Robber Fly

This robber fly was lying in wait on a low branch in my yard.  Luckily I had my camera and tripod when I spotted it.  You can click on the picture to see a larger version of the image.

Crystal Springs Panorama I

During my recent business trip to Wytheville, VA I had some time to fill after work.  One evening I rode my bike to Crystal Springs.  I took 10 photos and stitched them together for this panoramic view of the springs.  Click on the image to see a larger image of it.

Great Blue Heron Taking Flight

I was fortunate enough to watch this great blue heron for quite a while before it decided the photo shoot was over.

Butterfly At Work

During a recent visit to the Big Walker Mountain Lookout tower, near Wytheville, VA, I noticed large blue and black winged butterflies busily gathering nectar from nearby flowers.  I had my camera on a slow ISO setting and the evening light was beginning to fade.  The resulting image of a blurred butterfly seemed appropriate to me since they seemed to never stop moving.

Mountain Stream

During our ride down the Creeper Trail from Whitetop to Damascus, we stopped at this mountain stream for a quick break.  I stitched together several photos to create this panoramic view of the stream and its flowing water.  Click on the photo for a larger view of it.

James River July Morning

During a morning walk along the James River it amazed me how much the river has changed since the spring.  The water is lower and there’s a lot of aquatic vegetation that wasn’t there just a few months ago.

Wildflower and Native Bee

A patch of wild daisies attracted this small, native bee.

Campsite Gathering

With the benefit of a campfire and artificial lights, campers enjoy each other’s company into the night.

Stopping At The Lakeside

We took a quick break from hiking to get a better view of the lake and noticed this little patch of sunlight right in front of us.  The mid-day sun didn’t offer any photo-worthy views of the entire lake but this contrast in lighting interested me.

Butterfly Garden

A field of bright flowers surrounds a birdbath in this butterfly garden at Holliday Lake State Park near Appomattox, Virginia.