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Stella POV "Time Warp" Settings
Around 9:30 on a muggy Sunday morning with 70-degree temperatures and thick 82% humidity, we laced up and headed into the woods for a much-needed hike. The trail was damp and heavy, but the real excitement was experimenting with camera gear—this was my first attempt with the "Time Warp" feature on Go Pros with Stella to capture the trail entirely from her point of view. Seeing the forest floor blur past through her eyes brings a wild, fast-paced energy to the trek that standa
Lance Ripka
1 day ago1 min read


Pics from Bald Eagle State Park
From scouting the trails to framing the shot—here are a few favorite captures from an 80-degree afternoon trek through Bald Eagle State Park. Pushing through the late-summer humidity was well worth it to catch the local wildlife and forest light in action. Swipe through to see what turned up along the path, and let me know which shot is your favorite! 🌲📸🦌 #Insects #WildlifePhotography #felusproductions #NaturePhotography #viralreels
Lance Ripka
3 days ago1 min read


Late August Hike: Scouting for Wildlife in Bald Eagle State Park
Stepping onto the trails on an August afternoon brings its own brand of quiet anticipation. Clocking in at 4:00 PM with temperatures hovering around 80° and 61% humidity, the air at Bald Eagle State Park carries a classic, muggy late-summer warmth. While the heavy air might slow your pace, it sets a deliberate tempo—perfect for exploring the established trail network with eyes peeled for whatever local wildlife decides to make an appearance. Bringing a camera along transforms
Lance Ripka
3 days ago1 min read


The Backyard Songster: Inviting the House Finch to Your Garden
Few sounds welcome a morning quite like the cheerful, bubbling warble of the House Finch. With their bright rosy-red caps, breasts, and rumps, the males bring a vibrant splash of color to fence lines and shrubbery, while the subtly streaked brown females blend seamlessly into the foliage. Though originally native to the American Southwest and Mexico, these energetic songbirds were introduced to the eastern United States in the 1940s. Today, they are an exceptionally common, y
Lance Ripka
5 days ago1 min read


Some Favorites of Birds from 2025
Some Favorites of Birds from 2025 #Birding #felusproductions #Wildlife #photography #viralreels
Lance Ripka
5 days ago1 min read


Checking In: Finding Pure Joy on the Trail with Stella
There is something grounding about hitting the trail with four paws setting the pace ahead of you. No matter the terrain, the weather, or the incline, having a dog by your side transforms a simple hike into something unforgettable. Watching Stella navigate the path with pure, unfiltered excitement is an instant reminder to stay present. To a dog, every scent caught on the breeze is a mystery worth solving, every creek crossing is an adventure, and every bend in the trail hold
Lance Ripka
6 days ago2 min read


Fishing Tips and Tricks ???
Late August gave us nearly ideal weather to be out by the water—sitting right around 79 degrees with low humidity. The goal was simple: test out a jerkbait, capture some good catches on camera, and enjoy the day. Of course, fishing rarely goes completely according to script, and murky water had other plans. Things got chaotic quickly thanks to every baitcaster user's worst nightmare. A snag in the thick weeds caused an aggressive spool overrun that completely spiderwebbed the
Lance Ripka
7 days ago1 min read


Dressed to Impress: Meeting Pennsylvania’s Nomadic Cedar Waxwings
If you have ever spotted a flock of birds resembling sleek, masked bandits with a penchant for backyard berries, you have likely crossed paths with the Cedar Waxwing. With their silky, watercolor-blend plumage, rakish crests, and bright yellow tail tips, these birds look like they were designed by a haute couture fashion house. For nature lovers in Pennsylvania, these charismatic songbirds are a familiar and delightful sight, though catching a glimpse of them often depends en
Lance Ripka
7 days ago2 min read


Where Am I
Nothing beats the quiet thrill of turning a simple day out by the water into a guessing game. Standing along the shoreline with boats gently rocking against the docks and the open lake stretching into the horizon, the scene offers just enough clues to spark curiosity without giving away the secret right away. It is the kind of scenic spot where the breeze immediately slows down your pace, inviting you to pause, scan the water, and wonder: do you recognize this shoreline, or i
Lance Ripka
Sep 21 min read


Looking back at 2026... 🌲📸
Looking back at 2026... 🌲📸 This reel is a collection of the moments, miles, and incredible wildlife I’ve been lucky enough to capture up to this point in the year. The best part? There’s still so much more to come. If you like what you see, stick around for the ride! Give a follow and share the content that connects with you. 🦅👇 #felusproductions #Birding #BirdPhotography #CentralPA #viralreels
Lance Ripka
Aug 291 min read


Soaring Eagle Wetlands go Arwy
Heading out for wildlife photography is always a gamble, and the video Soaring Eagle Wetlands go Arwy perfectly captures what happens when nature refuses to cooperate. Geared up with waders around mid-afternoon on a Thursday in August, the goal was simple: wade deeper into the wetlands to sneak up on some local wildlife—from birds and butterflies to game—and capture better shots than usual. Armed with plenty of enthusiasm, the expedition was all about pushing boundaries to ge
Lance Ripka
Aug 261 min read


White Throated Sparrow
If you have ever tried sorting through the small brown birds visiting your backyard or wood line in Central Pennsylvania, you know how tricky identification can be. My latest blog post breaks down how to spot the striking White-throated Sparrow and separates them from other common local lookalikes—like heavily streaked Song Sparrows and stocky, urban House Sparrows. Here are the key markers for identifying a White-throated Sparrow in our region: The White Throat: A crisp, bri
Lance Ripka
Aug 221 min read


Hiking with Stella
There is truly nothing quite like hitting the trail with your best four-legged friend by your side. Stepping past the trailhead gate and venturing deep into the lush green woods, Stella was in her absolute element—charging ahead along the overgrown path with pure excitement in every step. Exploring the outdoors through her eyes turns a simple walk into an immersive adventure, where every rustle in the brush and new scent along the ferns demands a curious detour. Even with all
Lance Ripka
Aug 221 min read


Wading into Bald Eagle Creek: Photographing Cedar Waxwings at Historic Curtin Village
It was a warm Saturday on August 15th, with temperatures hovering around 83°F, making it the perfect day to explore the scenic waters near historic Curtin Village in Milesburg, Pennsylvania. While the cool water of Bald Eagle Creek provided relief from the summer heat, the real excitement unfolded right above the current. A massive flock of birds had gathered along the creek bank, swooping through the canopy and darting over the water in an aerial feeding frenzy. Stepping dir
Lance Ripka
Aug 191 min read


Small Gardens, Big Impact: Why Your Local Insects Need Your Flower Bed
When we think of garden visitors, fuzzy bumblebees collecting pollen and monarch butterflies drifting past usually come to mind first. But behind the scenes, a whole world of tiny creatures—from metallic green sweat bees and ladybugs to hoverflies and predatory beetles—is hard at work powering our local ecosystems. Whether you have a expansive backyard or just a few patio containers, planting a flower garden is one of the single most effective things you can do to support loc
Lance Ripka
Jul 302 min read


Bring Your Garden to Life: High-Nectar Flowers That Bees and Pollinators Love
If you’ve ever stopped to admire a bustling garden on a warm summer afternoon, you know there’s something magical about watching native bees dart from bloom to bloom. Beyond being photogenic garden guests, these pollinators are vital to local ecosystems and food crops. To transform a yard into a buzzing wildlife haven, planting native perennials rich in nectar and pollen is essential. Certain flower varieties are magnetizing for local pollinators—including the bumblebees high
Lance Ripka
Jul 302 min read


Bring the "Wild Canaries" to Your Yard: How to Attract American Goldfinches in Pennsylvania
If you’ve ever caught a flash of brilliant, lemon-yellow feathers flitting through your garden, you’ve likely spotted the American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis). Often affectionately referred to as the "wild canary" due to the male’s vibrant breeding plumage, these joyful songbirds are a favorite among Pennsylvania birdwatchers and backyard gardeners alike. While they can be found year-round across the Keystone State—from the rolling hills of Lancaster County to suburban yards a
Lance Ripka
Jul 283 min read


The American Robin: Pennsylvania’s Warm-Weather Companion
There is something undeniably classic about the warm golden sunlight catching the rich, reddish-orange breast of an American Robin. Perched high among the pine needles in these shots, this songbird looks every bit the proud harbinger of the warmer months. While robins are among the most familiar birds in North America, their history, habits, and seasonal journeys have a few surprises. A History Lesson: How the Robin Got Its Name When European settlers first arrived in North A
Lance Ripka
Jul 252 min read


Fall Webworm Moth
The Architectural Marvel in Your Garden: Unpacking the Fall Webworm Moth If you’ve ever taken an autumn stroll through your neighborhood and noticed large, webbed tents wrapping around the outer tips of tree branches, you’ve witnessed the handywork of the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea). While often confused with eastern tent caterpillars or gypsy moths, these native North American insects have a unique lifecycle, fascinating habits, and a surprisingly short journey from foli
Lance Ripka
Jul 242 min read


A Spring Evening on the Water
There is nothing quite like hitting the water early in May, especially when the conditions line up just right. On a crisp spring day at the confluence where Spring Creek flows into Bald Eagle Creek near Milesburg, PA, the season officially got underway. It’s a classic spot for local anglers, where the merging currents create the perfect habitat for a great day of fishing. The First Catch of the Season The real highlight of the outing came on the very first attempt of the seas
Lance Ripka
Jul 241 min read
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