The Natural WorldPhotos of wildlife, plants, caves, canyons, parks, insects, and space (moon and planets).
Our BackyardAll photos in this part of the album were taken at our home.
BirdsOn 24 August 2025, species number 80, an American Redstart female was photographed behind the house. They migrate through this area.
Blackbird, Red-WingedReally rare around here, Grandpa Roy has learned to recognize the male's call.
Bluebird, EasternBluebirds prefer meal worms. As long as there is a steady supply, they will be in the area all year round.
BuffleheadThe Buffleheads appear during the colder months.
Bunting, IndigoA beautiful bird that only goes to feeders when there are few insects, their primary diet.
Cardinals, NorthernCardinals are quite common at the feeders. Normally at least four or more are observed.
Catbird, GrayCalled a Catbird because it sounds like a cat when calling. It also mimics the songs of other birds. This bird is a summer visitor to the feeders.
Chickadee, CarolinaThe Carolina Chickadee is another bird seen frequently at the feeders.
Coot, AmericanThis Coot has only been seen one fall season, in 2020. It was around for a few days and then never returned.
Cormorant, Double-CrestedSpecies Number 64 behind the house. Frequently seen, but hard to photograph, as evidenced by the limited number of photos.
Cowbird, Brown-HeadedThe Cowbird is considered a pest at feeders and isn't observed very often.
Creeper, BrownSpecies number 76 behind the house. Not only is the Brown Creeper rare in North Carolina, it is hard to see; however, when seen they usually are the…
Crow, AmericanCrows are another common and nuisance bird.
Crow. FishAccording to eBird, this Crow is a Fish Crow, not an American Crow. Therefore, this bird marks species number 77 behind the house.
Dove, MourningMourning Doves are the ones heard "cooing" in the distance after a rain. They prefer to eat from the ground beneath the feeders.
Duck, MuscovySpecies number 68 swam down the lake right next to our bulkhead on 14 June 2022. It tried to join a small flock of Mallards. It was last seen in December…
Duck, Ring-NeckedThe RIng Neck Duck is another winter bird.
Duck, WoodPhotos taken through the dining room window are not very good, but they do document Grandpa's first sighting of this rare duck on the lake behind the house.- Eagle, BaldIt is a real treat when a Bald Eagle makes an appearance.
Egret, GreatThe Great Egret is very rare in this area. They show up every few years.
Finch, HouseThe House Finch is a common bird at the feeders.
Finch, PurpleSpecies number 71 photographed at the house on 11 December 2022. Rarely seen, it is hard to distinguish the male from the House Finch. The female is easier to…
Flicker, NorthernSo far the Flicker has been seen only a few times.
Flycatcher, Great CrestedThese Flycatchers are seen over the lake in warm weather starting about April. It is rare to get a good photo of one.
GadwallGrandpa Roy has seen this bird only one time. He had another breed for it, but the Birding site states it is a Gadwall.
Goldfinch, AmericanThe American Goldfinch is another common bird at the feeders.
Goose, CanadaVery common bird, seen daily on the lake. Licensed people look for nests and "shake" the eggs so no young will hatch as they do not migrate and are considered…
Grackle, CommonGrackles are an undesirable bird. They travel in flocks and empty feeders literally overnight.
Grebe, Pied-BillThe Grebe usually is alone on the lake. It appears during the colder months, though supposedly they are in the area all year round.
Grosbeak, BlueA North Carolina summer bird. Rare at our feeders. Species number 66.
Grosbeak, Rose-BreastedRose-Breasted Grosbeak photographed and identified on 1 October 2021 is the 60th species photographed in the backyard. As it turns out, a female was at the…
Hawk, CoopersThe Coopers Hawk is known to be in the area, but is hard to photograph.
Hawk, Red-ShoulderedRed Shouldered Hawks are often seen in the area.
Hawk, Red-TailedRed Tailed Hawks can be seen if one looks for them.
Hawk, Sharp ShinnedThe Sharp-Shinned Hawk is rarely seen in the area.
Heron, Great BlueThe Great Blue Heron is a common sight on the lake year-round. It is the largest bird seen.
Giant BirdbathThe Great Blue Heron does not fit into a regular birdbath, but as can be seen in this series of photos, it still enjoys splashing around in a replacement body…
PreeningPhotos taken 04 August 2025.
Heron, GreenThe Green Herons return every year to have their young in a nest across the lake. They are gone by late July each year.
Hummingbird, Ruby ThroatedThe Ruby Throated Hummingbird is common during the summer. They fight at their feeders.
Jay, BlueBlue Jays are frequently heard, but hard to photograph around our backyard.
Junco, Dark-EyedJuncos also are called Snow Birds. They are most common in the winter and usually feed on the ground beneath the feeders.
Kingbird, EasternThe Eastern Kingbird is a type of flycatcher, eating flying insects.
Kingfisher, BeltedThe Kingfisher is another hard-to-photograph bird though it is common along the lake.
Kinglet, Ruby-CrownedThe Kinglet is rare because it actually prefers insects.
MallardThe Mallard is a very common duck on the lake.
Mixed SpeciesMore than one species in the same photo.
Mockingbird, NorthernThe Mockingbird is seen at the feeders during the colder months. In the summer they are seen along the roads.
Night-Heron, Black CrownedSpecies 78 behind the house. It is a juvenile. Adults look much different. Probably will never see another one.
Nuthatch, Brown-HeadedThe Brown-Headed Nuthatch is a fairly common bird at the feeders.
Nuthatch, Red-BreastedNot seen until this winter, the Red-Breasted Nuthatch is a common bird in North Carolina. Species number 75 behind the house.
Nuthatch, White-BreastedA fairly common bird at the feeders is the White-Breasted Nuthatch.
Oriole, OrchardSpecies number 74, the Orchard Oriole. Very rare as it prefers fruit. When that is not available, however, it will go after insects.
OspreyGrandpa Roy photographed his first Osprey across the lake, high in a tree, in September 2011. In October 2021, he finally got a few photos with the better…
Pewee, Eastern WoodSpecies number 79, photographed in two trees, one a dead one hanging over the lake and one near Grandpa Roy, but with a dead branch. It seems the Pewee prefers…
Phoebe, EasternThese Flycatchers are common during the summer months.
Robin, AmericanUsually seen during the cooler months, Robins never go to the feeders but prefer insects and worms on the ground.
Sapsucker, Yellow-BelliedThe Sapsucker is rarely seen in our backyard.
Siskin, PineThe Pine Siskin is another bird seen in the winter.
Sparrow, ChippingChipping Sparrows are quite common and prefer to pick seed from the ground but will go to the feeders.
Sparrow, SongSpecies number 70 to be photographed. They were not around very long.
Sparrow, White ThroatedThe White-Throated Sparrow is seen in winter in our area.
Swallow, BarnThey build their nests under overturned boats now as a defense against Hawks and are rarely seen at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Swallow, Northern Rough-wingedOriginally thought to be a Sand Swallow, grandpa's, additional photography actually confirmed it is a Northern Rough-winged Swallow.
Swan, MuteWe have seen Swans on the lake only two times since moving here in 2010.
Tanager, SummerSpecies number 58 in the backyard. Rare for this area. The Summer Tanagers do not go to feeders.
Thrasher, BrownThe Brown Thrasher is Grandma Bert's favorite bird. One usually can be seen at the feeders nearly all year round. They prefer to be on the ground.
Thrush, HermitRare in our neighborhood, Grandpa Roy first photographed a Hermit Thrush at Weymouth Woods in 2021.
Titmouse, TuftedThe Titmouse is a very common bird at the feeders.
Towhee, EasternThe Towhee prefers to be on the ground beneath the feeders. It often is hard to spot.
Vireo, White-EyedBird species number 72 photographed behind the house. North Carolina is their breeding ground, but they are not listed otherwise as a local bird.
Vulture, BlackHard to identify as they resemble the Turkey Vulture so closely, but they are here.
Vulture, TurkeyUnlike some areas, Grandpa Roy normally only sees one lone Turkey Vulture soaring high in the sky. Other areas will see a large number of them.
Warbler, PineThe Pine Warbler is another winter bird at the feeders.
Warbler, Yellow-RumpedThe Yellow-Rumped Warbler appears during the colder months.
Warbler, Yellow ThroatedThe 50th bird species that Grandpa Roy photographed here at home was the Yellow-Throated Warbler, a winter bird. It has not returned since these photos from…
Waxwing, CedarGrandpa Roy believes the Cedar Waxwing is a beautiful bird. They are not around for long.
Woodpecker, DownyThe Downy Woodpecker is common in the area and prefers suet.
Woodpecker, PileatedThe Pileated Woodpecker is rarely seen, but they are in the area all-year-round.
Checking Out the Bluebird BoxPhotos in order of time taken. Photos taken on 19 May 2025 between 5:18 and 5:20 p.m.
Woodpecker, Red-BelliedThe Red-Bellied Woodpecker is very common in the area.
Woodpecker, Red-HeadedSeen for the first time in summer 2021. The Red-Headed Woodpeckers rarely appeared in 2022, but so far in spring 2023 it has been to the feeders a number of…
Wren, CarolinaThe Carolina Wren is another common bird with an uncommonly loud voice.
Yellowthroat, CommonA bird that prefers to be high in the trees, but builds its nest close to the ground. Seen only rarely.
Other Critters
Game Camera PhotosPhotos taken by the various game cameras Grandpa Roy has around the back yard.
Rest of WorldWorldwide photography away from home. Includes zoos, hiking trails, parks and more.
2025 Panama Cruise WildlifeThis album does not include animals at zoos and preserves we visited. Return to Panama 2025 Trip.- 2025 Panama Trip BirdsBirds observed and photographed listed in alphabetic order by species. Dates and photo locations included with each picture. Return to Panama 2025 Trip.
Reptiles- Iguana in Huatulco, MexicoIguana observed on 06 November 2025 in Huatulco, Mexico.
Return to Panama 2025 Trip.
Caves, Canyons, Parks & More
United States
- Arizona
- Bell Rock and the VortexThe Sedona visit was in 2000.
Grand Canyon from the AirThis flight was made during the trip in 2000 to the South Rim.
Grand Canyon North RimYour grandfather actually felt the view from the north room is more beautiful, but he cannot really explain why.
23 May 2014.
Grand Canyon South RimThe trip to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was in 2000.
Meteor CraterAnother unplanned stop.
25 May 2014.
Painted DesertThe Painted Desert is vast, covering much of northeastern Arizona. This album is in two parts: what your grandparents saw during their drive to Utah and the…
Petrified Forest Opens in new…The Petrified Forest National Park looks like a place where someone has cut down all of the large trees; however, on closer examination it turns out every one…
Sonora DesertYour grandparents hiked the Sonora Desert in 2000.
Colorado- Garden of the GodsA Colorado state park Grandpa Roy always has heard of but did not know was on the route south.
Rocky Mountain National Park…Grandma and Grandpa's friend, Rick Rogers drove during a wonderful tour of the best parts of the park, entering at one end and leaving at another.
Hawaii Halona BlowholeIt puts on a show when the tide and waves are right.
Idaho Craters of the MoonThis volcano erupts about every 2,000 years. The astronauts trained here for their voyage to the moon.
Visited 22 June 2019.
Louisiana The BayouBayou Tour by Airboat
Montana Pictograph Cave State…Pictograph State Park is a National Historic Monument.
Visited 18 June 2019.
New Mexico- Carlsbad CavernsThe magnificent caverns in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
Visited 14 May 2014. 
Petroglyph National MonumentPetroglyphs galore at Petroglyph National Monument.
Visited 28 May 2014.
Sandia PeakJust outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the peak is reached by the longest cable tram in the world.
Visited 27 May 2014.
White Sands National Monument.White as snow, but it never melts.
Visited 15 May 2014.
North Dakota- Chase Lake National Wildlife…A rest stop on Interstate highway I-94 was in the refuge.
Visited 16 June 2019. 
Theodore Roosevelt National ParkVisited 17 June 2019.
Ohio Nelson Ledges State ParkThese rock formations were created when the prehistoric Ice Age glacier stopped in this area and deposited the stones here.
Oregon Columbia River Gorge…Visited June 1995.
Pennsylvania Frances Slocum…Near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.
Date visited 19 October 2019.M
South Carolina
Edisto Memorial GardensThe gardens, in Orangeburg, consist of two larger parks as well as memorials and a fine arts center. Date visited 06 March 2023.
Great Swamp SanctuaryWalterboro, South Carolina,
Visited 13 May 2016.
Santee State ParkSantee State Park
Swan Lake Iris GardensVisited 06 March 2023.
Thomas Sumter Memorial ParkThis park actually is in the suburb of Dalzell. In addition, in reality it is the Sumter family cemetery.
South Dakota- Badlands National ParkDate visited 25 June 2017.
Black Hills Helicopter FlightFlight taken on 30 June 2017.
Custer State ParkDate visited 27 June 2017.
Jewell Cave National Monument…Date visited 30 June 2017.
Tennessee- Bristol CavernsVisited August 2015.
The Little RiverTownsend
Smoky Mountains National ParkThe park spans two states: Tennessee and North Carolina.
Visited 4 June 2014.
Utah Bryce Canyon ViewsBryce Canyon was another site your grandparents had not scheduled for a visit. They were certainly glad that they did.
Virginia The Skyline Drive &…Date visited and driven, 23 October 2019, Grandma Bert's birthday.
Washington Mount St. HelensVisited June 1995.
Wyoming- Fossil Butte National MonumentVisited 25 June 2019.
Old Faithful Geyser...is not so faithful.
Visited 21 June 2019.
Yellowstone National ParkJune 2019.
- Rest of World
Ayo Rock FormationsAruba, November 2025.
Turkey Lake Ladik at BoraboyNorth central Turkey.
Natural BridgeAruba, November 2025.
Costa Rica The Rain Forest from…Costa Rica Aerial Tram
Japan Hokkaido Island…A motorcycle trip on Hokkaido Island to the area where the Ainu live.
Plants, Fungi and Other Natural…
Formal Gardens Worldwide- American
- Colorado Denver Botanic GardensGrandma and Grandpa's Denver friend, Rick Rogers, took them and Noah to the botanic gardens on Saturday, 29 June 2019.
Nebraska Omaha Lauritzen GardenVisited Independence Day, 2017.
North Carolina- Airlie Gardens WilmingtonVisited 7 July 2020 by Grandma Bert and grandsons Aaron and Noah.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden…Visited on 26 March 2016 and then again on 22 May 2021.
Daniel Boone Native Gardens…The Daniel Boone Native Gardens are located in Boone, NC. The cabin belonging to Daniel Boone's father was moved here for display.
Elizabeth Lawrence GardensCharlotte.
Located 10 doors from Wing Haven Gardens, the admission price to Wing Haven includes this house and garden.
Date visited 28 October 2021.
James Boyd House Gardens…Today the home is called the Weymouth Center for the Arts and Humanities.
Tryon Palace Gardens Opens in…Grandma Bert remarked that she wished they had eight gardens from which to choose to relax in.
Wing Haven Gardens tab.Charlotte.
Date visited 28 October 2021.
Oklahoma Oklahoma City Myriad…Visited 30 May 2014.
Overseas
Botanical Orchid GardenLa Garita, Alajuela, Costa Rica
November 2025.
- Other Displays and Plants
American
Arizona
Sonora DesertPlant life in the Sonora Desert, Arizona.
Colorado
Cumbres & Toltec RailwayPlants photographed along the rail line from Colorado into New Mexico.
Georgia- Okefenokee SwampThe March 2022 Visit.
Montana
Chief Plenty Coups State ParkTaken while walking the trail at this state park.
Grasshopper CreekLocated near Bannack Ghost Town.
New Mexico
White SandsIt's amazing what will grow in the sand.
South Carolina- Brookgreen Gardens For statues,…Brookgreen Gardens is actually for statuary. There are very few plants and trees of interest.
- Overseas
- Amsterdam's Floating Flower…Amsterdam's Floating Flower Market.
GermanyGrandpa Roy took these photos in October 1992 when he was in Germany as a part-time arms control inspector. He went on a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) volksmarche…
- WildlifePhotos we have taken anywhere in the world except at home in Whispering Pines.
Birds- United States
East of the MississippiMiscellaneous birds seen in states east of the Mississippi River.
Florida
Gator ParkPhotographed on 4 March 2022.
Big Cypress National PreserveVisited on 05 March 2022.
Sanibel IslandGrandma Bert's photos of 08 March 2022.
Everglades National ParkThese photos were taken on 06 March 2022.
Everglades CityPhotos taken 06 March 2022.
Georgia- Okefenokee National Wildlife…Photos taken 11 March 2022.
March 2023 Trip to the Golden…
Botanic Gardens at Georgia…There was a bird observation deck, but little was seen there.
Maryland
Piney Run ParkGrandpa Roy took a few photos of Geese at Piney Run Park in Carroll County, Maryland, one day when joining the family while they fished.
North Carolina
Wilmington RiverwalkBirds photographed Thanksgiving morning, 2022, while Grandma Bert and Grandpa Roy took the Wilmington Riverwalk.
South Carolina
Huntington Beach State Park
2024 Return to 2024 Thanksgiving…Most birds photographed at Mullet Pond. See captions.
- Salt Marsh Walk, Murrells InletWalked in 2011 and 2017.
Santee State ParkVisited 13 March 2022.
Virginia RoanokePhotographed from the overlook at the Roanoke star on Mill Mountain.
West of the MississippiMiscellaneous birds seen in states west of the Mississippi River.
- Mammals
Killer WhalesAlaskan National Park.
DolphinsSt. Simons Island, Georgia, Dolphin Cruise. 1 March 2023.
Reptiles
Lizards & SnakesSee Alligators in the Aquatic Animals folder. Also see the Caves, Canyons, Parks & More folder.
ZoosWe have taken these photos over the years.- United States
Arizona Zoos
Arizona Prescott Heritage Park…Visited 21 May 2014.
Florida Jacksonville Zoo &…Short visit because of rain.
Illinois Peoria Glen Oak Park…Visited 21 June 2017.
Maryland Baltimore National…So far, Grandpa cannot find the photos he and Grandma have taken, but here are some from Grandson Noah.
Mississippi Hattiesburg ZooIt was such a nice little zoo (and the only thing open in town. Not even the visitor's center was open).
Date visited 13 May 2018.
Nebraska Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo…Visited Independence Day 2017.
North Carolina Zoos
North Carolina Burlington Animal…Visited in 2016 with Noah and 2017 with Aaron.
North Carolina Cameron Aloha…The Aloha Zoo rescues animals of all types from movie makers, homes that mistreat animals and more. Visited 19 April 2014 (and earlier, too).
- South Carolina Zoos
Awendaw Center for Birds of PreyMost birds here have been injured, many by being struck by cars.
Visited 5 May 2016.
Columbia Riverbanks Zoo & GardenVisited 01 March 2022.
Greenville ZooVisited 8 May 2018.
Hamer Reptile Lagoon at South of…Visited several times from 2010 to 2014.
Myrtle Beach Waccatee ZooVisited 8 May 2021 during our Pawley's Island Mother's Day trip.
South Dakota Zoos- South Dakota Sioux Falls Great…Date visited 24 June 2017.
South Dakota Rapid City Reptile…Presented pretty much in the order seen at the gardens.
Date visited 26 June 2017.
South Dakota Rapid City Bear…Date visited 26 June 2017.
Virginia Zoos
Virginia Fort Chiswell Animal…A 45-acre zoo in which visitors are given a guided tour in a windowless bus around the grounds to get close to the animals. For the most part, photos of the…
Overseas
Auto Safari ChapinGuatemala, November 2025
Butterfly FarmAruba, November 2025
Sloth SanctuaryCosta Ricla, November 2025.
Space, the Final FrontierOuter space photographed using Grandpa Roy's Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera.
