View the November 2022 Nature Friend Magazine Wood Duck drake swimming. Photo © Cheryl Shank. Slowly, quietly, yet steadily, I crept along, my binoculars in hand. Surely I can sneak in here without...
Herons, Egrets, & Bitterns
Spring Migration Photo Contest Honorable Mentions
Least Bittern. Photo © Peter Shirk, 16. Barn Swallow. Photo © Alva Steury Jr. Rufous Hummingbird. Photo © Alvin Clair Auker. Great Blue Heron. Photo © Gabriel Schneider. Pileated Woodpecker. Photo ©...
The Day and the Crown
Spring Migration Bird Contest 1st Place
The Big Catch
Great Blue Heron eating Northern Pike. Photo © Lelund Shaum. The morning was beautiful as Mr. Heron made his merry way to the swamp called “Shining Waters.” He was hoping to satisfy his growling...
Marvels at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Photo © Julia Dutill. If you ever have the chance to visit Charleston, South Carolina, I would suggest you visit a lovely public gardens close by—Magnolia Plantation...
Covers, April 2022
Great Blue Heron and pumpkinseed sunfish. Artwork © Michael Stauffer. Broad-billed Hummingbirds at cardinal flower. Artwork © Mark Brueggemann, 14.
Wild Bird Art Contest Adult Winners
First Place Winner Great Blue Heron and pumpkinseed sunfish. Artwork © Michael Stauffer. Second Place Winner Blue Jay. Artwork © Lois Tschetter. Third Place Winner Snowy Owl. Artwork © Aneta Koehn....
Harns Marsh Morning
Birding and Bull-rushes
Hooded Warbler. Artwork © Kenneth Gingerich. The sun had not yet risen when my brother Jesse and I neared the circle. Suddenly a Green Heron flew out of the cattails. Desperately we ran with long...
Favorite Focus, November 2021
Life in a Pond
The first rays of sun break through the darkness, and the gray light of dawn appears. It does not last long, though, for as the sun rises higher, its light gains strength. The misty gray of dawn...
Exploring Nature, October 2021
Photo ©Kevin Shank The Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains will likely be ablaze in peak fall foliage color the second or third weekend.October is the peak migration time for hawks,...
No Fish Tale
Spring was on the calendar and in the air. Bright sunshine, warm temperatures, and clear blue skies beckoned winter-weary children of all ages outdoors to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. River...
The Heron’s Lunch
“No way! Nooo waaay!” Mom suddenly exclaimed. As I followed her gaze, I was completely astounded. We were speechless at the epic sight before us. Great Blue Heron. Photo © Susan McArthur...
Summer Birding
This summer has been interesting since I started birding. One Sunday we went on an afternoon drive. As we crested the hill just past our house, we saw a Broad-winged Hawk on a telephone pole. This...
