As a naturalist and a photographer I get the chance to see things in a different light. One case is the wasp nest located right underneath my houses glass door.  Most would insist on going to a nearby store to pick up wasp spray to get rid of the nest.  However, as I have learned a few things about wasps, I allowed the nest to stay.  

The species on my deck was Polistes dominula, or the European Paper Wasp.  Though very capable of stinging as all wasps are, I have learned that this particular species really only stings if it is attacked.  I also considered the fact that I had not noticed this nest until well into the summer, during the height of their activity.  Considering the fact that the wasps weren't that likely to sting and hadn't done so already with my regular activty around the door, it seemed inconsiderate of me to remove them just cause I now knew they were there.  I am also interested in wasps and bees, so I would also gain the entertainment of watching this nest grow.  

My patients was rewarded by this nest as I had the opportunity to photograph a fallen wasp larvae.  Typically, larvae are raised in the cells and are normally not seen outside the hive.  This larvae I found on the deck just below the wasp nest, either removed for reasons unknown by the adult wasps, or fallen out.  Either way it allowed me to take a good look at a wasp larvae and to photograph it as well. 

I had the lucky opportunity on my last trip to the Minnesota Zoo to photograph one of their tigers.  Typically when I visit the tigers are no where to be seen, likely taking a nap in a hidden corner.  However today the tiger decided to give me a show and continues to walk behind trees, finally giving me this great shot of him coming down the hill, with tail curling as he steps forward.

I was given even more luck as he then continues to roar, giving me some great shots of his teeth. I have had great success each time I visit the zoo to get some amazing photos, this one was a time of tigers as I got some great shots of this one doing his own thing as he goes about his day.

Northern Goshawk

This is a photo of a Northern Goshawk.  They are one of my favorite raptors.  I particularly love the colorings of this accipiter specie.  Goshawks are also very good flyers and are known to be able to fly through the gaps in the forest and are very determined hunters.

Spring Raptor Release

This is an image of a female Northern Harrier. They are one of the prettiest raptors in my opinion. The are kinda a mix of a hawk and an owl. Harriers have a disk like an owl that help them hear, but they are more shaped like a hawk. The species primarily hunt in open feilds. The uniqueness of the northern harrier is the main reason why it is in my top ten list of birds.

Lynx

This is a photo of a lynx which is large cat. I took it at the wildlife science center in forest lake minnesota. WSC is a great place to go if you want to see wolfs, large cats, and many other different species. I posted this photo because it has an unique persepective on the animal.

Hockey Rink Hallway

Pouncing Hiro

Pouncing Hiro: This is a photo of my cat, Hiro, with her mouse toy. Her favorite thing to play is fetch. The fancier it 'flies' the funner to catch.