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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


Capturing Summer Vibes: A Morning Walk at the Penn State Arboretum
There is nothing quite like a bright, sunny morning to get you out of the studio and into nature. On Friday, June 5th, I took a trip over to The Arboretum at Penn State to see what kind of summer magic I could capture on camera. It was a beautiful, balmy 87°F morning by 10:30 AM—perfect weather for exploring the gardens and scouting for some active wildlife. Flowers, Fish, and Flight The initial goal for the morning? Catching some butterflies in action. While the local wildli
Lance Ripka
Jun 201 min read


Nature’s Complementary Canvas: The Crimson and Clover of the House Finch
There is a striking form of art hiding right in our backyards, completely free of human design. It is the art of color theory, put on display by nature itself. Recently, I captured two photographs of a male House Finch nestled among fresh spring leaves. Looking at these images, I was struck by how powerfully the choice of background elements can completely shift our visual focus. It all comes down to the timeless, opposing relationship between red and green. The Power of Comp
Lance Ripka
Jun 152 min read


The "Scruffy" Season: Spotting Pennsylvania’s Molting Cardinals
As we shake off the last of the Pennsylvania frost and watch the buds finally start to swell on our maples and oaks, many of us are heading out to our favorite trails or simply peering out the kitchen window with binoculars in hand. While we often look for that perfect, pristine "Christmas card" Northern Cardinal, early spring often brings us a version that’s a little more... "rough around the edges." Take a look at this striking capture from Felus Productions This male cardi
Lance Ripka
May 132 min read


Morning Majesty: A Keystone State Icon
Nothing beats a peaceful morning by the water in the Keystone State! 🦢✨ Caught this Canada Goose mid-stretch among the lily pads today. While they are a common sight across Pennsylvania, watching them display their impressive wingspan in the quiet morning light never gets old. Whether they are defending their territory or just drying off after a dip, these birds are true icons of our local wetlands. Keep your eyes on the water—you never know what "common" beauty might surpri
Lance Ripka
May 81 min read


🐦 The "Old Sam Peabody" has arrived in PA!
Have you spotted this handsome traveler in your backyard yet? The White-throated Sparrow is a classic sign of the season here in Pennsylvania. Whether they are just passing through or settling in for a bit, their presence always adds a bit of charm to our local thickets. How to ID: The "Headlights" Look for those brilliant yellow spots (lores) right in front of the eyes. The Bowtie: A crisp, well-defined white throat patch. The Crown: Bold black-and-white (or tan-and-brown)
Lance Ripka
Apr 171 min read


Autumn’s Quiet Visitor 🍂🐦
Tucked quietly among the branches, this humble House Sparrow reminds us that even the most common birds carry a quiet kind of beauty 🍂🐦. Against the soft glow of autumn leaves, its subtle tones blend perfectly into the season’s calm. Sometimes the simplest moments in nature are the ones worth capturing most. #HouseSparrow #BirdPhotography #PennsylvaniaWildlife #NatureLovers #AutumnVibes #BackyardBirding #WildlifePhotography #FelusProductions
Lance Ripka
Mar 221 min read


Spring is Ringing in Pa
A flash of red against the fading winter grass—this Northern Cardinal showing up in early spring here in Pennsylvania is a sign that warmer days are on the way. Cardinals don’t migrate, but their vibrant color seems to shine even brighter as the seasons begin to change. Moments like this are a reminder that spring is closer than it feels. #PennsylvaniaWildlife #Cardinal #BirdPhotography #SpringIsComing #NatureInPA #FelusProductions
Lance Ripka
Mar 171 min read


The Female Junco
Soft in color but strong in presence, the female Dark Eyed Junco brings a quiet elegance to Pennsylvania’s winter landscapes. Her subtle brown tones may not be as bold as the male’s slate gray, but she’s just as resilient—thriving in cold months when many other birds retreat. Moments like these are why I love capturing the beauty of backyard wildlife at https://www.felusproductions.com #DarkEyedJunco #BirdPhotography #PennsylvaniaWildlife #BackyardBirding #FelusProductions
Lance Ripka
Mar 31 min read


Sharp eyes in the winter woods. ❄️🦅
Caught this Cooper’s Hawk perched quietly among the bare branches, snow drifting through the air here in Pennsylvania. One moment it’s still as stone… the next, it’s a blur weaving through the trees in pursuit of its next meal. As a Pennsylvanian, one of the coolest things about the Cooper’s Hawk is how well it’s adapted to our mix of deep forests and suburban neighborhoods. They’re built for agility — short rounded wings and a long banded tail that acts like a rudder — allo
Lance Ripka
Feb 221 min read
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