Crisp Form Media

Washoe Valley is full of historically significant ranches, barns, and even prehistoric sites. But in addition, the biodiversity it holds is just as important.

This Great Blue Heron was standing on a bramble over the waters of Washoe Lake. Even with its steadfast composure and resilience, these photos also show a sense of fragility. Our biodiversity is vast, but the need to conserve the lands and waters that these animals call home is of the utmost importance.

I implore you to check out Washoe Lake State Park when you have the chance, especially as Spring is on the horizon, chances to see animals are much higher.

The Northern Harrier... A.K.A. my White Whale!

One of my all-time favorite raptors, the Northern Harrier, is a unique species that takes the best attributes of a hawk and an owl and merges them together. With a round, flat face, it has the visual capabilities to see and track prey similar to an owl. In addition, its wing shape gives it the mobility and agility of a hawk.

These two qualities make it such an awesome raptor and apex predator.

That said, those qualities also make it exceptionally hard to get close enough for photos such as this.

I am still pushing to get better photos of these creatures, but I am very proud of this one!

I took this shot in November of last year during an adventure to Taylor Creek in hopes of photographing the Black Bears hunting for the Kokanee Salmon. Although I didn't see the bears, this Golden Eye made up for it!