My Favorite Five – “Lounging in my Jammies”

My Favorite Five – “Lounging in my Jammies”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

The final one! Did one of your favorites make it?

I decided before I post my best of nine for 2018, I would post my favorite five posts from 2018 and see what the difference is. It was hard making my decision and when I started compiling them, I noticed a trend. This year was the years of firsts. It was my first time raising monarch butterflies, photographing frozen soap bubbles, and getting to hold Lulu, a three-toed sloth, then photographing her. It was only my second year photographing black bears. I guess they are my new loves and that is why they all made my favorite five!

Backstory:

“This black bear loved eating all the cherries out of this tree. He came back day after day and filled his tummy. When he ate enough, he took a nap in the crook of this tree.”

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

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My Favorite Five – “Lulu”

“Lulu”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Three-toed sloth

I decided before I post my best of nine for 2018, I would post my favorite five posts from 2018 and see what the difference is. It was hard making my decision and when I started compiling them, I noticed a trend. This year was the years of firsts. It was my first time raising monarch butterflies, photographing frozen soap bubbles, and getting to hold Lulu, a three-toed sloth, then photographing her. It was only my second year photographing black bears. I guess they are my new loves and that is why they all made my favorite five!

Lulu lives on the tropical island of Costa Rica. She cooperated and let me take photographs of her—I even got to hold her. 

Her hair was coarse, and she weighed less than my eleven-pound dog. I now have a fetish for sloths!

 Three-toed sloths are aboral which means they spend most of their time in trees. They mainly eat leaves but also eat fruit and flowers. 

About every seven days, they come out of the trees to use the bathroom. They use their tail to dig a hole and do their business in the hole. Who knew?

Now, one hangs from my computer—only it’s stuffed! 

                     To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Please follow my Instagram account at:

https://www.instagram.com/judyroyalglennphotography/

My Favorite Five – “Goliath”

My Favorite Five – “Goliath”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I decided before I post my best of nine Instagram posts for 2018, I would post my favorite five posts from 2018 and see what the difference is. It was hard making my decision and when I started compiling them, I noticed a trend. This year was the years of firsts. It was my first time raising monarch butterflies, photographing frozen soap bubbles, and getting to hold Lulu, a three-toed sloth, then photographing her. It was only my second year photographing black bears. I guess they are my new loves and that is why they all made my favorite five!

Backstory:

Goliath was a very large monarch caterpillar. He was nicknamed Fat Boy by my husband and me. I thought it would be nicer to have a more majestic name, hence the name Goliath. His Monarch Watch tag number is ZEU 843

Location: Athens, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Please follow my Instagram account at:

  https://www.instagram.com/judyroyalglennphotography/

My Favorite Five – “Ain’t I Cute?”

"Ain't I Cute?"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I decided before I post my best of nine Instagram posts for 2018, I would post my favorite five posts from 2018 and see what the difference is. It was hard making my decision and when I started compiling them, I noticed a trend. This year was the years of firsts. It was my first time raising monarch butterflies, photographing frozen soap bubbles, and getting to hold Lulu, a three-toed sloth, then photographing her. It was only my second year photographing black bears. I guess they are my new loves and that is why they all made my favorite five! 

"The Lord used a total stranger named Stacy to help me get this shot.

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A mama bear and her two cubs were deep in the thicket and were very difficult to photograph. As I was walking near a truck, a guy behind me mentioned it would be nice to shoot from the back of the truck. I said out loud, “It would be nice to shoot in the back of the truck!”

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The guy had his window down and overheard what I said. As I passed, he said, “Ma’am?” I backed up a few steps to hear what he was going to say. He said I could get in the back of his truck to shoot and stand on his toolbox.

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So, you would have to imagine me standing with my camera and tripod on his toolbox while I photographed this little fellow! I’m sure it was a sight to see!"

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Please follow my Instagram account at:

  https://www.instagram.com/judyroyalglennphotography/

My Favorite Five – “A Forest of Trees”

My Favorite Five – “A Forest of Trees”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I decided before I post my best of nine photographs for Instagram in 2018, I would post my favorite five posts from 2018 and see what the difference is. It was hard making my decision and when I started compiling them, I noticed a trend. This year was the years of firsts. It was my first time raising monarch butterflies, photographing frozen soap bubbles, and getting to hold Lulu, a three-toed sloth, then photographing her. It was only my second year photographing black bears. I guess they are my new loves and that is why they all made my favorite five! 

                   “It looks like a forest of trees growing on this soap bubble:) What do you see?”
                         Location: Athens, Georgia

                   To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

                   https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Please follow my Instagram account at: 
              https://www.instagram.com/judyroyalglennphotography/

Eyes Fixed

“Eyes Fixed”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I found this beautiful black labrador retriever while I was on the beach on St. Simons Island, Georgia. She was in the distance enjoying the water.  

Her owner, David, was resting on the beach. When I told him I was photographing birds, he suggested I photograph Bea because she was as close to wildlife as I could get. She had her eyes fixed on something!

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Hidden?

“Hidden?”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I love when wildlife stops moving thinking that I can’t see them. I get it. They do not know my intentions, and by becoming motionless, maybe they will be less easily recognized or detected.

This Eastern cottontail rabbit was in the tall grass and hoped I did not see him. He did not trick me!

I drastically edited this photograph in two different ways. I think I know which one I like best. Which one do you like best the normal edit or the “artsy” one??

Location: Watkinsville, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Freedom

“Freedom”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

“Freedom”, Georgia Southern’s American Bald Eagle, flew over Paulson Stadium Friday at the end on fall commencement and landed on the 20-yard line where his handler was waiting. My son, Ashton, also soared high and graduated summa cum laude. I am so proud of his accomplishments and can’t wait to see where he will land.

Back history - “Freedom” was found just a few weeks old and had been knocked out of the nest. He suffered infection, and injury to his beak, therefore could not be released in the wild.

Location: Statesboro, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Attention!

“Attention!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography 

This mama and her fawn were so much fun to watch while I was at Berry College! I wanted to edit this post with a softer, muted touch. It’s not how I normally edit my work, but I hope you like it!!

Location: Berry College, Rome, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Long-legged Rascal

“Long-legged Rascal”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I was all alone at the time when I came upon a yearling on Sparks Lane in Cades Cove. It was August, so he hadn’t been on his own for too long.

There seemed to be a sadness in his eyes. The loving, fun times with his siblings and mom are probably still fresh in his mind.

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

The Tree

“The Tree”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This oak tree has its own name in Cades Cove, Tennessee. It’s called, “The Tree.” It stands majestically in an open field and is a favorite for photographers.

This particular day was neat as snow fell the first day of spring and dusted the mountains and fields. 

Location: Great Smoky Mountains National Park

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Not on my Watch!

“Not on my Watch!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I enjoyed the Mexican sunflowers in my backyard for the last two years. The birds and butterflies have enjoyed them immensely.

The ruby-throated hummingbirds love to feed on its nectar but also use it as a watchtower to fight off any intruders. This immature male was doing just that!

Anyone else missing these little guys?

Location: Athens, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

On Jamaica’s Shore

“On Jamaica’s Shore”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I was on the beach in Jamaica photographing a starfish, when a local man walked by and ask, “Did that come from the ocean?” I explained to him that I bought it in a store and brought it with me.

Yes, it originally came from the ocean—just not that color:)

Location: Ochos Rios, Jamaica

                    To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

                      https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Catnap

“Catnap”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I found this black bear high in a tree in Cades Cove, Tennessee. I watched him eat wild cherries for thirty minutes until his tummy was full. A catnap was inevitable!

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He had the hardest time getting comfortable in the crook of this tree and tried about six different positions.

After sleeping thirty minutes, his tummy alarm went off again. I watched him eat for about an hour longer before I left him to see what I could find next.

Location: Cades Cove, Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

                     To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

                  https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Lulu

“Lulu”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Three-toed sloth

Lulu lives on the tropical island of Costa Rica. She cooperated and let me take photographs of her—I even got to hold her. 

Her hair was coarse, and she weighed less than my eleven-pound dog. I now have a fetish for sloths!

 Three-toed sloths are aboral which means they spend most of their time in trees. They mainly eat leaves but also eat fruit and flowers. 

About every seven days, they come out of the trees to use the bathroom. They use their tail to dig a hole and do their business in the hole. Who knew?

Now, one hangs from my computer—only it’s stuffed! 

                     To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Love Birds

“Love Birds”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

We visited the Aviario Nacional de Colombia last week. I was amazed at all the beautiful birds in Columbia.

I could have spent the whole day there, but we only had two hours. Our guide was super nice and let us go at our own pace. 

These chestnut-fronted macaws spent most of the time preening each other. Before I left, one macaw put his wing around the other, and they enjoyed snuggling. 

I love how he raised his feathers on his head and you could see the content in her eyes!

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Aviario Nacional de Colombia, Columbia

Nite! Nite!

"Nite! Nite!"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This is Lucky Jr. eating away at this common milkweed. He is named Lucky Jr. because he is lucky to be alive. 

I had a monarch caterpillar named Lucky, but he got sick and did not make it. So, I named this one Lucky Jr.

A head count is necessary when swapping out fresh milkweed for the little critters to make sure no one gets left behind. At this time, they were only two centimeters long. 

One caterpillar was missing and I had no idea where he was. I looked everywhere. I kept a container on my table to put all the old leaves in. There he was on a leaf!

He has his own milkweed plant and butterfly cage so when he becomes a butterfly, I can give him his special name.

Location: Athens, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

A Rainbow of Colors

“A Rainbow of Colors”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Macaws are beautiful birds. I guess the Lord could not make up His mind, so He made then a beautiful rainbow of colors. 

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida  

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

A Rare Treat

“A Rare Treat”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Tricolored heron - juvenile

I was raised on St. Simons Island, Georgia and enjoy going back to visit and photographing the birds there. Herons and egrets are a few of my favorite species on the island. 

I don’t get the pleasure of photographing the tricolored heron very often. This one is a juvenile.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

On the Brink

“On the Brink”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

A friend and I enjoyed photographing this green tree frog at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. He steadied himself on the edge of this leaf. I could tell he was going to jump, but he was kind enough to pose and let us take lots of photographs.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Goliath

“Goliath”
Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Goliath was a very large monarch caterpillar. He was nicknamed Fat Boy by my husband and me. I thought it would be nicer to have a more majestic name, hence the name Goliath.

Location: Athens, Georgia

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Eye to Eye

"Eye to Eye"

Male rufous hummingbird

I loved being eye to eye with this little fellow for several hours. Wherever he went, I followed. I did not have to travel far because he stayed around using this yucca plant to defend his territory!

Location: Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden,

Arcadia, California

Sweet Dreams

“Sweet Dreams”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Cades Cove, Tennessee is a magical place. If you have never been, I highly suggest it. 

There is an 11-mile loop through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You never know what you will see, but it probably will be a black bear. I’ve also seen deer, turkeys, coyotes, a bobcat, and other wildlife.

This little fellow enjoyed filling his tummy until he got plum tired and took a nap in the crook of this tree. After a short snooze, he was right back at it! 

He picked a good tree right off the loop road where he put on a show for all those passing by. 

Georgia

“Georgia”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Georgia is my first male monarch butterfly that I have raised from an egg. It has been a rewarding, yet arduous process. 

He wasn’t doing very well and wasn’t thriving. He would lie on his side and not do anything. I turned my guest bathroom into Georgia’s spa. I warmed the room with a small heater, cut up fresh orange slices, and made some honey water for him to feed on.

He got much stronger, and I released him two days later due to all the rain from hurricane Florence.

He was tagged with a special tag from Monarch Watch. This tiny tag can be used to track their migration to Mexico. If found, the tag should be reported through the Monarch Watch website.

Backstory:

I now have an inkling of an idea of how it feels to have lived in the depression. Milkweed, their source of food, was a rare commodity. I purchased one milkweed plant in the spring and a female monarch laid a billion eggs on it. I had to drive out-of-town to buy more because none could be found in Athens.

Those four plants I bought also had a billion eggs! This cyclical cycle played out over and over again leading me back to buy six more plants.

There were times that I did not know if I would have enough to feed my babies. I adopted three caterpillars to a friend and helped feed her monarchs from my plants knowing I may not have enough. 

Scraps of leaf bits fell into the pots, and I would scrounge up what I could to put in the center of the caterpillar cage to create a smorgasbord of food.

Another friend helped by giving me some of her milkweed, and she knew where I could adopt out some of my caterpillars. In total, I adopted out 26 caterpillars.

My friend that I adopted three caterpillars to knew someone which led to her bringing me two young milkweed plants. I now know I will have enough. The Lord provided milkweed right when I needed it!

Note how he has his head turned to look at me. I have never seen a butterfly do that!

Here is Georgia's spa:

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Location: Athens, Georgia