DeBardeleben Photography

Category: Wildlife

  • Pumpkin Season at the House of Zen: A Feast for the Fauna

    Pumpkin Season at the House of Zen: A Feast for the Fauna

    Pumpkin season has come and gone once again, leaving behind fond memories and a host of wildlife delights.
    Here at the House of Zen, we ensure that every pumpkin is put to good use in a way that celebrates the natural world around us.

    Our tradition involves hollowing out at least one pumpkin and filling it with wild bird feed.     
    This simple act transforms our autumnal decoration into a veritable buffet for local wildlife.

     

    It’s a joy to watch woodpeckers, chipmunks, warblers, and even bears converge, competing for the tasty goodies nestled within the bright orange shell.

    As the season progresses and the pumpkins begin to soften and fall to the ground, the cycle of nature continues.
    What might seem like a mess to some becomes an end-of-season feast for the fauna.

     

    These decomposing pumpkins provide nutrients and sustenance, supporting the local ecosystem and ensuring that no part of the pumpkin goes to waste.

     

     

    At the House of Zen, we embrace this annual ritual, knowing that our pumpkins bring joy and sustenance to the diverse creatures that share our home.
    It’s a beautiful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life and the simple ways we can give back to nature.

  • The Great Squirrel Feeder Caper: Fuzzy Acrobats Take Center Stage

    The Great Squirrel Feeder Caper: Fuzzy Acrobats Take Center Stage

    Those of you who follow our Garden Studio adventures know we’ve been happily hosting a variety of feathered visitors at the studio.
    We’ve had finches flitting about, the occasional chickadee, cardinals, and even a bold Woodpecker who likes to make a grand entrance.

    It’s always a joy to watch them squawk, preen, and fill their bellies at the feeders I hung with such enthusiasm.

    Well, nature, it seems, had a different plan.
    This morning, I stepped out to the chirping symphony I’d grown accustomed to, only to be greeted by a scene of utter destruction.
    The feeder lay in pieces on the ground, a casualty of the night’s most determined diner: a pack of squirrels.

    Let’s be honest, squirrels are adorable.
    They’re little balls of bushy-tailed energy, constantly darting and leaping with acrobatic prowess.
    But their love for a free buffet can be… well, destructive.
    There were scattered seeds everywhere, evidence of a successful, albeit messy, raid.
    The feeder, a wooden structure, was completely destroyed from the impact of falling to the ground as the Squirrels chewed through the rope that held it off the ground.

    For a moment, there was a pang of disappointment.
    But then, a different kind of amusement took over.
    Here I was, witnessing the raw, determined nature of a wild creature.

    This little bandit, with its sharp claws and acrobatic skills, had outsmarted my defenses and claimed the prize.

     

    So, the bird feeder was down for the count, but my love for watching the garden’s wildlife hasn’t wavered.
    A new feeder went up as soon as I saw the carnage.

     

  • Finding Inspiration and Wildlife Wonders at the House of Zen

    Finding Inspiration and Wildlife Wonders at the House of Zen

    There’s a constant source of awe in my life: the breathtaking beauty of the natural world.
    When I bought the House of Zen and built the Garden Studio, it wasn’t just the house itself that drew me in.
    It was the vibrant symphony of life happening right outside my window.
    The chance to witness a kaleidoscope of creatures up close was a major reason, if not the biggest reason, for this move.

    Nature is where I find inspiration and a true sense of belonging.
    Spending my days photographing woodpeckers (like the one in the photo!), bobcats, foxes, coyotes, the occasional bear, and the countless other animals that grace the Zen property with their presence – it’s simply magical.

    As a conservationist and wildlife photographer, this place is a dream come true.
    Nestled amidst the forest on three sides, with a game trail leading right down to a flowing stream at the back, it offers the perfect setting to observe and document the wonders of the wild.

    Honestly, what more could I ask for?

  • A Flash of Blue, A Flash of Red in the Zen Garden: Spring’s Joyful Messengers

    A Flash of Blue, A Flash of Red in the Zen Garden: Spring’s Joyful Messengers

    Spring has sprung in the Zen Garden, and with it, a new wave of delightful visitors: the bluebirds.
    These feathered jewels have graced our peaceful space with their vibrant presence, and their arrival carries more than just a touch of beauty.

    Across cultures and through the ages, the bluebird has held a significant spiritual meaning.
    In folklore and mythology, it embodies happiness, good luck, and spreading joy.
    It’s a fitting symbol for spring, a season of renewal and fresh beginnings.

     

    For us, as photographers, the arrival of these little blue bundles of happiness is a source of immense inspiration.
    We are captivated by their vibrant plumage, their melodic songs, and the sense of peace they bring to the Zen Garden.
    Capturing their fleeting moments on camera is a privilege and a joy.

     

    As spring unfolds, we welcome the diverse fauna that graces our garden, both those who reside here year-round and those who are simply passing through.
    They each contribute to the vibrant tapestry of life surrounding us, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

     

     

     

    So, the next time you see a flash of blue flitting through the spring air, take a moment to appreciate the symbolism and the joy that the bluebird carries.
    It’s a reminder that even amid our busy lives, there’s always space for a little happiness.

     

  • It’s Breeding Season (part one)

    It’s Breeding Season (part one)

    Late January through early March is coyote mating season. Coyotes are very active during the winter while courting mates and defending their territory. Coyotes are in every city and town in mainland Massachusetts, meaning the opportunity for human-coyote interaction is high. The mere presence of a coyote is not a cause for concern. MassWildlife officials are reminding the public to take these 3 simple steps to prevent conflict with coyotes during the mating season: 

    1. Protect your pets

    • Pets should always be directly supervised on a leash when outdoors, especially during the coyote mating season. 
    • Coyotes can’t differentiate between their natural prey and small pets, so they will view unprotected outdoor cats and small dogs as a potential food source.   
    • Coyotes can’t distinguish your dog from an intruding coyote, causing the coyote to be more aggressive toward medium- and large-sized dogs as they will view them as potential competition for mates and territory.  
    • Do not supervise your pet from a distance on your porch or at your backdoor. Most coyote attacks involve dogs that are unsupervised or being supervised from a distance in a backyard.  
  • Nature’s Symphony Through the Lens

    Nature’s Symphony Through the Lens

    Unleashing the Beauty and Urgency of Our Planet

    As a photographer, I’m not just capturing images, I’m amplifying the symphony of nature.
    Every click of the shutter is a note in a breathtaking melody, composed by the rustling leaves, the gurgling streams, and the symphony of life that unfolds around us.

    But this melody is under threat.
    The very landscapes that ignite my passion – the towering redwoods, the snow-capped mountains, the teeming coral reefs – are facing unprecedented challenges.
    Climate change, habitat loss, and human encroachment are jeopardizing the delicate balance of our planet, silencing the voices of countless species.

    That’s why my photography isn’t just art; it’s a call to action.
    Through my lens, I want to showcase the breathtaking beauty of the natural world, but also its fragility.
    I want to inspire others to see the magic in a spiderweb glistening with morning dew, the power in a bald eagle soaring through the sky, and the quiet resilience of a wildflower pushing through the cracks of concrete.

    My goal is to use my platform to advocate for conservation.
    I want to raise awareness about the threats our planet faces and empower others to become stewards of the environment.
    Whether it’s reducing our carbon footprint, supporting sustainable practices, or simply getting outside and appreciating nature’s wonders, every action counts.

    I believe that together, we can create a future where the symphony of nature not only survives but thrives.
    So let’s grab our cameras, lace up our hiking boots, and let’s raise our voices for the wild.
    Let’s capture the beauty, share the stories, and inspire action.

    Every photograph, every shared story, and every connection with nature is a powerful note in the chorus for our planet.

    Join me in this mission!
    Share your nature photos, support conservation organizations, and spread the word about the importance of protecting our planet.
    Together, we can ensure that the symphony of nature continues to play on, for generations to come.

    #naturephotography #conservation #wildlife #savetheplanet #earthday #climateaction #protectourplanet #getoutside #loveyourplanet #nanpapix #sonyalpha

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