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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 23h

My Mariners were having trouble putting those Tigers to bed, it seems.

At least, that’s what I can gather from the other side of the Pacific Ocean. I’m on my way to Borneo, where we won’t see tigers BUT hopefully will have some luck with other wild felines!

Stay tuned for updates…

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 2d

I thoroughly enjoyed the Mariner-Moose-themed excitement by moonlight last night here in Seattle!

Moose and calf walk under the setting moon a winter day in Yellowstone.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 3d

I went into the Way-back Machine for this one, a scene from the spring of 2008 in Yellowstone.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 4d

In less than a week we'll be exploring the jungles of Borneo, looking for all sorts of fantastic nocturnal critters. Here's an Asian Palm Civet from my last visit there.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 5d

Due to the aforementioned school project, I've been inundated with dragon content in recent weeks. Yup, it's the school mascot.

So I was transported back to my first Ecuador trip (2006), where we traveled deep into the Amazon, The highlight was... this Amazon Forest Dragon (yes, it was slow).

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 6d

I had really hoped to finish and start sharing my latest Africa pics before I leave for my next trip, but that goal seems to be tantalizingly out of reach.

Who knew that co-planning an elementary school fall festival could interfere so much with the exciting task of photo processing...?

African elephant reaching for leaves in South Africa.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 7d

We're nearing the end of my year behind the lens (one more big trip), which means I'll soon start narrowing down my favorite shots of 2025.

This was one of my '24 faves (taken in BC), in part because I was dealing with failing gear at the time. It felt like a miracle even getting this to turn out.

Grizzly bears eye each other in the Great Bear Rainforest.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 8d

Thanks, Bob!

Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 8d

One of my more memorable sunset scenes photographed over the years.

We'd spent the afternoon cruising the Rio Tarcoles for #birds and other wildlife, and ended up at the Pacific Ocean just as these Great Egrets were wading into the surf in the best light. Not a bad way to end a day!

Great Egrets at sunset on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 9d

Our herp game here in the PNW is generally lacking. They're around, of course, but are too well-hidden.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 9d

Today I'm hoping to start processing my new South Africa photos. First up (alphabetically) was Agama, Black-necked.

This photo probably won't make the final cut for the archive, but how often do y'all see blue-headed lizards?

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 10d

Wolf and raven, photographed in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley several years ago. I miss being back in the park—life is too busy at the moment for casual visits!—but am looking forward to returning to lead some winter '27 trips.

There's ONE spot left on those if anyone's interested in joining me.

Black wolf and Common Raven, Yellowstone

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 11d

Snowy on a toothpick.

(From the last big Washington irruption in 2011.)

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 12d

It was amazing to watch *and* listen to!

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 12d

Amazing. I've seen them catch voles occasionally, but never a chipmunk!

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 12d

Yes, in reality, I really like these compositions with lots or undulating branches. The bird often becomes secondary in these cases.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 12d

I'll probably take a break from these Brazil pix for a bit. As usual, you can check them all out in my archive (maxwaugh.com).

Here's one last shot from my favorite encounter of the trip, when hundreds of Blue-headed, Yellow-crowned, and Orange-cheeked Parrots came to feed at the River of Doubt.

A flock of Blue-headed Parrots takes to the air in the Brazilian Amazon.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 13d

No, I'm not above photographing pigeons! Like our own Rock Doves, Brazil's Picazuro Pigeon has some subtle-but-cool plumage that makes it quite pretty. Definitely an underrated subject!

#birds

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 14d

Not being fed. The ranch owners accept the loss of livestock and is actively supporting conservation projects on his property. They even installed a bunch of culverts on their land during some major wildfires to give wildlife shelter, and have won awards for their conservation work.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 14d

I loved having the chance to search for wild jaguars on land, rather than the usual boat exploration, at this ranch in the southern Pantanal. On this property jaguars do take down cows from time to time (some are also part of a research project, thus the radio collar). Full power on display here!

Jaguar dragging cow carcass while being watched by Black Vultures in the southern Pantanal.

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 15d

Thanks! Still waiting for a better close-up opportunity with that one.

Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 15d

Vermilion Flycatcher!

(I do include species names in the Alt tags, btw... character limits often don't allow for them.)

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 15d

So, was it a matter of Not Enough Lens, or am I just obsessed with twigs and branches?

#birds

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 16d

Yeeeessss!

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Max Waugh @maxwaughphoto.bsky.social · 16d

I'm back to sharing new Brazil photos this week...

A rainforest canopy tower experience is a very cool way to see birds at eye level, but getting close mammals is uncommon. At this tower, I've had multiple monkey encounters, including endangered white-cheeked spiders this year. Very special!

White-cheeked spider monkey, Brazilian Amazon

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