My 17 Favorite Critter Photos of 2019

Maui sea turtle on the beach.

I travel near and far in 2019 and added to my favorite critter photos library. Come with me as I take you on my trips in chronological order from Hawaii in March to the Delmarva Peninsula in November/December.

It was a thrill to finally visit Hawaii in March. My wife and I almost tripped over our first sea turtle on the beach. Later during the trip, we got to go snorkeling and saw a sea turtle swimming near us for a bigger thrill.

Nene at Haleakala.

After driving up to the summit of Haleakala, we drove down to the visitor’s center where we spied this rare Hawaiian goose called a Nene. What a cool bird!

Surfing Goat Farm, Maui.

Our tour of Surfing Goat Farm was too much fun! The goats were happy to see us with hands full of goat treats and nibbled gently at our outstretched palms. The goats easily made my list of favorite critter photos.

Ho’okipa Beach seal napping.

Maui takes the prize for most of my wild animal sightings in 2019. This seal surprised us and many other beach-goers as it slid onto the beach around mid-day. Sad to say this, like so many other Hawaiian critters, is endangered:(

Stern’s Wharf pelican, Santa Barbara hanging out with anglers.

On my first ever trip to Santa Barbara, my brother and I witnessed this pelican hanging out on the wharf hoping for a handout. The light was excellent and the bird seemed to pose for this shot. I loved Santa Barbara so much, I returned in September with my wife.

Pony racers at Ladew getting ready for the big event.

My wife and I have attended My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase Races at Ladew Gardens previously. In 2019 they added pony races with tiny tots in the saddle. It was a hoot! I hope they do it again in 2020.

Cool Birds

Vergenoegd duck parade in South Africa.

One of the highlights of my first trip to South Africa was the Indian Runner ducks at Vergenoedgd Winery. The ducks were one of the most fun subjects to add to my favorite critter photos collection. Check out my video of the ducks at my youtube channel. The wine at Vergenoedgd was pretty good as well.

A cormorant in North East, MD waits patiently for a fish dinner.

On one of three trips on the Wellwood Water Taxi, we spied this cormorant waiting for a meal to swim by. The Wellwood Water Taxi is one of the best ways to get on the Chesapeake Bay for an hour or two. We loved that our dog Sophie could come along free of charge!

Ducks hanging out by the water in Chestertown, MD.

I was in Chestertown on my way to do a story on Rock Hall and saw these ducks hanging out by the water’s edge. I’m not sure if they are ducks or geese, but found them to be fun to watch for a few minutes.

While in Cape Charles, I spied these two osprey mating.

On my first trip to Cape Charles, I was smitten by the beach, restaurants, people, and osprey. I hope to return in 2020 to get another taste of this cool town.

Critters Big and Small

This moth at Lewis Ginter was quite a beauty.

On my trip to attend the MTPRA conference in Richmond, VA, I stopped off at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. They have a wonderful butterfly and moth habitat as well as beautifully manicured gardens.

Sophie at Capsize Restaurant in Oxford, MD.

Our dog Sophie, joined us on several trips this past year. At Capsize, a not so well-behaved German Shepherd was two tables away making a fuss while Sophie kept her cool. She was obviously more interested in the scenery.

I spied this little German Shepherd pup in Fredericksburg, VA.

As I walked the streets of historic Fredericksburg, VA, I saw this cute German Shepherd pup. She was being walked by her foster mom and happily allowed me a chance to pet this sweet girl.

I always ask first before petting a strange dog. The foster mom was okay with me petting the pup and adding her to my list of favorite critter photos of 2019.

On Or By the Water

November bald eagle at Conowingo Dam near Port Deposit, MD.

Three years ago I started driving up to the Conowingo Dam on the Susquehanna River to see the bald eagle gathering. Each November, gobs of bald eagles gather to take a break on their migration route and bulk up on the fish buffet. Hundreds of photographers from around the world come to see the spectacle.

Shark petting Santa Barbara Sea Center.

In September, I took my wife to Santa Barbara for three days in the sun. We stopped at the Sea Center and she got to pet a shark. If you’ve not tried this, you should, as it’s like nothing you’ve ever petted. And you’ll come away with all your fingers plus a bit of knowledge of this important sea creature.

Favorite Critter Photos at Farms

Third Way Farm donkey comes to say hi.

During the year I was able to visit a few farms. I get some of my favorite critter photos at farms each year. At Third Way Farm in Havre de Grace, MD I got to pet this guard donkey. The sheep are safer with this big-eared buddy hanging out with them.

Pop’s Old Place cows coming to visit me.

I read about Pops Old Place Farm in Edible Delmarva Magazine and knew I had to visit. They raise heirloom Randal Lineback cows, said to be the rarest cows in the US. They also raise Katahdin sheep and Mulefoot pigs. I’ve since visited twice to buy their high-quality meat and free-range eggs.

It was a great year for getting more favorite critter photos for my collection. I hope 2020 is just as good.