Mack the Grieving Swan

“Mack the Grieving Swan”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This is Mack a mute swan. His mate Singletary was shot with a crossbow in January 2015 and was killed. It was a senseless and terrible act. The residents of Lake Junaluska were extremely upset about the loss of the swan.

Ken, who lives at there, cares for the birds, especially the swans. He told me swans grieve for two years. I watched Mack one rainy day, and I feel the photograph captured the essence of what Mack was feeling that day—grief.

Location: Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

Missing You!

“Missing You!”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I always get sad around this time of the year as my favorite subject to photograph, the ruby-throated hummingbird, leaves for their tropical vacation. I know they will be back next year, but it makes life a little boring not being able to chase them around.

Location: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Bulbophyllum Lepidum

"Bulbophyllum Lepidum"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I met my friend Heather at The State Botanical Garden of Georgia to shoot Saturday. Towards the end of our shoot, we decided to go into the Conservatory to see what we could find. I stated earlier that Heather has eyes like a hawk because she usually spots things before I do. It was no different when we went into the Conservatory.

She noticed a very small orchid called bulbophyllum lepidum—it’s only an inch long! It can be found in Cambodia, Indonesia. Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, India and Vietnam, but I don’t have to travel to those places to see it. Thanks to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia!

Location: Athens, Georgia

A Rare Beauty

"A Rare Beauty"

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

As I was looking for hummingbirds to photograph at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, I found a beautiful white hibiscus. I have never seen a white hibiscus and when I saw Cliff, a curator at the garden, he told me it was rare.

I was delighted to find the flower and be able to photograph it after reading the blooming cycle for a hibiscus generally lasts for a day or two. What a pleasant delight and perfect timing!

Location: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens, Georgia

Juniper

“Juniper”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

This is Juniper a great horned owl. She can be found at the Callaway Garden’s Bird of Prey program. Callaway has an educational program featuring birds that cannot be released in the wild because they have been injured or have been imprinted on by humans.

Juniper and her brother Cedar fell from a nest and were orphaned. I am very thankful Callaway provides them such a great home.

Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia