddish neck and sharp beak, and it thrives in freshwater habitats. The photo captures the serene appearance of the bird in its natural setting.
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  • The image showcases a red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena) gliding across tranquil waters. This species is noted for its distinctive reddish neck and sleek aquatic adaptations. Captured in its natural habitat, the serene setting highlights the bird's behavior and plumage. The mirrored reflection in the water adds a striking visual depth to the photograph.
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  • A northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) glides low over a vast flock of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) erupting from the surface of a shallow impoundment at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This protected refuge is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a critical migration corridor that supports millions of waterfowl each year. Redhead ducks winter in large numbers along the North Carolina coast, relying on the region’s brackish wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation to rest and feed. The northern harrier, a raptor specially adapted for low, gliding flight, patrols the marshes in search of smaller birds or rodents. This dynamic interaction between predator and prey highlights the importance of intact, protected wetlands like Pea Island, where complex ecological relationships sustain both migratory birds and resident species. As coastal habitats face increasing pressure from development, climate change, and sea level rise, refuges like this play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity along the Atlantic Flyway.
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  • A northern harrier (Circus hudsonius) soars above a chaotic eruption of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) lifting off from the wetlands at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge along North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Each winter, this vital refuge becomes a seasonal hub for migratory birds traveling the Atlantic Flyway, including large concentrations of redhead ducks that rely on the refuge’s shallow impoundments and brackish marshes for food and rest. Northern harriers, with their distinctive low hunting flight and sharp eyesight, use these same marshes to hunt small birds and rodents concealed in the vegetation. Pea Island’s role as a protected habitat ensures that these intricate predator-prey dynamics remain intact, highlighting the larger importance of federally managed refuges in supporting migratory species and preserving the ecological integrity of North Carolina’s fragile coastal ecosystems.
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  • A massive flock of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) congregates in the waters off Cape Hatteras National Seashore during their annual migration along the Atlantic Flyway. These diving ducks form vast floating rafts on coastal bays, sounds, and estuaries, seeking sheltered waters to rest and feed during their journey. The Outer Banks of North Carolina, USA, provide critical wintering habitat for redheads, which rely on seagrass beds, shallow waters, and protected coastal zones for foraging and refuge. As populations of redheads continue to rebound following historic declines due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, these immense gatherings highlight the importance of coastal conservation efforts.
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  • An extraordinary gathering of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge during their seasonal migration. The image captures numerous ducks swimming in a lake with many more taking flight. The scene is a striking example of migratory behavior and the importance of wildlife preserves for these waterfowl. It's a splendid moment of natural life.
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  • A breathtaking image of a massive flock of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) during their migratory season at a wildlife sanctuary. The ducks are seen simultaneously swimming on the calm waters and flying overhead, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. This wildlife scene depicts the beauty of synchronized bird movements during migration.
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  • Massive gathering of redhead ducks in flight and resting on water at a wetland. Captured during seasonal migration, this image showcases these birds' impressive numbers and behavior in their natural habitat. This remarkable flock demonstrates an example of migratory waterfowl's role in ecosystem biodiversity and seasonal patterns.
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  • A massive flock of redhead ducks, scientific name Aythya americana, in synchronized flight during their migration. Captured at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, this image showcases the incredible scale and unity of these migratory waterfowl. The ducks' red heads and agile flight are stunning against the water backdrop. A remarkable sight in bird watching.
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  • An extraordinary sight of countless redhead ducks (Aythya americana) gathered at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge during their migration season. The tranquil water serves as a habitat for these magnificent birds as they fly together or rest floating on the surface. A unique wildlife experience showcasing the natural behavior of migratory birds.
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  • An astounding gathering of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) during their seasonal migration. This scene captures their natural behavior in a wetland habitat, showcasing rich biodiversity. A prominent display of wildlife potential and conservation importance is highlighted. The synchronized activity of these aquatic birds is a magnificent natural spectacle.
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  • A remarkable congregation of redhead ducks (Aythya americana) at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge captures the spectacle of avian migration. The image portrays thousands of these waterfowl, with the males' bright red heads standing prominently amid the flock. This seasonal migration creates one of the most breathtaking views of wildlife gatherings in the area.
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  • A tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) gracefully flying in a rural area during golden hour, with a luminous sky providing a stunning backdrop. The serene moment captures the essence of the bird's migratory journey, offering a glimpse into the behavior and habitat of this majestic species, often found in the Northern Hemisphere.
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  • An eastern tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) flying over a scenic North Carolina landscape during migration. Featuring graceful wings and a stunning warm sunset backdrop, this image captures the essence of the local wildlife and seasonal transitions. The swan's elegance is highlighted against the vibrant skies.
    eastern tundra swans-sunrise--4.jpg
  • A tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus) gracefully glides through the air at sunrise over a serene wetland. Below, a group of swans calmly wades amidst golden light reflections in the water. This migratory bird's vibrant appearance in such a tranquil scene epitomizes the beauty of nature during seasonal movements.
    eastern tundra swans-sunrise--3.jpg
  • A pair of swans flying gracefully during a picturesque sunset view. Silhouetted against the vibrant orange tones of the evening sky, their movement symbolizes unity and tranquility. Swans are known for their monogamous pairing, and their migration practices make an impressive natural spectacle.
    eastern tundra swans-sunrise-2715.jpg
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