The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is an unmistakable member of the blackbird family. I have observed and photographed these blackbirds across the state in several wildlife management areas and they are always easy to pick out. They prefer to perch, … Continue reading
The Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erthrophthalmus) is a fat little bird that kind of looks like a cross between a sparrow and an oriole. The head and back or black and the underside of its wing has a little orange coloring. … Continue reading
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis). Probably one of the more recognizable species in the United States. They honk. They fly. They poop. They’re Geese.
The Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia) is a small songbird that acts more like a woodpecker or nuthatch than it does a Warbler. Even its breast markings and wing pattern are similar to a Hairy Woodpecker, but its longer bill and … Continue reading
The American Coot (Felica americana) is a fairly recognizable water bird more popular in the northern midwest. Maryland is not a breeding range for the Coot, typically, but it can be found along the Maryland shore year-round. The Coot has … Continue reading
Paper Wasps are a large family of wasps commonly found in all parts of the world. Maryland is no different as several species of paper wasp are pretty prominent, even around houses and backyards. The particular species photographed above (Polistes … Continue reading
The Ichneumon Wasp is a fairly popular genus of wasp in North America. I’d like to apologize for the stalk of grass in the way, as well. It’s the best shot I had from the front to show off his long … Continue reading
The Common Thread-Waisted Wasp (Ammophila procera) is a very popular series of solitary wasp across the U.S., and, of course, is found in Maryland. I tagged this guy at Idylwild Wildlife Management Area in late summer. He was scuttling across … Continue reading
The Golden-Backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) is a common species across forests in Maryland. The particular shot above was taken at Millington Wildlife Management Area in between periods of light rain. This soldier fly gives the appearance of a bee … Continue reading
The Flesh Fly is a nasty looking character in the (Sarcophagidae) family of flies. I had to do some searching online and in books to find him out and when I did; I learned that these suckers carry nasty diseases … Continue reading
The Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinas) is a small member of the Woodpecker family very similar in appearance to a Sapsucker. This photo was taken from some distance and in mid-peck, but I’m going with Red-bellied for a few reasons. The … Continue reading
The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is one of several medium sized woodpeckers found in the state of Maryland. Its look is extremely similar, practically identical to that of the Downy Woodpecker, however, the Downy tends to be a few inches … Continue reading
The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a nasty looking character. Not nearly as abundant and extensive across the state of Maryland as the Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture is most likely found in the eastern part of the state. Areas like Eastern Neck … Continue reading
The Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) is a medium-sized butterfly with a bright color and recognizable markings. It’s easy to see where this guy gets his name. The striped pattern on its upper and lower wings is very zebra-like. My impression … Continue reading
Viceroy (Limenitis archippus) is a butterfly that makes a living looking exactly like the Monarch. It is slightly smaller, but has an almost exact color and wing pattern. The glaring top wing difference – an additional horizontal black vein – is very obvious, … Continue reading
The Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is one of three dark swallowtail butterflies extremely common in Maryland. I think that I may see the Spicebush more often than the Black and Pipevine swallowtails, but it’s so hard to know. The Spicebush … Continue reading
The Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor) is a large, black beautiful buttefly. A big fan of flowering plants, it will fly low to the ground or eye level and often continues to flutter its wings when at rest. This particular swallowtail … Continue reading
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is a small, speckled, orange and black butterfly that can be found all across Maryland, from the spring into the fall months. I have run across one as late as November at Eastern Neck Island … Continue reading
The Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is a large butterfly in the swallowtail family and extremely close in appearance to the Pipevine and Spicebush swallowtails. Like the other darker swallowtails, it has blue, white and orange markings, and very similar and related … Continue reading
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a large and very easily identifiable swallowtail. It is most common around Maryland in the later summer months – late July and August – and when around, it is abundant. It can be found … Continue reading