Nostr notes by Teach Honest History

I did not see this blue jay commit a crime, nor was I involved in ...

2026-10-23T23:53:15Z

I did not see this blue jay commit a crime, nor was I involved in the arrest. I just took the mug shot photo set. Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, Virginia, USA 23-OCT-26 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

That’s appalling. May I ask what is the source of this ...

2026-09-24T01:28:09Z

In reply to nevent1q…4vzv
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That’s appalling. May I ask what is the source of this information?

Anyone here fans of those tiny green tree frogs? Here's a ...

2026-07-26T13:40:00Z

Anyone here fans of those tiny green tree frogs? Here's a quartet of photos I took this Friday. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 24-July-2026 #herps #frogs #GTF #naturephotography

The eastern tiger swallowtails absolutely loved this one ...

2026-07-25T19:37:33Z

The eastern tiger swallowtails absolutely loved this one buttonbush. They came back to it repeatedly. #butterfly #naturephotography Alexandria, Virginia, USA 24-July-2026.

Most songbirds frustrate me by perching high up in the canopy ...

2026-07-24T20:35:18Z

Most songbirds frustrate me by perching high up in the canopy where I can't see them. Today however, this common yellowthroat perched in a small leafless tree about 8 ft off the ground in a clearing in good light and sang beautifully. Alexandria, Virginia, USA. 24-July-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

I am always impressed by photographers who can take a scene that ...

2026-07-08T00:27:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…nzcf
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I am always impressed by photographers who can take a scene that would strike many as utterly mundane and turn into art. The lines, textures, curves, highlights, deep shadows, human interest. It's all there. Well done!

Here's an osprey at the start of a fishing dive. When an ...

2026-06-21T14:11:30Z

Here's an osprey at the start of a fishing dive. When an osprey spots a target, they basically just stop flying, go into a tuck position, let gravity take over and fall from the sky. Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 28-May-2026 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

A margined leatherwing, or margined soldier #beetle, for you ...

2026-06-11T20:58:46Z

A margined leatherwing, or margined soldier #beetle, for you sciency folks it's Chauliognathus marginatus. 11-June-2026. #insects #insectphotography #naturephotography

A female ruby-throated #hummingbird going "all in" to get ...

2026-06-06T00:18:36Z

A female ruby-throated #hummingbird going "all in" to get to that nectar at the bottom of the flower. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 2-June-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

I am not one of those that obsessively chase after ...

2026-06-04T20:08:02Z

I am not one of those that obsessively chase after 'lifers', i.e. species I have not previously seen or photographed. I am nonetheless delighted when I do trip over something new. In this case it's a black saddlebag #dragonfly, one I'd never even heard of before. #insects #naturephotography #insectphotography

Another view of my favorite pollen-packing #hummingbird ...

2026-06-02T23:39:47Z

Another view of my favorite pollen-packing #hummingbird Alexandria, Virginia, USA 2-June-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Behold an amazing new species, the yellow-billed hummingbird! OK, ...

2026-06-02T16:45:11Z

Behold an amazing new species, the yellow-billed hummingbird! OK, that's probably just a snoot-full of pollen on a female ruby-throated #hummingbird Alexandria, Virginia, USA 2-JUN-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Talons Wet! Life is about to get very unpleasant for one or more ...

2026-05-28T20:34:15Z

Talons Wet! Life is about to get very unpleasant for one or more fish. Osprey, Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia 28-May-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

For #WorldBeeDay I am posting this fun picture of a bee wearing ...

2026-05-20T22:54:30Z

For #WorldBeeDay I am posting this fun picture of a bee wearing pajama pants. #bees #naturephotography

I love how when osprey decide to dive on a fish, they basically ...

2026-05-13T13:32:16Z

I love how when osprey decide to dive on a fish, they basically just stop flying in mid-air and let gravity do its thing. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 12-May-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

For a moment's respite from the insanity, noise, and ...

2026-04-07T19:55:46Z

For a moment's respite from the insanity, noise, and confusion of life, please gaze upon this eastern bluebird. Repeat as needed. Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, Virginia, USA 7-Apr-2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Here's a dramatic shot of a double-crested cormorant with its ...

2026-03-27T20:06:15Z

Here's a dramatic shot of a double-crested cormorant with its wings flared out and its head up and beak wide open. It brought to mind a crowing rooster (although cormorants don't vocalize much). Reston, Virginia, USA 24-MAR-2026 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Yesterday we had T-shirt weather, highs in the mid-80s F. Today, ...

2026-03-12T19:05:41Z

Yesterday we had T-shirt weather, highs in the mid-80s F. Today, sleet, hail, and snow. But I finally got a long-sought picture of a male northern cardinal in the snow! Clifton, Virginia, USA 12-MAR-2026 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Red-headed woodpeckers are among the least common types of ...

2026-03-10T19:51:29Z

Red-headed woodpeckers are among the least common types of woodpeckers in my area. Beautiful bold colors, but they are quick and hard to capture in flight. Finally succeeded yesterday! Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA. 9MAR2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

One last ring-billed gull photo, a side-view head shot. To my ...

2026-03-03T00:46:57Z

One last ring-billed gull photo, a side-view head shot. To my over-active imagination, this bird looks maniacal. I think it's the red-rimmed eyes and that hooked beak. I can almost hear a fiendish voice saying "All your fish are MINE!". Burke, Virginia, USA 28FEB2026. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Ring-billed gull in flight, Burke Lake Park, Burke, Virginia, ...

2026-02-28T18:13:01Z

Ring-billed gull in flight, Burke Lake Park, Burke, Virginia, USA, 28FEB2026. #Nikon #Z8 with 500PF lens. This is an extreme crop, but all I've done is some minor adjustments in LrC + a little sharpening in Topaz. The light was very good. First time I've seen the red around the eyes and the red 'lips'. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Do birds eat snow to get water? Yes they do, but it's not ...

2026-02-20T18:29:48Z

Do birds eat snow to get water? Yes they do, but it's not ideal, as they have to use precious body heat to melt it. Here's a male American goldfinch in subdued off-season colors having a snow-drink. Clifton, Virginia, USA 26-JAN-2026. #birds
#birdphotography #naturephotography

Interesting photo. How did you get enough DOF to have both of ...

2025-12-31T17:22:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…szzj
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Interesting photo. How did you get enough DOF to have both of those birds in focus? Were they both a long way off and this is a heavy crop?

The blue jay that got to the bird bath first has strong opinions ...

2025-12-26T23:56:06Z

The blue jay that got to the bird bath first has strong opinions about the arrival of a second blue jay. Clifton, Virginia, USA, 13-DEC-2025 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography #NikonZ8

Extra-judicial killing. Just like the Philippines under Duterte.

2025-09-19T23:46:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…kpgs
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Extra-judicial killing. Just like the Philippines under Duterte.

This #butterfly was enjoying a flower at Lake Fairfax Park in ...

2025-08-27T00:07:43Z

This #butterfly was enjoying a flower at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Virginia, USA 23AUG25. It might be a Delaware skipper but there are so many types that look rather similar to my untrained eye. Can any #entemologist types help me out? #insects #insectphotography #naturephotography

A monarch #butterfly in a dreamy setting. Sterling, Virginia, ...

2025-08-15T00:03:00Z

A monarch #butterfly in a dreamy setting. Sterling, Virginia, USA. 14-Aug-2025. #insects #insectphotography #naturephotography #invert #inverts

That is so beautiful - it literally took my breath away for a ...

2025-07-18T20:18:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…d7j7
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That is so beautiful - it literally took my breath away for a moment!

Here's that same green #heron that I posted earlier, but here ...

2025-07-17T14:15:17Z

Here's that same green #heron that I posted earlier, but here it's untucked and putting the brakes on for a landing. You can see more of the body shape and range of colors in this pose. Reston, Virginia, USA 17-July-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

A lesson I've learned doing #wildlife #photography is to be ...

2025-07-17T14:12:54Z

A lesson I've learned doing #wildlife #photography is to be ready to shoot at all times. This green #heron was taken literally seconds upon arriving at
this pond. My first green heron in flight photo! Reston, Virginia, USA. 17-July-2025 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

"On Final Approach". A female ruby-throated hummingbird ...

2025-07-14T00:10:50Z

"On Final Approach". A female ruby-throated hummingbird hovers into position to begin sampling the nectar at another bloom. I like this shot because you can see the whole length of that wonderful stiletto beak. Green Spring Gardens, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 11-July-2025 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

I don't know who needs to see a #hummingbird in mid poop ...

2025-07-11T20:31:49Z

I don't know who needs to see a #hummingbird in mid poop today, but here you have it. Female ruby-throated hummingbird. Alexandria, Virginia, USA. 11-July-2025. #birds #hummingbirdpoop. #birdphotography #naturephotography

Am I a terrible person for adding a #gravy tag to this?

A wise observation. My soul and heart won’t allow me to stop ...

2025-07-07T23:33:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…p37w
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A wise observation. My soul and heart won’t allow me to stop caring, but my mind says I must care for myself and stay sane. Bird photography and just being out in nature helps a lot.

I think this barn swallow must have opted for the special hot wax ...

2025-06-21T16:49:39Z

I think this barn swallow must have opted for the special hot wax at the bird wash, it's a shiny as a new car on a dealer showroom floor. Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, Virginia, USA 20-April-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Osprey on the prowl. I was hoping it would make a dive and catch, ...

2025-05-17T15:28:58Z

Osprey on the prowl. I was hoping it would make a dive and catch, but apparently it didn't see anything to its liking. Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 15-May-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

I have been ISO an indigo bunting for several years with no luck. ...

2025-05-15T23:49:15Z

I have been ISO an indigo bunting for several years with no luck. Until today! Please celebrate with me as I cross this bird off my list. Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA. 15-MAY-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Thank you for being honest about using background replacement. ...

2025-05-12T13:08:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…r5kj
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Thank you for being honest about using background replacement. I’m not a fan but it’s a matter of personal taste and judgement.

One of the joys of the season is listening to gray catbirds make ...

2025-05-01T19:31:53Z

One of the joys of the season is listening to gray catbirds make all their weird wonderful sounds. Clifton, Virginia, USA 27-April-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Just cruisin' through, seeing what's going on. ...

2025-03-26T22:53:08Z

Just cruisin' through, seeing what's going on. Red-shouldered hawk, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 25-MAR-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Until yesterday I've never been able to get a close enough ...

2025-03-19T14:25:44Z

Until yesterday I've never been able to get a close enough picture of a double-crested cormorant to really see their crests. Turns out those 'crests' are just very long bushy eyebrows! Lake Fairfax Park, Reston, Virginia, USA. 18-MAR-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

A northern shoveler takes off with a splash! Alexandria, ...

2025-03-12T20:31:50Z

A northern shoveler takes off with a splash! Alexandria, Virginia, USA 11-MAR-2025. (Please view full size) #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography #ducks

For #WoodpeckerWednesday here's a male downy woodpecker. Yes, ...

2025-03-05T17:38:45Z

For #WoodpeckerWednesday here's a male downy woodpecker. Yes, downies are a rather common bird in many places, but I thought this pose with the shaggy-barked vine was nice. TIA If anyone can tell me what the tree or vine is. Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, Virginia, USA 5-Mar-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Northern pintail drake, and its reflection. Alexandria, Virginia, ...

2025-02-28T15:19:06Z

Northern pintail drake, and its reflection. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 24-Feb-2025. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

A male pileated woodpecker with some nice low angle morning ...

2024-12-18T21:28:19Z

A male pileated woodpecker with some nice low angle morning sunlight on his head. Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, Virginia, USA 18DEC2024. #birds #birdphotography #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography

It's Monday and time for many to get back to work! This male ...

2024-12-09T12:14:22Z

It's Monday and time for many to get back to work! This male downy woodpecker shows he's been hard at work with wood chips and straw on his face. Reminds me of those photos one sees of coal miners with faces covered in coal dust. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 3DEC2024. #birds #birdphotography #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography

When you've had enough chatter at the dinner table and decide ...

2024-11-29T12:11:08Z

When you've had enough chatter at the dinner table and decide it's time to make a dramatic exit. Female northern cardinal, Chantilly, Virginia, USA 26NOV2024. #birds #birdphotography #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography

Time for another one of my bird takeoff sequence #composite ...

2024-11-26T21:48:08Z

Time for another one of my bird takeoff sequence #composite photos. This time it's a white-breasted nuthatch. Chantilly, Virginia, USA 26NOV2024. #birds #birdphotography #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography

Inspired by the great classical work "Lark Ascending" by ...

2024-11-21T20:07:41Z

Inspired by the great classical work "Lark Ascending" by Ralph Vaughan Williams, I call this photo "Woodpecker Ascending". Female downy woodpecker, composite of 4 images. Clifton, Virginia, USA 21NOV2024 #birds #BirdPhotogaphy #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography #Nikon #NikonZ8

My last photo outing was mostly a bust, but this song sparrow was ...

2024-11-20T21:27:20Z

My last photo outing was mostly a bust, but this song sparrow was looking and sounding good. Sterling, Virgnia, USA 19NOV2024. #birds #BirdsOfMastodon #BirdPhotogaphy #naturephotography

‪"Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me Other ...

2024-11-19T20:08:13Z

‪"Sometimes the light's all shinin' on me
Other times I can barely see" ... your eyes because they're black and a black-capped chickadee has, unsurprisingly, a black cap. And it's a side-lit photo and no catch-light is hitting the eyes. [End Photographer's lament] [With apologies to the Grateful Dead] . Sterling, Virginia, USA 19NOV2024. #birds #BirdsOfMastodon #birdphotography #GratefulDead #naturephotography

I am asking serious questions and trying to engage in meaningful ...

2024-11-19T00:15:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…60vx
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I am asking serious questions and trying to engage in meaningful dialogue. And you go straight to accusing me of cult-like thinking. What a welcoming environment. /sarc

While acknowledging there is some risk given the financing of ...

2024-11-18T12:18:25Z

In reply to nevent1q…yezp
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While acknowledging there is some risk given the financing of BlueSky, the fact remains that people are finding BlueSky in its present state to be a breath of fresh air. Well moderated, and fun. Not nearly as dogmatic as the 'one-true-faith' Fediverse.

I don't recall #Bluesky asking me for any of that contact ...

2024-11-16T19:29:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…gz4j
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I don't recall #Bluesky asking me for any of that contact info.

A male belted kingfisher pauses to consider his next move. ...

2024-11-06T14:04:48Z

A male belted kingfisher pauses to consider his next move. Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 4-NOV-2024. #birds #birdphotography #BirdsOfMastodon #naturephotography

Decades ago my mom told me my dad tried to go into the voting ...

2024-11-02T00:42:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…xuhf
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Decades ago my mom told me my dad tried to go into the voting booth with her. Poll workers stopped him.

I checked on my favorite belted #kingfisher and he's still ...

2024-10-06T11:32:47Z

I checked on my favorite belted #kingfisher and he's still there 2 months later. Same tree, just facing the other direction. Rocking the punk hair gloriously. Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 4-Oct-2024 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Finally found an image small enough that my server can upload ...

2024-09-24T14:11:05Z

Finally found an image small enough that my server can upload successfully. Great blue #heron, Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, Virginia, USA. It seems that beak has been doing some rough digging. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

"Beachcomber Butterfly" Pipevine Swallowtail, Alexandria, ...

2024-09-10T20:47:04Z

"Beachcomber Butterfly" Pipevine Swallowtail, Alexandria, Virginia, USA 10SEP2024. #inverts
#bugs
#butterflies
#naturephotography
#wildlifephotography

Very nice capture! I see these butterflies regularly but never ...

2024-09-03T22:44:11Z

In reply to nevent1q…3k2g
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Very nice capture! I see these butterflies regularly but never tire of them.

I hope this hummingbird photo brightens someones day, even if ...

2024-09-03T18:55:10Z

I hope this hummingbird photo brightens someones day, even if only for a second. Female ruby-throated #hummingbird , Alexandria, Virginia, USA 3-Sep-2024 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Ah, the pause that refreshes! A mourning dove shakes off some ...

2024-08-24T23:46:57Z

Ah, the pause that refreshes! A mourning dove shakes off some excess water after drinking fully at our birdbath. #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography

Interesting chart. Can you explain the Qatar numbers please? ...

2024-08-20T16:51:02Z

In reply to nevent1q…xejm
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Interesting chart. Can you explain the Qatar numbers please? Seems like some wild fluctuations there.

Almost all the great egret photos I took in my first few years of ...

2024-08-01T20:51:56Z

Almost all the great egret photos I took in my first few years of wildlife photography ended up as featureless white blobs, highlights hopelessly blown out. I'm finally getting used to adjusting EC for white & black subjects. Alexandria, Virginia, USA 29-July-2024 #birds #birdphotography #naturephotography