Nature Photography | Katie Hillesland

Modern life

Thu, 17 Jul 2014 19:51:29 -0400

Birds

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:05:43 -0400

Peafowl

Male peacock found in the garden at the Palace of Gold, WV, 2011, photo by Katie Hillesland

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue Heron, digital art by Katie Hillesland, 2012

Robin

American Robin found in Virginia, photo by Katie Hillesland

Aquatics

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:32:32 -0400

Lionfish

Lionfish are invasive species to the Atlantic Ocean. Researchers are working to protect coral reefs in Florida and the Bahamas from these predatory and venomous fish. Photo taken in an aquarium, 2010

Octopus

Photo taken at the Baltimore Aquarium, 2012

Insects

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:31:58 -0400

Aphrodite Fritillary butterfly

This dainty butterfly was found in West Virginia in 2011. Photo by Katie Hillesland

Hornworm

This hungry hornworm was found devouring a tomatillo plant. It was too interesting to ignore. There were several hornworms feeding on the plant. Hornworms turn into Hummingbird moths when they mature. In this photo it appears that the insect is weaving tiny black hairs that may become its cocoon.

Chinese Mantis

This Chinese Mantis is intimidating, making eye contact with the camera. The mantis was nesting on an Azalea bush in Maryland. The image is taken with a macro lens.

Plants

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:31:48 -0400

Phalaenopsis orchid

The inner part of the flower looks like a bird. Photo taken with a macro lens, 2010

Brugmancia plant in flower

This flower is extremely toxic if eaten. It has properties similar to night shade. It is dangerous to have around children or pets that like to eat plants, but it's blooms are magnificent. Fall, 2011

Pitcher Plant

This plant is carnivorous, similar to a Venus Fly Trap. It captures bugs in it's large "Pitchers." By having sticky hairs around the rim of the pitcher, insects become trapped and then fall into the cup of the plant which is filled with highly acidic water. This Pitcher Plant is in flower. It was found after a seven mile hike to a peat bog in South Eastern Vt. in the summer of 2011.

Fan

Photo taken at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Md.

Pixie Cups

Photo was taken with a macro lens. Pixie cups are a form of lichen found in New England. This photo was taken in Vt.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:31:34 -0400

Spring Peeper

Spring Peeper frog at night, 2011, Md.

Eastern fense lizard

Eastern fense lizard basking on a rock by the fire pit, West Virginia, 2011