Reflections of the Natural World

Travel with me as I explore the wild things and wild places of our planet. – Jim Gain

  • Ringed Kingfisher

    Ringed Kingfisher

    The Ringed Kingfisher is the largest kingfisher in the Americas, with a bushy crest, a white collar, and a rufous belly. The Ringed Kingfisher (like all kingfishers) typically perches in riverside or lakeside trees where it watches for its prey in clear water. Read more

  • Singing Quail

    The Singing Quail is so named for its melodic whistle-like song, which is often heard in the early morning and late afternoon. It is a secretive bird that prefers to remain hidden in the undergrowth of forested areas. It has a distinctive dark gray and reddish-brown plumage, with a white throat and a chestnut breast. Read more

  • Louisiana Waterthrush

    Louisiana Waterthrush

    The Louisiana Waterthrush can be observed foraging along streams and rivers, often bobbing its tail up and down while walking along the water’s edge. They primarily feed on insects, aquatic invertebrates, and small fish, and are known to take advantage of disturbed areas, such as those created by human activity or natural events like flooding. Read more

  • Squirrel Cuckoo

    Squirrel Cuckoo

    Squirrel Cuckoos are large arboreal cuckoos with a very long, graduated tail and rufous upperparts. They are found in a variety of forested habitats, including deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as secondary growth and edge habitats. Read more

  • Vermilion Flycatcher

    Vermilion Flycatcher

    The Vermilion Flycatcher is a small, brightly colored bird found throughout the Americas. Males have a striking bright red plumage on their head, breast, and back, while females have a more subdued brownish-red coloring. They are typically found in open habitats such as grasslands, savannas, and scrublands, and can also be seen perched on wires… Read more

  • White Hawk

    White Hawk

    The White Hawk is a large raptor found throughout Central and South America. Plumage is white overall with black wingtips and a black tail band. Immature has more black on wings, as do adults of populations in southern Central America. White Hawks are typically found in forested areas, particularly near rivers and other bodies of… Read more