https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine daily 0.75 2025-11-13 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/mink monthly 0.5 2025-11-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477443588-M13OCZWNR66ML4X1TG3M/20240612-DSC00084-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - A mink dries off after emerging from a Shenandoah tributary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477465911-EN1AUJA2MJZZ3A94Q466/20100702-_MG_6143.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Investigating the river bank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477421722-DXNBFQ7UZ8DK6XC6KCFZ/20240724-DSC07903.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Catching an invasive virile crayfish https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477515038-UNF4T5OIWJCJDY6KOF49/20231105-DSC07952.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - A mink climbs a tree over a cove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477478045-RM6UL1SDW16Q8YM613L6/20240428-DSC04899.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Mother mink transporting kits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477455894-TJKEAN12P1EXM0EAJKD5/20240521-DSC08059.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Mother mink with kits in tow https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477484750-TUAX4TANZTALNDRE0MB4/20240612-DSC00180-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Mink kits climb over each other while crossing a log https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477433412-OFYN8LIBALKZECYYFO8K/20240521-DSC08129-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - This kit was temporarily separated from the group https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690645247087-Z1E9V99TSWRJ4QA7WD8R/20220501-_DSC3675-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Make it stand out Portrait of an American Mink https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690649058684-NTZXNTKW38VNMRUHGXW4/20210327-_DSC3045-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Make it stand out Mink on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690645243487-S6024OH3HT3F9EFHQJ9F/20220115-_DSC7913-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink A beaver lodge provides shelter for muskrats and also draws in a curious mink (a potential muskrat predator). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690645235400-XUFV3BCXMKCFPGO3DOX6/20201222-_DSC5376-Edit-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink On the hunt, an American mink patrols the edges of the river, periodically diving under the surface to look for prey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690645232931-SGR1LYJXDK7MNGUZRBSL/20110502-_MG_4251-Enhanced-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink After diving for prey, a mink emerges with a meal of fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690645248426-5M78C3BDBLHIZJXXMTT3/20230407-DSC01976-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink A mink makes its way down an abandoned railroad right-of-way close to the confluence the North Fork of Shenandoah River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/8c0221de-b0a1-439b-9da6-2c3f0cdc5f3d/may2025-rr-cover.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink - Make it stand out Mink cover story for Ranger Rick May 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/8c2125eb-fc8f-4ecf-bed0-f36360cc2850/20110502-_MG_4274.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - American mink American mink portrait https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/muskrat monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/ea8a7045-0297-4acc-a2e1-7828201b7d68/20230522-DSC07452-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Common muskrat Ondatra zibethicus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475400379-FXPNT15YX55L9NTAKGLC/20220115-_DSC7883-A7r3-Edit-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Portrait of a common muskrat on the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475511744-DHTP84GSX4TAFKU1OED8/20230523-DSC07850.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat - Juvenile muskrat Profile of a juvenile muskrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475437934-1MSM4LLB7TJSKHRLGFG1/20230521-DSC06905.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat A bedraggled muskrat reflected in the river water https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475396122-GRDYZ6WKYBX3QQDTEUCH/20220115-_DSC7851-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Profile view of a common muskrat on the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475377234-LNQBFLXBVRIPY0OXKHOI/20210607-_DSC2016.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat A juvenile muskrat stands in the water outside of its den on the North Fork of the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475428507-UBAC2Z8F1IC9MG7IRP5H/20220620-_DSC9869-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Portrait of a mother muskrat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475507173-T3C03KF8ZPHQZNGIBE0L/20230523-DSC07745.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat A juvenile muskrat clings to its grooming mother https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475422184-BVOLQ3HUOECWCWZ7ICZ2/20220423-_DSC2206-A7r3-DeNoiseAI-raw.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat - Foraging on the Shenandoah A mother muskrat returns with forage for the kits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475417589-KFUYHZ6LQ1PFLJYSD450/20220115-_DSC7955-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Muskrat grooming session on the banks of the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475459392-905VKB2U5HDTTUE7YIBJ/20230522-DSC07361.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Juvenile muskrat feeding session https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475481980-FD9IK9I7XC66642JTBZ2/20230522-DSC07591.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat Juvenile muskrats emerge from the river to feed, revealing their long, scaly, tails https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475442931-I063D4QL0L73Q5HCAABK/20230522-DSC07158.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat A muskrat reaches for forage below along the banks of the Shenandoah, North Fork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692475485015-OU002JXLWMSVY2QD72FR/20230522-DSC07639.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Common muskrat The orange incisors of a juvenile muskrat https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/beaver monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/cd6f6921-031f-44d7-a7ca-7c768e1ac1f0/20210620-_DSC3309-Edit+2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver North American beaver Castor canadensis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749928185922-EEOJ8BD00HW67T7UGXIY/20240718-DSC05757.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver A beaver stretches to forage among fallen oak branches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571658315-VYA6VTYL01QTC5NIP1AT/20230510-DSC05090-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Beavers are connoisseurs of leafy greens which they sample with nimble claws https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571342422-1FQZIATUK80PWL1Q3OYS/20150707-P7070167-Edit-2-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver A beaver dives to reach the underwater entrances of its lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571626432-3OKREKFY4Y8EXLOMJHMT/20211003-_DSC7145-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Beaver lodges are a nexus for other riverine species - providing habitat for fish and turtles and even other small mammals like muskrats. The profusion of life also draws in predators like mink and great blue herons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571450726-XXO7NA979B228W54O3RE/20210620-_DSC3445-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver A beavers emerges at dusk on the North Fork of the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571426588-T1H6S6SZVR7454FR94KP/20210425-_DSC6718-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver A beaver crossing over a low-water bridge reveals its full body. Though somewhat ungainly on land, beavers are efficient swimmers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571687512-Y7EKM96K0PDU08F8IPCM/20230613-DSC09588-Enhanced-NR-4.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Detail view of beaver consuming leaves https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571562047-MOMVG0Z9UP6YC3XBW2OL/20210718-_DSC7268-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Beavers often drag branches back to the water where they can consume them at leisure (knowing they can make a hasty aquatic escape in case of danger). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749927750331-4PT82A178VF4CRHB1K2D/20250612-DSC06597.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Bark is a favorite beaver food https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749927751758-LLKGKQ23MTWDEQ5L96JE/20250612-DSC06793-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver A beaver climbs a fallen tree to forage on the bark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690571744953-VLT27OCK9ZLOW8M458B9/20230615-DSC09684-Enhanced-NR-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American beaver Clambering up the banks of the Shenandoah, North Fork, a beaver searches for an evening meal https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/otter monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/810da134-b366-407d-bf4a-bbab4c64ec98/20220319-_DSC0285-A7r3-DeNoiseAI-raw.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter North American river otter Lontra canadensis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652562978-AOSXRT5EM9IPHU38LY4D/20220319-_DSC0301-A7r3-DeNoiseAI-raw-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter During golden hour, an otter makes it way through the North Fork of the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652583047-EADPWPOMUNAYADEVM20N/20220320-_DSC0476-A7r3-DeNoiseAI.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter This river otter periodically periscoped up through the leaves to keep and eye on me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652553160-7WXVGC0KGG5YVSNPC49P/20220301-_DSC9720-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter Portrait of a river otter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652511688-O9QC1V4PBK8M9GET979Q/20211215-_DSC5220-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter Rocky outcrops seem to be a favorite otter hangout spot on the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652520405-FGY3UKROF0A792S8AOMJ/20220301-_DSC9687-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter An otter finishes consuming its meal of fish on river log. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652467146-834D1D4TGWESWYA0DXB3/20211215-_DSC5145-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter A river otter rests in a rocky hideaway on the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652401674-FFGID939YRIG9X2V9QVZ/20210606-_MG_0133-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter A juvenile river otter with the remains of its meal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652543620-MRJK36ET8ONX3DIT6CH4/20220319-_DSC0299-A7r3-DeNoiseAI-raw-lower-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter Portrait of a river otter with reflection in the North Fork of the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690652484545-6FNG3I5AW1PXHONSNV8F/20211215-_DSC5214-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - North American river otter https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/raccoon monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/92583ea2-04ac-485a-8e07-26a9971c7f67/20230510-DSC05165-Edit-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Raccoon Procyon motor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655085842-OFFNXAX2MZ8RGQBWUGMF/20211229-_DSC6679-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon An adult racoon reflected in the North Fork of the Shenandoah https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655408836-99LKBQ1GYTXDD14OECAD/20100714-_MG_8069.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon A raccoon searches for food along the riverbank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655073224-TTVSUCOFL7XEWUSIKVAH/20230211-DSC07987-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon A raccoon leaps onto shore leaving a spray of water in its wake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655073073-LN49WVOTJ614P99V9TZU/20230211-DSC07997-Edit-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Portrait of a raccoon leaping to shore https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655411587-ADP3PYGK97IJRDBQCCI0/20100714-_MG_8073.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Raccoons spend much of their lives wading through water searching for prey such as crayfish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655075926-L7BBCM5KJDWE592AGQCC/20211229-_DSC6701-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Raccoons can also swim across the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655438760-8P5FG9SA9HNBMLAHJE70/20220627-_DSC0171-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Raccoon kits cling to their mother as they learn to swim across the North Fork of the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655440481-S2F3UTH7AEIOT0O8GWVC/20220627-_DSC0173-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon Mother raccoon keeps the nervous kits afloat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692714603708-DTP6GXVJJ8GT12BLYVWM/20220627-_DSC0174-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon With only her snout visible, mother raccoon helps the kits across the river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655085849-P0TMHWKBJATY3COZJ8HW/_DSC6508-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Raccoon I typically observe raccoons emerging at dusk on the banks of the Shenandoah, North Fork. https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/redfox monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/6d19db76-c3a5-4264-bda4-c5bc15dc1929/20230520-DSC06456.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox Red fox Vulpes vulpes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711372820-RL3YQV654SGAJGRTFRP6/20211105-_DSC2272-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A red fox’s cat-like vertical pupils are indicative of a low-to-the-ground ambush predator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749916378042-NBKEJHKGH9NPN50A8SUD/20250605-DSC05761-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A kit carries part of meal over river rocks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711301819-1JKETL1J4L0W8ATJCAFS/20211021-_DSC1788-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A red fox makes it way down a rocky outcrop to drink from the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711382939-K76O5EVH3F5KMSS409WA/20230521-DSC07027.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A fox kit observes the kayaking photographer from the safety of the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711293048-4H5P45OLKKXNPPE1V44U/20211017-_DSC1489-A7r3-Edit-Edit-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox Portrait of a red fox https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711259740-7HVG0O77WUDAAY5Q67NN/20211017-_DSC1465-A7r3-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A juvenile red fox crosses a log over a small stream that feeds into the North Fork of the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749917694559-GND6UMC4ETSF1LXM6XYJ/20230914-DSC04660.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A red fox crosses the North Fork of the Shenandoah at first light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711372820-JW36SF1B8RCCW5D7PX9E/20230520-DSC06417-Enhanced-NR-Edit-2+2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A fox kits exploring its riverine world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711336432-8KTAA7SX5U5206FOP56X/20211105-_DSC2178-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox Long legs make easy work of rough terrain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1692711342837-6IUDGHJDAYH8P9HRFL1N/20211105-_DSC2190-A7r3-Edit-2.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox An elegant leap across rocks and brush https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749915835697-QE8O3DSGQDX1A7ZV5OCE/foxcomparison2400.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox Side by side camera trap images show the size relationship between a kit and an adult red fox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1749917105163-5I97Z12E84Q5Y54WMI3D/20240718-DSC05979-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - Red fox A red fox crosses a ford on the North Fork of the Shenandoah at twilight. https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/deer monthly 0.5 2025-07-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/45da471b-81fc-43a5-b7b7-508a473d2e44/20190921-_DSC0790.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642346508-2QUQ0QAVYNL4T2AKY66P/20211021-_DSC1671-A7r3.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer Morning light grazes two white-tailed deer on the banks of the Shenandoah, North Fork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642343418-TNEI6V0S6X7XX1SCZ0DE/20201031-_MG_9556.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer I frequently observe deer crossing the Shenandoah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642456495-5J7JX2E3DKEEO4WAVNIQ/20230704-DSC01310-Enhanced-NR.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer A young buck makes his way across the North Fork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642339730-KKP2XBB8MH05FPQD6AW4/20190602-_DSC1005.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer A newborn fawn tests its legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690643741233-UKDT0S33USDVUULEKVDY/4797689520_da539f39b8_o.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer White-tailed deer have keens senses for detecting predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642350207-C1IB0SIZLCXFNIX1ME45/20230704-DSC01170.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer The camouflage of white-tailed deer fawns doesn't seem all that impressive until you realize their natural predators (like wolves) don't distinguish red-green. Check out the second photo (created with a deuteranopia filter in Photoshop) where the fawn almost disappears! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642355104-8EX5W8KUHD3B3C4R0Q3F/Screenshot+2023-07-07+at+9.45.32+AM.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer Fawn shown with deuteranopia filter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642351394-12R98D1IJRXLI7B2PXY3/20230704-DSC01217-Edit.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer Fawn on the North Fork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690642356326-CN6Q5H9HLF0I10DXALTT/Screenshot+2023-07-07+at+9.47.47+AM.jpg Riverine - A Field Guide to Biodiversity on the Shenandoah River - White-tailed deer Fawn shown with deuteranopia filter. https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/category/mammals monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/category/Birds monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/category/Mammals monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/category/birds monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/muskrat monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/raccoon monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/mink monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/beaver monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/fox monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/riverine/tag/otter monthly 0.5 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/contact daily 0.75 2025-07-23 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/publications daily 0.75 2026-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/5e54402b-d0d5-4c90-a147-d947735a9eff/rangerrickfeature.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/e9ef68d4-5ec7-41b0-a8a8-ce7066ab8671/tnc-vernal_Page_1.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1684604865077-Z1R69PH9MGNN2Q68RJPY/image.jpeg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/c870a9be-f0bb-42a2-b29f-3b0e430e992c/boxturtle.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/2fc8c00f-ffaa-4602-bf34-0571052a70d9/may2025-rr-cover.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/d3a1e721-8d6c-4eac-b19c-a97b52b03b7e/Virginia-Wildlife-Cover-March-April-2026-scaled.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/7eb25713-6c12-4813-b01d-00bb06d687ee/NW+Front+Cover+Spring2026+pages+copy.jpg Publications and Stories https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/5c9aea60-d298-4f44-9fe5-2b50122ab738/Vernal+Pools+Spring2025+spreads.jpg Publications and Stories National Wildlife Magazine - Pools of Quiet Wonder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/d5814b9f-ce53-4032-8b98-bca21c8e963b/biographic.jpg Publications and Stories Biographic - A (Proposed) Pipeline Runs Through It https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/0a971f27-0ac0-4f1c-9435-f3fda70a6b0f/selc.jpg Publications and Stories SELC Magazine - The Wonder of Wetlands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/42466ccc-dee3-488b-94b6-ffa9cc8c2aff/NHM_Logo_RGB_WPY_Lockup_AnthraciteGrey.png https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/bio daily 0.75 2025-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/8fb382e2-6563-4115-b0fc-cf778c32cc4c/4E0A4273.jpg About Steven David Johnson (by Joel Caldwell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/2cb4b664-4f3c-48a4-80a2-547f0302fb8c/DJI_0263.jpg About Steven David Johnson (by Joel Caldwell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/a8819a48-8538-4440-b31c-91140b44f9c4/DJI_0298.jpg About Steven David Johnson (by Joel Caldwell) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/c0ef7520-3029-4c08-a03a-c576d63e54d1/20160714-P1250839.jpg https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio daily 1.0 2025-07-23 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/jumping-spiders monthly 0.5 2025-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/bb7515bc-b2c1-41e7-a7c8-04855dae2dcd/20200919-_DSC7525-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). Jumping spiders spin cozy silk sleeping bags for shelter. As the temperatures drop, they cinch them up and tuck themselves inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/adb73ee0-86ce-43ef-b574-bffd5ba95bf1/20210526-_DSC1020-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia The elaborate architecture of this iris makes perfect hunting grounds for this juvenile peppered jumping spider (Pelegrina galathea) in our garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/5b6e035d-7c37-4f7b-80ef-115a2e3824c7/animals-johnson-steven-jumping-spider-on-stem.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A jumping spider crawls across the three dimensional protrusions on a stem using tiny claw tufts beneath its legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/ee2f58cc-ada3-43b9-a28d-636f69b80357/121307898_842954766219_498656790201548027_n.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia I noticed this exquisite canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus) dangling from the bathroom mirror lights. Look at those eyes ... a tiny creature assessing a giant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/6bea365c-cfbd-4a94-860e-275824f8749f/20210420-_DSC6469-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia This canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus) was hanging upside down from a thread of silk a few inches below the ceiling in my home office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/c2b379c1-5fbf-42a9-b1d7-bfd248dba718/20210522-_DSC0714-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Tan jumping spider (Platycryptus undatus) photographed against the backdrop of our kitchen bench. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/b8d7181d-fb5d-4617-b47c-ad3fca69d65a/20200728-_DSC0003-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A brilliant jumping spider (Phidippus clarus) perches on top of a fleabane flower in our backyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/b31a6c02-b026-43c0-a234-d2440331d036/20200803-_DSC2261-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A juvenile jumping spider ambushes a crab spider at the center of a pink lady flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/7b46d50b-37dc-48e8-931b-89ac914191fa/20210707-_DSC5933-A7r3-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Putnam's jumping spider (Phidippus putnami) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/159158be-052b-44cf-bbd0-d0f6f068bc95/20200724-_DSC9754-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A baby bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) perches on the petal of a black-eyed susan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/95deeef9-9a58-4b0e-bf82-e8bd98e6da8a/20200731-_DSC0899-Edit-3.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia White-jawed jumping spider (Hentzia mitrata) on a pink lady flower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/262dccaf-10f9-4d06-a087-67ce25e621ce/20200729-_DSC0499.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Guided by eyes that appear like night vision goggles, a baby sylvan jumping spider (Colonus sylvanus) makes it way down the petal of a Black-eyed Susan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/f00f836c-1512-4d0f-8c1f-27d34c980f1d/116910205_835112951279_2586318052890665584_n.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Hentzia mitrata (white-jawed jumping spider) on the stamen of a painted lady flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/79333f11-e768-4c2d-acdb-9394aeafafeb/20200910-_DSC6878.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Bronze jumping spider (Eric militaris) with silk line https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/9bd2f67b-6fa4-4887-9aa5-b33b2e48369d/20200731-_DSC0829.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A tiny jumping spider climbing on an anther https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/913bd885-dc72-41a7-ada7-c006941e2303/20201014-_DSC8597.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Only 4mm across! A white-cheeked jumping spider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/776674ef-0d8c-49b1-aeb6-7066b2d7ead1/20200818-_DSC4981-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Having shed its old exoskeleton, including eye goggles, a bold jumping spider emerges with a new look https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/6516ff76-f57a-44e7-bfb4-7663d330c50b/20200725-_DSC9564.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Tan jumping spider (Platycryptus undated) with prey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/8ca8d100-63a6-42bb-ad95-91470d620dbc/dimorphic+jumping+spiders.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia These are the same species - two variations of male dimorphic jumping spiders (Maevia inclemens)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/6ab0b530-a864-4a21-bf7d-2c6af2ec3e5b/20200718-_DSC8967-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Despite their diminutive size, baby bold jumping spiders are efficient predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/cb0460a3-3f71-42f4-afec-4f98e953e589/20200805-_DSC2807.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia High eyelashed jumping spider (Phidippus mystaceus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/f96edcdb-63ad-477f-93f2-cb55c36416e6/20200808-_DSC3119-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Red faced jumping spider (Habronattus coecatus) in our front garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/fb4697a7-6a3b-4a84-ac8a-8999654734fa/20200905-_DSC6713.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Tan jumping spider (Platycryptus undatus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/e2a07a06-554b-4e42-a609-af614c1c9f7f/20200809-_DSC3515-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Peppered jumping spider (Pelegrina galathea ) with missing legs (Singers Glen, VA) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/42860cbe-786f-455a-8e34-f65ebe5cbb91/20200830-_DSC6250.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/7cd26b4f-45b0-49dc-b3e8-d113cfc2fc18/20210526-_DSC0861-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Photographed inside of an iris: Juvenile peppered jumping spider with prey (Pelegrina galathea) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/7a9e3ea4-0b13-4d8a-9807-ec0945d5a12f/20250706-DSC07981.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia Putnam's jumping spider (Phidippus putnami) photographed on a car in Singer's Glen, VA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/f925d6e9-6f1a-4332-b5ec-e3bf292ff6f2/20200809-_DSC3385-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A juvenile bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). As it’s getting older, it's starting to lose its golden scales and is developing the iridescent jaws that are characteristic of adults. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/b1640883-d484-427f-bc09-4f8ed708cc8e/20201015-_DSC8740-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia A bronze jumping spider (Eris militaris) looks back at me from her perch on an apple in our kitchen. Bronze jumpers are very active and curious spiders. This one was forever jumping on my flash diffuser (after which I would gently brush her back onto the kitchen table). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/929b56a8-0ff0-437f-999f-936325fdccf4/20201023-_DSC9273-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Jumping Spiders of Virginia I was entranced watching this minuscule baby jumping spider (Eris militaris I think) crafting silk bridges throughout the leaves and flowers lining Maggie’s Pond. https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/vernalpoolsbook monthly 0.5 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/2c7c9f93-10a2-445c-9865-f6e4857032c2/vernal-pools-layout.jpg https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/vernalpools monthly 0.5 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/d740da6b-d62b-4d44-846f-e030267c01d4/Spotted+salamander+depositing+eggs++20200327-_DSC1924-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia While crouched next to a small vernal pool at the base of Shenandoah Mountain, I noticed this female spotted salamander depositing her pale blue eggs just below the surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/f0263881-1fea-41da-a9d9-010311edc1d9/poolofwonder-stevendavidjohnson.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia Pool of Wonder: Female spotted salamanders deposit their eggs in luminous clusters just below the surface of the water. Location: A vernal pool just outside of Shenandoah National Park in Augusta County, Virginia, USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/72483c4b-7e4c-41fa-8f7e-435638694dd8/Spotted+salamander+embryo+20180421-DSC07070.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia As a spotted salamander embryo develops inside an individual egg, photosynthetic algae grow inside the egg too, gradually altering the color balance to a vibrant yellow- green. Researcher Ryan Kerney has discovered that the algae (which provide oxygen within the egg capsules) even grow inside the living cells of the embryo—a first discovery for a vertebrate species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/13ab6dfe-1e12-4d95-b503-d97a0a520dad/Eastern+newts+prey+on+spotted+salamander+eggs+20200319-_DSC1162-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia A group of eastern newts preys on spotted salamander eggs in a human made pond. Typically, spotted salamanders try to limit predation by laying their eggs in temporary ponds, so this constructed pond was a suboptimal habitat. The newts were out in great numbers and were involved in a kind of shark-like feeding frenzy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/9b392601-b7da-4a79-96ba-6ad208881457/Wood+frog+tadpoles+and+spotted+salamander+eggs+20200430-_DSC4144-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia Outside the spotted salamander egg masses, the vernal pools fill with other life forms. Wood frog tadpoles nibble at the edges of the eggs, looking for all the world like alien invaders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/64b35fc1-e24d-456c-8f87-016193ebb95d/Wood+frog+tadpoles+and+spotted+salamander+eggs+20180507-DSC07646.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia Wood frog tadpoles nibble at the edges of a spotted salamander egg mass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/36a2c87a-5658-48dd-8f09-0ca4bd08fe48/Wood+frog+tadpole+and+spotted+salamander+embryo+20200430-_DSC4051-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia A closeup of a wood frog tadpole (nibbling on a spotted salamander egg mass) shows its golden filigreed skin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/617889e9-c6d3-4da2-84ec-285832a0834d/Spotted+salamander+larva+20180428-DSC07186-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia Spotted Salamander embryos in algae infused egg capsules, George Washington National Forest, Virginia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/d1432b2a-814b-423a-b994-677f862ae853/Spotted+salamander+embryo+20200430-_DSC3887-Edit-3.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia A spotted salamander embryo (Ambystoma maculatum) in an algae-infused egg capsule https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/d121c6ce-a750-402e-baa8-6d4092d11f5d/Spotted+salamander+hatching+20180529-DSC08664-Edit-2.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia After spotted salamander embryos hatch, they spend the next few months as larva before eventually metamorphosizing and leaving the pools. They'll return to the pool as breeding adults in future years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/0870a43b-a3f8-4aaa-b5fe-cbab517eced6/Wood+frog+on+a+cloud+of+eggs+20200218-_DSC9569-Enhanced-Edit.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia A wood frog rests on a "cloud" of spotted salamander eggs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/daa87eab-ec3e-4c60-8909-d84cfb015def/Tiger+salamander+20200206-_DSC8633-Enhanced-Edit-3.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools of Appalachia Eastern tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) are a state-endangered species in Virginia. Under threat from wetlands development, a few remnant populations hold on. The largest of the mole salamanders, Ambystoma tigrinum cut an impressive figure with their bright, speckled eyes and mottled patterns. https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/ephemeralvideo monthly 0.5 2025-07-23 https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/macroinvertebrates monthly 0.5 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/31a7d867-ae53-492e-8a23-d5398ddc35a4/20200225-_DSC9873-Enhanced.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Fairy Shrimp are indicator species for vernal pools. Photographed with 3.5:1 macro setting, this male shows the enlarged antennae that are used as graspers during breeding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/ed7165d5-bf16-4f05-bb01-b0a1701482c5/20200408-_DSC2527.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Predators of the shallows, a dragonfly larva lurks below the surface of a vernal pool in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/fba37264-be58-4ba2-9b17-cd3c754ef0aa/_DSC9220.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Diving Beetle larva https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/44106329-1c11-4230-97b0-6cd1351c6ecf/20200223-_DSC9304.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Seed Shrimp (Ostracods) are pin-head sized crustaceans that sometimes inhabit vernal pools. In this ultra macro image, they line up below a Wood Frog egg. Photographed in situ in a vernal pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/902ea4ae-7a43-4577-93c0-f96e36a382bc/20200302-_DSC0246.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Rotated 90 degrees to form a portrait orientation, a vernal pool Fairy Shrimp shows its claspers and compound eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/5213c5c1-1e78-4432-afb2-611e828ea89d/20200312-_DSC0963.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates A tiny, red water mite explores just below the surface of a vernal pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/e98f764a-5c9a-42cc-bf20-d29960cbdcad/20200225-_DSC9836.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates In this detail crop, a copepod (a type of tiny crustacean) shows its single blue eye. Estimated size of creature: 2mm.Photographed in situ in a vernal pool in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/909f4bbe-bccd-42ac-b7ac-c34331383808/20200225-_DSC9396.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates In this detail crop, a copepod (a type of tiny crustacean) shows its single blue eye. Estimated size of creature: 2mm. Photographed in situ in a vernal pool in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/fd36b0c5-dfa6-43f3-8a3c-4554eb8043df/20200225-_DSC9742-Enhanced.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates In the ultra macro world, there are many surprises, and I love encountering the unknown without expectations. When this winged, ethereal entity (only millimeters long) pulsed into my viewfinder, it was just extraordinary ... like a deep sea creature had come to visit the forests of Virginia.I took me hours of research before I placed it as the larval stage of a fairy shrimp (here pictured with a copepod to the left). Photographed in situ in the George Washington National Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/addfcda5-38da-4d9d-98da-f96f0d2de305/20200312-_DSC1127.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Daphnia and Copepod https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/42736539-a6ca-45da-b0d6-3ad2c44a9aad/20200225-_DSC9858.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Like an opalescent heart, a daphnia hovers below the surface of a vernal pool in the George Washington National Forest. When I told my 16 year old daughter about daphnia, she suggested that they were probably named after the Daphne of Greek Mythology who was tranformed into a laurel tree after an unwanted pursuit by Apollo. Sure enough, a Scientific American article confirms the etymology, referencing both the branch-like antennae and the fact that daphnia can reproduce without males. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/daphnia-genome/ Photographed in situ in a vernal pool in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/a9936ed1-45a1-4cd7-804a-c1de5c13cd09/20200225-_DSC9820-Enhanced.jpg Portfolio - Steven David Johnson - Conservation Photography - Vernal Pools Macroinvertebrates Like a mashup of mythical beasts, diminutive daphnia sport a single eye centered between antler-like antennae. Photographed in situ in the George Washington National Forest of Virginia. Estimated size 1-2mm (not including antennae). https://www.stevendavidjohnson.com/portfolio/riverine monthly 0.5 2025-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1690655085842-OFFNXAX2MZ8RGQBWUGMF/20211229-_DSC6679-A7r3-Edit.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1693000602111-GVRSXDOTR2NTSL1PBFMJ/20211105-_DSC2272-A7r3.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/1744477443588-M13OCZWNR66ML4X1TG3M/20240612-DSC00084-Enhanced-NR.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/645c03fa10f59a7b67de3a7c/5ea58c79-67ae-49a0-baba-2a6752f326c3/sj-poster+copy.jpg