https://www.ben-blankenship.com/wildlife daily 0.75 2025-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567016832113-8BHEZOG3WT45OJUWWITV/1I6A7956.jpg WILDLIFE - Waiting for Supper During the 2019 summer season in Katmai National Park, temperatures reached record highs for the sixth time in the last ten years. With temperatures soaring over 33 degrees celsius (90 Fahrenheit), the sockeye salmon run completely shutdown for two weeks. Hungry bears still waited at Brooks Falls in anticipation for the return of the salmon for as long as they could before hunger drove them to forage elsewhere. After two weeks, the temperature broke and the salmon run exploded, with over 500 fish jumping the falls per day. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567016832113-8BHEZOG3WT45OJUWWITV/1I6A7956.jpg WILDLIFE - Waiting for Supper During the 2019 summer season in Katmai National Park, temperatures reached record highs for the sixth time in the last ten years. With temperatures soaring over 33 degrees celsius (90 Fahrenheit), the sockeye salmon run completely shutdown for two weeks. Hungry bears still waited at Brooks Falls in anticipation for the return of the salmon for as long as they could before hunger drove them to forage elsewhere. After two weeks, the temperature broke and the salmon run exploded, with over 500 fish jumping the falls per day. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644377703-H4EGR2VW2UNN514I940D/1P9A3411.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578005068973-U83E67R4L54S3R85XTUS/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Green Parrot Snake This little snake has spunk. Though only mildly venomous, with rear facing fangs, it lashes out at anything that gets too close. This is a daytime photo taken with a low-powered ring flash to reduce stress on the animal. Taken in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578004075262-N90UL8V1UWD89OJL33TJ/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Emerald Toucanet One of my favorite Costa Rican birds, the emerald toucanet loves its fruit, as can be seen here. But it also hunts other birds’ eggs and chicks, including the famous resplendent quetzal. Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644195984-26OMETCQGVYESEHLXWMH/1P9A1488.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643783011-P6NILHPAT08CZDFTZOWD/1P9A7269.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560013713-23THZ3NDEHCR2LVNMMWY/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - La Perica A juvenile three toed sloth on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598476686096-QDIXB900T0J7UP1BUUU5/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Intimidation A dominant male howler stares me down unafraid and in full display of his dominance. Taken on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Taken April 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644418973-8XF6EH0W4266TN68FMN5/1P9A4773-Edit-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1554831448857-RFNF911U3SBQMW65QWGL/1I6A9581.jpg WILDLIFE - Chestnut Mandibled Toucan Raiding a Woodpecker Nest Many people don’t realize that toucans are opportunistic omnivores. They do eat fruits and nuts, but also are notorious amongst Costa Rican locals for raiding the nests of other birds, snatching up eggs and even baby birds. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica, February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643762265-9XWWSAHMMEI3ILCPWLJX/1P9A6894-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643843145-I78R8N20086O7OMJZQC0/1P9A7740.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647117463-IUBM2IJA50Q15MMX9O2T/1P9A1495.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560584044-RGOG4CN9AWT2EAPWIJD3/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bear Catching Salmon Katmai NP, Alaska. September 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643760405-UD1Y4SMG2B33HMBU9MRJ/1P9A6858.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643693888-95AQ2C7FMC3787T86B96/1P9A6045.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644452897-NFHCZQ4F0YGBUGSUWSIY/1P9A5527.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560159578-0M17KAM0SLNZG8GRAAAI/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Red Lored Parrot Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. September 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638561282683-VVD0MZEQJ2ISEML4GNGG/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Breaching Orca Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska. June 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638572745270-O719VHSDKB106UV480VK/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bison Portrtait Yellowstone National Park. October 2020. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538760633137-ZNPS9N9S357UB048V0VY/_R0A3671-2-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Cape Buffalo - Murchison Falls Taken in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598473632986-H2J6KCFBBKVQJGJR746C/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Battle Bear A dominant male brown bear shows off his battle scars in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567016451883-BBBQ9N6TY8LDE98PVM33/1I6A5270.jpg WILDLIFE - Brown Bear in Lupine For my 2019 trip into Lake Clark National Park, I found myself surrounded by brown bears from sun up oil sun down and beyond. This subadult bear had picked a perch to bed down for a few hours between feeding amongst the arctic lupine flowers. This image is one of my favorites from the trip, as it has a magical feel to it. Taken in Lake Clark National Park, June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643789306-5FRCRWNVH1VE9OPE7OD7/1P9A7305.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578005560058-X7W9YNIRHLBA6MDQRIDI/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Mrs. Costa Rica (Female Red Eye Tree Frog) The unofficial mascot of Costa Rica, the red eye tree frog is a photographer’s favorite. Its blood red eyes and blue stripes make it a real stunner. This day time photo was made with the assistance of the amazing folks at Osa Interactive Gardens in Puerto Jimenez. Taken December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598043552726-94PK72TNGZHDCB9CSL1L/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Phoenix Hummer A violet eared humming bird feeds on a flower in the cloud forests of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598293542833-JLDBW3BLGG1EHLCL52XJ/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Three Toed Sloth Mama with Baby A three toed sloth moves through a tree with her young offspring clinging to her underside. Sloths like these are common along the canals of Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578004768304-952XTD1EOQU43G7PH06U/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Boa Constrictor in Rehab This is Benita, a young boa constrictor that was hit by a car several months back near Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica. It was brought to Osa Interactive Gardens to be rehabilitated under the watchful care of the property’s owners. Now the snake is used to educate local students on how to deal with snakes safely, an important lesson in Costa Rica! Taken December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638561461526-8NBDT5SC89SDOESCFOYQ/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Harbor Seal on Ice Flow Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska. June 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646726529-ZX4127B740IXCFYCC5O0/1P9A9572-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088358523-RJLWGSKQZY0M6LAIUTTR/1I6A7466.jpg WILDLIFE - Sleepy Squirrel Monkey This squirrel monkey took a short break from foraging and closed its eyes for a few moments on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643798727-RW6VIT8BSB0JSSGFLPIP/1P9A7481.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400233543-EXTWEYR2YSGRSZB4VB5X/1I6A0835.jpg WILDLIFE - A Lady Emerges Wading along the Brooks River in Katmai National Park is like performing a constant dance to keep a safe viewing distance from the multiple brown bears fishing in the river. This pretty young female emerged from the tall grasses just behind me, giving me a real surprise. I retreated to a safe distance for shooting this image. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578004422885-8GIKG6KYRE6GDRIG7RA0/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Young Resplendent Quetzal I spotted this quetzal in the cloud forests near San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. You can tell by the length of his tail that he is a young male. A mature male’s tail can be over 75% longer than this bird’s. Taken December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598292552575-OBJQFJ6Q7Z8SDVGNAH45/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Caiman Close-Up A juvenile spectacled caiman rests on a log on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643722206-Y0THT7304LYTW5VUQXRS/1P9A6558.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598294097392-TQWDI72X6ZAQD0TG2FOU/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Romancing the Tapir The depth of this tapir’s eyes tell of a soul and intelligence beyond our ability to understand. This female was moving through thick underbrush in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598474719532-QOYV3CTAW0QTEE2BXRHP/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Wall-Eyed (Red Eye Tree Frog) The red eye tree frog is the unofficial mascot of Costa Rica, and is one of my favorite macro subjects to photograph. This female frog was hanging around the ponds of Osa Interactive Gardens which allowed some daytime shots of this little beauty. Taken in Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica, December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400247030-HOH4C2AJOCX7CMJC29XZ/1I6A9857.jpg WILDLIFE - Bison Trot A bull bison follows a female across the lower geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park. Taken in September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575397688791-2HNRVQQ0DEBXIAX80A4Z/1I6A5571.jpg WILDLIFE - Limpy Bear in Lake Clark This young female became known as Limpy during my stay in Lake Clark National Park. A noticeable wound can be seen on her left rear leg, most likely caused by another bear. Brown bears in Lake Clark National Park, like other brown bears, are constantly jockeying for dominance, occasionally fighting. This young bear was most likely caught off guard by another bear, as she is too small to want to stand up and fight at this point in her life. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646773250-T5B6RVAF1ETS0J8EX1RW/1P9A1799.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830864935-M0QDQMA5YZDLIU8QQF9M/_I6A6404.jpg WILDLIFE - Bare Hearted Glass Frog Glass frogs get their name from their characteristic translucent skin which allows them to better blend in with whatever surface they are sitting on as a defense mechanism. The bare hearted glass frog is considered to be the most transparent of all of the glass frog species. This individual was smitten with the camera flash. After this image was taken, the frog jumped onto the camera lens, crawled up onto the flash, and then jumped onto my face. Taken March, 2017. Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647166516-4LQESY0YVYLZVVDM7A9Q/1P9A1715.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644606747-HRZ6EHKQ9O41Y9ZI8O0Y/5D5A6692-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647303401-V7V7TC5ZD81Y5V572F6O/1P9A6188.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535414351855-0ISTXC35K1ZAV745ZNCS/_R0A3442.jpg WILDLIFE - Young Female Elephant #1 Taken in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578004293973-KV1NSTTQJII4E9UU4XH1/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Cloud Forest Hummer Taken in the could forests of San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567018189494-GB8RB02ZFQAXIFTB5VTC/1I6A7636.jpg WILDLIFE - Clamming Bear A subadult brown bear digs for clams at low tide on Chinitna Bay in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. Twenty years ago, only a few of the local bears were known to dig for clams during low tide. But, this generation of coastal brown bears has taken up clamming as one of their primary means of finding protein after they leave their dens in the spring. Taken in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088202398-Z3S02BWC5KGGECTUGGGM/1I6A7393.jpg WILDLIFE - A Mother's Love A baby white faced capuchin clings to its mother’s back in Costa Rica. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1554831747712-B5SS0UUGTB5NUPAEGICT/1I6A0297.jpg WILDLIFE - Black Spiny Tailed Iguana Amongst the most common of Osa Peninsula reptiles, the black spiny tailed iguana may be photogenic, but has attitude! This big male has occupied the same tree for the last two years, scaring off any rivals with that gaping mouth and aggressive head banging. Taking in Carate, Costa Rica, February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575397469182-GMUIAWWNGON5MBV8FZHP/1I6A5549.jpg WILDLIFE - Mother and Cub in Lake Clark NP I’ve photographed brown and black bears in several destinations in Alaska, Montana, and Wyoming. And of those, Lake Clark National Park is my favorite. The bears here are everywhere and wild. This mother and cub surprised me by coming over a low hill on my left while I was photographing a different female bear. I was able to grab a quick shot before slinking back out of their way. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088506916-KVCIICW2I5ARISG9VPTQ/1I6A7589.jpg WILDLIFE - Pootoo on Its Nest This pootoo spent nearly three weeks on this perch guarding its nest and eggs. In Spanish, this bird is known as pajaro palo, translated as “stick bird,” for its incredible camouflage. Taken on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647249403-UUP7NR7SJW4K08EHYX2Y/1P9A5051-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567018002169-2I9QKBA9LDQFOCXWUZW6/1I6A4861.jpg WILDLIFE - Bear in Fog Lake Clark National Park is a remote wilderness in southern Alaska, and it is one of the premier locations for viewing wild coastal brown bears in their natural habitat. It is also one of my favorite locations for photographing bears due to the variety of backgrounds and behaviors one is able to witness there. In this photo, a bank of thick fog blanketed the Chinitna Bay mud flats as bears were clamming. Taken in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088869397-B479STEH73DKK9UEUCWC/1I6A7663.jpg WILDLIFE - Two Toed Sloth Taking a Nap This two toed sloth happened to fall asleep in a great pose for this photograph. Taken on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400255960-T10UBS47B606WZQEY3WC/1I6A8789.jpg WILDLIFE - Blondie on the Move One of my favorite bears seen at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, I took to caring her Blondie. Here she moves up Brooks River in search of summer sockeye salmon. Taken Katmai National Park, Alaska. July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643888374-DPM9SKQ80DEU626JYI5S/5D5A8466.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523893757628-IWSAIG1WAV8UPQU4DCX7/1I6A0674_squirrel-monkey.jpg WILDLIFE - Elves of the Trees Often called the "elves of the Costa Rican rainforest," squirrel monkeys are agile, playful, and intelligent. The smallest of the four primate species living in Costa Rica, it is believed that they first made their way to Central America as pets of traders and/or indigenous nomads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575328128319-VTS0NZTA4C0S1Y09ZYSV/1I6A0551.jpg WILDLIFE - Three Siblings Three yearling brown bear cubs wait alongside Brooks River while their mother fishes for sockeye salmon nearby. The life of a bear cub is perilous, as male bears will attack and kill cubs sired by other males. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548089010770-M0N3OUS6L75XVKQ9WWDR/1I6A7753-2.jpg WILDLIFE - Toucan Salute This toucan was all about making a scene on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598292703232-2PQHZDIL4RRDC9PKC94C/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Violet Eared Hummingbird Drinking Nectar A violet eared hummingbird pokes its perfectly shaped beak into a flower in the cloud forests of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400255595-KG9JRT79BLQKVYYY0VIV/1I6A8280.jpg WILDLIFE - Big Bull Bison A bull bison grazes amongst golden grasses in Yellowstone National Park. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575399599861-ADI1VLVLQIAK7E0XDEIK/1I6A7510.jpg WILDLIFE - A Very Brown Tamandua This tamandua was one weird little dude. Usually, their lighter fur is a creamy white. But this guy was chocolate brown. I’m not sure if he was simply very dirty or if he was just a strangely colored little anteater. Taken in Rio Oro, Costa Rica, February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1520955665293-Y8IEYPB4J7RGBVWXQ2M3/1I6A0122_macaw.jpg WILDLIFE - Scarlet Macaw-Look Into My Eye Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. March 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538760773202-EYFY305ZSH568E7JVXWN/_R0A3468.jpg WILDLIFE - Young Elephant Taken in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643518243-RW8UZ2O3QEBS5ADHIBZ4/1P9A1818-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE - Mama Bear and Cub Brooks River, Katmai National Park, Alaska. 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088073183-RLIG5AKINE3IWKVDEPZS/1I6A7385.jpg WILDLIFE - Look At My Teeth! This white faced capuchin reveals his sizable chompers in a threat display. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504831000235-P3S52SP6B1AE2K0D978R/May26-2017-854pm_PicB.jpg WILDLIFE - Frogling in Metamorphosis On this juvenile frog, you can see its tadpole tail still nearly completely intact, and its newly formed legs. This individual was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken May, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575399503665-DUJ9RUA7ZHFOGF1WOSH9/1I6A8085.jpg WILDLIFE - Lefty at Brooks Falls A bear known as Lefty fishes the lip at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Taken in July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830680309-EK2RPGZEF45U8XTGGSEZ/_I6A4744-sm2.jpg WILDLIFE - Brown Blunt Headed Vine Snake This Brown Blunt Headed Vine Snake was extended out over a trail near Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. The snake was spotted during a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey being conducted by the conservation NGO Frontier. Taken January 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400245790-IVN0EDQL8VJAAH5X8AM2/1I6A4433-2.jpg WILDLIFE - Hungry Bear This young brown bear had just emerged from hibernation in Lake Clark National Park. He is skinny and hungry here, and was digging for clams on the mud flats of Chinitna Bay during low tide. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088002568-D2S21MYQW0ONQ4CWU9JD/1I6A7219.jpg WILDLIFE - Squirrel Monkey Portrait Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535414435163-X6WMC9UA9GRQG1LCGXG3/_R0A3540.jpg WILDLIFE - Motherly Love Taken in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400241938-5YRX498CHHG5A8T9V1WB/1I6A1265.jpg WILDLIFE - Curious Blonde Bear This young brown bear, with her light blonde coat, was quite curious about the humans on this stretch of Brooks River in Katmai National Park. She seemed more comfortable in close proximity to the people who were either fishing or shooting photos. Perhaps because the bigger bears that could pose a risk to her wanted nothing to do with us. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598476866320-A9NJMAX4LVP4XZ0EZ48V/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Eyes Heavenward A mother Geoffrey’s spider monkey sits in the tree limbs with her youngster. Taken on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Taken April 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504831001084-WND8261PKJE7PLAKE4Q8/May26-2017-847pm.jpg WILDLIFE - Frog Eggs About to Hatch Hanging from a leaf about three meters above a stream, this gelatinous frog's nest was filled with wriggling tadpoles awaiting to be mature enough to emerge from their mucous covered eggs. This was a sight we had been seeking for weeks, and to discover this nest at such a stage of development was a real treat. Observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken May, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535414241540-HDSVZPIUOHISEFD607IN/_R0A2905.jpg WILDLIFE - Female Rothschild's Giraffe #1 Taken in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830838555-YVFFOKO6GQQ0Y0KB8HZ6/_I6A5702.jpg WILDLIFE - Two Granular Glass Frogs on a Leaf These two granular glass frogs were observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Glass frogs get their name from their characteristic translucent skin which allows them to better blend in with whatever surface they are sitting on as a defense mechanism.Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575397945073-XCF5PDKWYGUB6SFP8OHD/1I6A7469.jpg WILDLIFE - Los Ojos del Mono Titi The Central American squirrel monkey, known in Costa Rica as El Mono Titi, is one of my favorites for its beautiful expressive eyes. This curious monkey was oscillating between napping and gazing into my lens in Carate, Costa Rica. Taken in February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1554832169580-Q4UYUD4QSTVSJUSUKRXD/1I6A8447.jpg WILDLIFE - Resplendent Quetzal in Avocado Tree This male resplendent quetzal, one of the most famous of Central American birds, sits here in an avocado tree waiting for his mate to arrive. These magnificent birds adorn flags, have national currencies named after them (Guatemala), and are the subject of ancient folklore, dating back to pre-Colombian era Central America. This photo was taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575399785931-TATS1FLVZEVBJHDTOD9O/1I6A5575.jpg WILDLIFE - Limpy on the Beach This beautiful little female bear earned the nickname Limpy due to a wound suffered to her rear left leg, most likely caused by another brown bear. Taken in Lake Clark National Park, June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830784412-8J60T8BUPMV2HPRQ3IHQ/_I6A5548-sm2.jpg WILDLIFE - Gladiator Tree Frog on Leaf A Gladiator Tree Frog observed during a nighttime Amphibian and Reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638561074372-T8SPC0N5ZGL5I7GMKT5Z/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bear on a Ledge Lake Clark NP, Alaska. June 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400232489-HGCKWK0F9D7I35R0K5BO/1I6A0706.jpg WILDLIFE - Bison March A small group of females and calves approach during the fall in Yellowstone National Park. Taken in September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387135754-7XG7QNLNQ8IQFXOGUOY2/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Iridescent Hummingbird A violet eared hummingbird’s iridescent plumage gleams in the soft light of the cloud forest. Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830845653-ZGWZH3DZ4SATW2HPSTXI/_I6A6148-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Photogenic Gladiator Tree Frog This gladiator tree frog took a special interest in my camera flash, staring straight into the camera lens for its portrait. The gladiator tree frog gets its name from the male's characteristic barbs on its hind legs which it uses to battle other males for mating rights with females. Battles are sometimes to the death. It was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575401386912-RD3ZDY8608QLF31CYCM1/1I6A8123.jpg WILDLIFE - Bull Elk Bugling Taken in Yellowstone National Park, September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400244265-6ETQG27UGU72QRDQS3K8/1I6A1706.jpg WILDLIFE - Spy Hopping Orca This resident pod of orcas live in and around Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. This young female spy hopped frequently to check out the boat of photographers floating nearby. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638561154252-CK1OXYI8TJS37IHRRBOL/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Mother Bear and Two Cubs Lake Clark NP, Alaska. June 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598473193975-8BGU2MITXC8416LD98IG/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Otis in the Office A dominant Alaskan brown bear, known as Otis, fishes below Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Taken July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830860113-OHPCBAY14QW689TAMIGA/_I6A6370.jpg WILDLIFE - Female Golfo Dulce Anole This female Golfo Dulce anole was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. The Golfo Dulce anole gets its name from El Golfo Dulce, the gulf that separates the Osa Peninsula from mainland Costa Rica.Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830760948-YXUNRCKF46ZFJXFT0DGC/_I6A4988-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - White Nosed Coati on a Palm Frond This white nosed coati was part of a troupe of around 16 individual animals that were making their way through the canopy just above the NGO Frontier's jungle camp around sunset. Taken February, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830841170-J4Z0WGRQB86YFPYC1KMM/_I6A6129-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Small Headed Tree Frog This small headed tree frog was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1548088250586-2OJF16UOI9HC5XYUFCIY/1I6A7423.jpg WILDLIFE - Scarlet Macaw - Landing in Style A scarlet macaw lands gracefully in the treetops on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. December 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400231983-5HU3IOYRH24ETWBF4PBJ/1I6A0795.jpg WILDLIFE - Fishing Bear Standing A young brown bear stands to survey his surroundings while fishing on Brooks River in Katmai National Park. Taken in July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644837792-7GPNCSHRGJ6NWVJ5M8D8/1P9A1464.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400248610-XHF2MDMNG3CF5FTRCESM/1I6A9695.jpg WILDLIFE - Great White Egret A Great White Egret stalks the lagoon for fish and crustaceans on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Taken February 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830888066-91FT5ZQGD6HNIAR7RH0A/_I6A7017-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Hungry Spider This spider eating its prey was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400244830-OA2GLS4D6ALKVIXYE8NI/1I6A1768.jpg WILDLIFE - Blasted by Orca Snot This female orca surfaced so close to our boat that she coated me and my camera in a spray of sea water and orca snot. Taken in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400247285-AI2PSO9B495RDFO2FD07/1I6A5340.jpg WILDLIFE - Brown Bear in the Setting Sun (Lake Clark) This beautiful brown bear was walking the beaches of Lake Clark National Park just before sunset. Her beautiful dish shaped face lit up in the soft warm light, she was curious and a bit grouchy as she walked past. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598473060936-E1TROZJN2SFZ8HD321S7/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Brotherly Bite Two subadult brown bears wrestle in the grass adjacent to Brooks River in Katmai National Park. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400242234-QBK93FVDX8VKTQ5JVZS3/1I6A1605.jpg WILDLIFE - Sea Otter Chilling A sea otter floats in Resurrection Bay near Seward, Alaska. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560361041-IHN2PKJFVB76Q3JI8FCX/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bears and the Bird Brooks Falls, Katmai NP, Alaska. Taken July 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598292934805-P2IAL9LDBNJWWKVO690Q/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Green Basilisk Stink Eye A green basilisk lizard (aka the Jesus Christ Lizard) gazes warily into my camera lens as we float by a on a boat in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830873399-TDVGF4QTQLKY0U8CJHAK/_I6A6664.jpg WILDLIFE - Camouflaged Golfo Dulce Anole (Male) This Golfo Dulce anole was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. The Golfo Dulce anole gets its name from El Golfo Dulce, the gulf that separates the Osa Peninsula from mainland Costa Rica. Taken May, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400249381-R1QFRM9KYSJPLPDTJYTR/1I6A9780.jpg WILDLIFE - Wet Bear Brown bears fish all day long during the summer on Brooks River in Katmai National Park. Here, a bear takes a break from “snorkeling” for sockeye salmon to give me and my camera a quick glance. Taken in Katmai National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400252265-9JIE5MDGSRXHLC4C4P2Y/1I6A9644.jpg WILDLIFE - Mama Bison and Calves in the Geyser Basin A mother bison guides her two yearling calves through the lower geyser basin in Yellowstone National Park. Taken in September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830878301-0VK0NX8NAFMIMVYXEVYV/_I6A6812-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Harlequin Beetle This bizarre and beautiful Harlequin Beetle was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830866353-0D8HH5CZ9YNIEO1419FT/_I6A6435.jpg WILDLIFE - Gladiator Tree Frog Close-Up This large gladiator tree frog was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. The gladiator tree frog gets its name from the male's characteristic barbs on its hind legs which it uses to battle other males for mating rights with females. Battles are sometimes to the death. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400250733-SEWQB5DH6347UDCEPNQF/1I6A9606.jpg WILDLIFE - Otis in the Falls Here, Otis, one of the oldest bears at Brooks Falls, fishes the area known as “The Office” for summer sockeye salmon in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Taken in July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598293200665-EU10M6O7UID7FS7W7S10/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Red Eye Tree Frog Close-Up A Red Eye Tree Frog perches on a the petals on a flower on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598476206937-IFZ3UQTSF9BF1TXAJJ2J/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bull Orca A male orca surfaces in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska. Taken June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400254258-8D9GLN4CHL7BYDAEBTCO/1I6A9157.jpg WILDLIFE - Elk in the Morning Mist A bull elk moves his harem of cows through the town of Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Taken in September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598293916992-4F5YQDB1N2RWHHUXP3BZ/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Happy Three Toed Sloth A three toed sloth basks in the morning sun, clinging to the branches of a tree overhanging a canal of the Rio Sierpe river system near Drake Bay, Costa Rica. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598472865250-NZU5Q90861H5U5H1FJEO/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bloody Bite A brown bear catches a sockeye salmon at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. The force of the bear’s bite sent a stream of blood pouring from the doomed salmon. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400184759-XESL678RW1WJY70BITB9/1I6A0563.jpg WILDLIFE - The Splintered Bison This big bull bison was cruising along in Yellowstone National Park in the autumn of 2019. He had apparently had an action-packed summer, during the annual bison rut, during which males battle ferociously for mating rights. You can see his left horn is splintered from some massive impact, most likely with the skull of another bull bison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830892536-F5570UNOK92VMAH4DMFH/_I6A7052-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Tungara Frog Calling The sound of this frog's call sounds very similar to the sound of an old video game laser sound effect. In fact, the first time I heard its call, I believed it to be emanating from my cell phone. Upon research online though, we learned the calls were being emitted by the Tungara Frog, sometimes apparently nicknamed, the video game frog. This individual was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400256936-DE5RXWW6TIUJMPPF7L0S/1I6A8274.jpg WILDLIFE - Spring Cub #1 A black bear cub grazes on fresh sedges in Yellowstone National Park. Taken in May 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830916157-4EL50OGR7ROQM08NOMP5/_I6A7267-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Yellow Hornet This Yellow Hornet was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830921052-I3D824S2Q28D8AH6T13C/_I6A8288.jpg WILDLIFE - Green and Black Poison Dart Frog The Green and Black Poison Dart Frog's name is derived from the historical practice of indigenous peoples harvesting its poison and using it to coat their darts and arrows for hunting. The very small amount of poison the frog possesses is enough to make a human heart stop beating. However, like most poison dart frogs, the green-and-black poison dart frog only releases its poison if it feels threatened. This individual was observed in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula. Taken August, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575399928810-LCW2M2XVDBB3J5LSG1XH/1I6A7131.jpg WILDLIFE - Lake Clark Baddy This young male was out for trouble as he approached myself and a group of other photographers in Lake Clark National Park. But, with some requisite huffing and puffing, we convinced him we were more trouble than it was worth. Taken in June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830972923-W1MYJH22PKSU1DCT084I/_I6A8643.jpg WILDLIFE - Forlorn Spider Monkey This adult Geoffrey's Spider Monkey was observed inside Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. It's body position and "sad-looking" eyes gave me an impression of forlornness. Taken August, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830964826-U7RATESMUX5BQ4D5JY28/_I6A8617.jpg WILDLIFE - Flying Spider Monkey This male Geoffrey's Spider Monkey was observed leaping from tree to tree inside Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. Taken August, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830975849-PGI1SQG58M0LEYLPC21W/_I6A8653.jpg WILDLIFE - Spider Monkey by the Tail This male Geoffrey's Spider Monkey was observed hanging by its tail from a tree limb inside Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. Taken August, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830851732-3B9EE4C5CM4PJMQ9IRBD/_I6A6182.jpg WILDLIFE - Sleepy Eyed Granular Glass Frog This granular glass frog was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Glass frogs get their name from their characteristic translucent skin which allows them to better blend in with whatever surface they are sitting on as a defense mechanism. Taken March, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598293778295-M4LZLU2BT0QC7ATS72JO/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Jaws of Death - American Crocodile A large American Crocodile basks in the sun of Rio Sierpe near Drake Bay in Costa Rica. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646874915-LL4XT18PBXA1G6YBOQF1/1P9A1902-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598471279836-PJ2FDO4SWVQI2MJM6EJD/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Great Gray Owl Hunting A great gray owl perches amongst a grove of aspen trees, scanning the ground for movement on its quest for a meal. Taken in Grand Teton National Park, October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598294421307-3RTXX8EYLPH64S36IE9Z/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Tapir in the Brush This adult female Baird’s Tapir was spotted in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park as she moved through thick underbrush. Not pictured is her yearling offspring that I was unable to get into the picture. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598294575208-DAC6GNFJE80HCYMVDVFE/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Sneaky Caiman A spectacled caiman uses its excellent camouflage to hide amongst downed limbs in the canals of Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598384532524-X8O76TCERV2HFOTX21LC/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Landing Gear A scarlet macaw makes its final approach to its nest on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. Taken in February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598384695613-MACKH41HNKGJSTMSDINT/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Grumpy Capuchin A young white face capuchin munches on a mangrove leaf while resting on the mangrove branches. Taken at Rio Sierpe, Costa Rica February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598385038077-FD2T58H6H9SB2OXTKU1V/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Osprey Making a Dive An osprey leaves its perch in a dive for fish in Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park. Taken February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598385232577-TQBJV5UGF6I5CYXQJGJO/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Capuchin in the Light A white faced capuchin walks along a palm frond in Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598472728700-AWOH5PODL9C2HL4FSCO5/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Fish-stake A sockeye salmon makes the leap up Brooks Falls at Katmai National Park, straight towards a waiting brown bear waiting at the top of the falls. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598385426257-ZZX62RP2HS91ZT7FMKRY/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Puffy Toucanet This juvenile blue-throated toucanet (aka emerald toucanet) was spotted in the cloud forests of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains near Los Quetzales National Park. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830893466-UPPPDP4FJGFOV7NHHV2D/_I6A7041-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Owl Butterfly on a Leaf This enormous and beautiful example of an Owl Butterfly was observed on a nighttime amphibian and reptile survey conducted by the NGO Frontier in Carate, Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula. Taken April, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598385666053-4LTAYDLBA80NLEV75MTM/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Golden Orb Weaver Spider The golden strands of this spider provide its namesake, the golden orb weaver. Taken in Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598388029235-VKVTMVHBRAJTIBUY9VXF/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Scarlet Smile The permanent smile of the scarlet smile is displayed here as the bird roosted on a palm frond near Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park. Taken December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598386024933-VOIYRH8UECXXRDJHMQQY/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Crocodile Smile This American Crocodile was spotted basking in the sun along the banks of Rio Sierpe near Drake Bay in Costa Rica. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598386376246-8V383B9ZC9XHZJU40V9V/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Mother Tapir and Calf This female Baird’s Tapir was spotted in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park with her calf, which happened to be very camera shy. February 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598476415206-IQFA18K00TXXV4H2KTMW/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Cinnamon Black Bear on the Rocks A cinnamon colored black bear traverses the rocks adjacent to the Madison River in Yellowstone National Park. Taken May 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387289534-4UFISOE77SKT90QPW7U6/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Resplendent Quetzal Perched This beautiful male resplendent quetzal was spotted in San Gerardo, Costa Rica as it fed on young avocados in the early morning light. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598472584799-YC0T2X10KKMIPM74NH2C/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Face Bite Two subadult brown bears wrestle and play fight in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387468325-DAC8ASFCFC9OOQ8XSHPW/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Black Throated Trogon Building a Nest This male black throated trogon was spotted in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park as it took turns digging out a nesting hole with its female counterpart. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387578700-Z91IHDNHUFRJY77HMA5J/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Harlequin Beetle Closeup This large example of a harlequin beetle was spotted near Puerto Jimenez on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387696397-HDKR30D2RESCXTN1LPFG/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Geoffrey's Spider Monkey Hanging Around A female Geoffrey’s spider monkey surveys the surroundings as it hangs from its prehensile tail. Taken near Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830917482-BJHMRFSDARLXBS65AI6I/_I6A7223-sm.jpg WILDLIFE - Brazilian Wandering Spider eating Basilisk Lizard The Brazilian Wandering Spider, also known as the Banana Spider for its proclivity for lying its eggs in bananas, holds the Guinness World Record for being the most venomous spider in the world. It's venom is so potent that some victims die even after receiving anti-venom. Another bizarre characteristic of the Brazilian Wandering Spider's venom is its blood vessel dilating properties, which can cause men who are bitten to suffer from painful and lasting erections. This characteristic has led to some pharmaceutical companies researching this venom on the quest for the next viagra. This large and aggressive spider is very common in Costa Rica. This individual was observed on the outer wall of a cabin at Frontier's Base Camp as it consumed this young basilisk lizard. Taken May, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387810118-K8AF3GA2TCKGCRL0894O/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Female Howler Monkey This female mantled howler monkey was being harassed by a troupe of spider monkeys and took refuge on this exposed vine. December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575400254165-1Y5BPSVZ7L3PUNOV78C7/1I6A9125.jpg WILDLIFE - Great Grey Owl A great owl surveys his surrounds in Grand Teton National Park. Taken in September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598472450223-4O92EEI3DIN9M04IGEDM/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Someone's Watching A pair of subadult brown bears pause their play fighting to check me out in Katmai National Park. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504830930365-537B5H6878HG1DUKKC0W/_I6A8355.jpg WILDLIFE - White Nosed Coati This White Nosed Coati paused for a moment from its hunt for buried land crabs to check out the camera. Taken in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica. August, 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560882921-SD3J8O207FW9V6L4YV8K/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Glacier Bighorn Sheep Glacier NP. July 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598387931078-M5I2RXVI2CQGBNB5XG9D/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - A Pair of Beauties Two scarlet macaws preen and dry their feathers after a soaking rain on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Taken December 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598470608967-5OJN7JCA8B2PNI91JKIE/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - The Sentinel (Copy) A raven perches atop an aspen tree and surveys the landscape as a herd of lions graze in the valley below. Taken in the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598472322772-HTYAKZC1HFSKCPS9V04A/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Brother Bears Boxing Two subadult brown bears wrestle and play-fight in Katmai National Park. Taken September 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638559632593-YO3RQ4KCB6WZYJ6PIW34/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Yellowstone Pika Yellowstone NP. October 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647127567-8PDVGCH7SYUCK7YI7MUP/1P9A1653.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638559831879-P4TJE1E0EUK7TY00G8WL/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Golfo Dulce Humpback Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. September 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560957533-P0BMNALBA34PDUG08PEL/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Lake Clark Mother Bear and Cub Lake Clark NP, Alaska. June 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638559933085-D5ZB7T1FP9LN533LS4A8/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Whale Tackle Two male humpbacks compete for mating rights with a female in Costa Rica’s Golfo Dulce. September 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560495404-QU5VQMUY2DBA9R0V9I0Q/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Bear and a Bloody Sockeye Katmai NP, Alaska. September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638560749930-A0IA3434L0SNOP6UH6QW/image-asset.jpeg WILDLIFE - Brown Bear Cub Stare-down Katmai NP, Alaska. July 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638574004218-MT40HG14MLT91FFQU4B1/1I6A8980.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643705671-7V3CJ5D5LNJWCK0WB3VG/1P9A6392.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644185108-0KMGQC4H4AXA5LOQUV4M/1P9A0879.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644189310-CPB5I1NMVM9S3M47N79F/1P9A1070-Edit-Edit.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644211775-HBIMA9XHU0DJI37OMRPT/1P9A1636.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644217769-YVBODD9H9CJ3IX6ZWYJJ/1P9A1841.jpg WILDLIFE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644288594-7GL9JGYXFR5G4OCU8J2U/5D5A1434.jpg WILDLIFE 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538171182076-P34DN3FWN0J50TH5VLBK/_R0A4328.jpg HUMANS - Joaquin at the Waterfall During my time living with and photographing the artisanal gold miners of Rio Carate, it was my gold mining friend Joaquin that worked as my guide. On this day, he guided me high into the mountains to a remote stream where he had been mining for gold. The hike was a grueling ascent, and an incredibly dangerous descent, as we clung and scaled along the sides of crumbling jungle cliffs. It was all to easy to see the danger that these men and women confront on a daily basis to make a meager living off pulling gold dust from a river. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538171182076-P34DN3FWN0J50TH5VLBK/_R0A4328.jpg HUMANS - Joaquin at the Waterfall During my time living with and photographing the artisanal gold miners of Rio Carate, it was my gold mining friend Joaquin that worked as my guide. On this day, he guided me high into the mountains to a remote stream where he had been mining for gold. The hike was a grueling ascent, and an incredibly dangerous descent, as we clung and scaled along the sides of crumbling jungle cliffs. It was all to easy to see the danger that these men and women confront on a daily basis to make a meager living off pulling gold dust from a river. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535313505746-NBOXNNTP807GW9KCOEBR/_R0A0110.jpg HUMANS - Rejoicing in Hospital This woman spent years suffering from an uncorrected obstetric fistula, a debilitating injury to the birth canal caused by prolonged child labor (in most cases). Women with a fistula often suffer incontinence. And in rural Uganda, this can result in social isolation, abandonment by the woman’s family, and subsequent poverty with no way for her to support herself. But, after receiving a free medical procedure sponsored by the Uganda Village Project, this woman is overwhelmed with joy at the prospect of resuming a normal life after years of struggle. Taken in Jinja Hospital, Jinja District, Uganda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535477711247-C6OC9V8K4ZQVAWHEFR3X/_R0A1506.jpg HUMANS - Ituba Queue At a Healthcare Fair organized by the Uganda Village Project in the Ugandan village of Ituba, students queue up to register for free medical services, including screening for HIV, Malaria, and STI’s. Without programs like these, these children would not have access to these basic, but crucial, medical services. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644595088-N0E8SORBSBC2233L9U5X/5D5A6263.jpg HUMANS - Chobe Fishermen Two fishermen pole their canoe along the Chobe river on the border of Botswana and Namibia. July 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799803164-VPBSMAZUUEV5J68ONZET/1P9A4316.jpg HUMANS - MODOC Crew Captain Pete Bethune and his crew of volunteers pose on the deck of the MODOC with tracking dog Apa. February 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575398333213-S869LV3TJ7Y5NKK9YH8Z/_R0A4155.jpg HUMANS - Pana Chops the Head This is Pana. She runs a Pulperia (small store) deep in the jungles of the Osa Peninsula that services the gold miners living around Rio Carate. Here, she is taking a machete to the head of a cubera snapper, preparing to make a soup from it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644435661-4TKTVP9TE41A939LV4X1/1P9A5048-Edit-Edit.jpg HUMANS - Fisher Boy on the Chobe A young boy fishes along the banks of the Chobe River in Namibia. July 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535478002217-XIKGQD9Z5LX1WB75MIO4/_R0A1774.jpg HUMANS - Woman in Yellow Gomesi This elderly woman was in attendance at the Ituba Village healthcare fair, orchestrated by the Ugandan Village Project. She is seen her dressed in a Gomesi, a colorful floor-length dress, which is the most commonly used costume for women from Buganda and Busoga, two subnational kingdoms within Uganda. Taken in Ituba Village, Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720797359042-RJWSIURV56TQ7POLSPPI/ThomasStroppel_0004-small.jpg HUMANS - Thomas on the Banks of the Willamette Actor and model Thomas Stroppel poses for the camera in front of the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. Photographer on 120 film using the Hasselblad 500cm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575398714212-U61UVIRV0S8W8QNRUD5Y/_R0A4367.jpg HUMANS - Cesar Working Rio Carate Cesar, a gold miner living on the banks of a mountain river needs only walk out of his rancho to begin working the banks for gold. But, it is often by venturing illegally into national park areas that many miners make their biggest finds. But, this adds an entirely new level of danger to the work, as the miner’s paths into the park are treacherous and secret. If some misfortune would befall them, a rock fall or snake bite for instance, death is all but certain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538170675315-9ZWW8HNIJEA650B2FW3B/_R0A4505.jpg HUMANS - William in his Hammock The mining community of Rio Carate in southwest Costa Rica gets a bad rap. They are known to those outside their community as being violent, always willing to engage in hard drinking, and notorious for illegal means of income. But, during the time I spent living with them, I encountered a tight knit community of honest people who work harder than anyone I’ve yet to meet. They are quick to demand what they believe is theirs, but respond to kindness and generosity with warmth and welcome. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538170928102-UL8F2S9IAMFAB8H6G49Z/_R0A4546.jpg HUMANS - Cesar and Maria This is Cesar and Maria, sitting on their bed within their riverside camp adjacent to Rio Carate. During the day, Cesar toils in the river, digging and panning for gold. Maria is from the city of San Jose, and has only been living on the river for a few months. When I asked her why she had decided to move to the camp and adopt such a different lifestyle, she chose not to say. But, they welcomed me into their home with warmth and kindness. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538170403128-LPEJZLKS07IVX4YQPPVR/_R0A4467.jpg HUMANS - Gold Panning in Rio Carate Gold miners of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula live a life of self dependence and isolation from the more developed parts of the country. Residing in jungle camps carved from the mountainsides, they toil in the rivers to extract extremely high quality gold. Many miners work within legal areas, but most spend at least half of their time venturing illegally into Corcovado National Park, where rivers yield higher returns for their efforts. But, there is enormous risk. Every year, multiple miners die from rock slides, and others are arrested for mining within the national park. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535477254174-UYMGK3G5RGY9DOW8T569/_R0A1238.jpg HUMANS - A New Well A young girl from a Nabitende village in Iganga District, Uganda demonstrates the use of a shallow well. Clean water can be a constant issue for Ugandan villages that do not have an improved water source. This well’s construction was sponsored and overseen by the Uganda Village Project, and it’s presence has greatly impacted the lives of the residents of this village. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598907637891-JI3Q5N3184EDQY8BFY2H/_R0A2603.jpg HUMANS - Monica's Famous Smoked Perch Monica spent years suffering from an uncorrected obstetric fistula, a debilitating injury to the birth canal caused by prolonged child labor in most cases. Women with a fistula often suffer incontinence. And in rural Uganda, this can result in social isolation, abandonment by the woman’s family, and subsequent poverty with no way for her to support herself. But, after receiving a free medical procedure sponsored by the Uganda Village Project (UVP), Sarah participated in UVP’s reintegration program, where she began developing her business skills. She now runs a successful business selling her famous smoked Nile perch at a marketplace near Iganga Town, Uganda. By all accounts, her smoked fish (also known as pasted fish in Uganda) is the best in the marketplace. She was kind enough to let me sample some, and it was in fact delicious! Taken in Jinja District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538170149219-IXMU8W63RR694QRODLJF/_R0A4249.jpg HUMANS - Carillo Works on Joaquin's Foot Living in camps and ranchos carved from the hills alongside Rio Carate in Costa Rica, people live and die by the contents of their gold pans. And though they get a bad rap, known for hard drinking, fighting, and illegal activities, during my four days living with these artisanal gold miners, I encountered something far different. I found a tight knit community, a family of men and women who have spent their lives together in their mountainside camps. Here, gold miner Carillo massages the foot of Joaquin, a younger miner whose foot was crushed by falling rocks several years prior. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575399008046-6UPJ7ORLHRCC3LWVRLI5/_R0A4754.jpg HUMANS - Break Time Joseph, a gold miner on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, takes a break from working the banks of his home river in search of gold dust. Gold mining is a treacherous profession with little reward in Costa Rica. Many of those who toil in the rivers are unable to find work elsewhere, which is what drives them to this dangerous and difficult work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535477627790-SGRQZHUZKP1126TQ7NW4/_R0A1346.jpg HUMANS This young girl lives with her family in a small village near Namungalwe, Iganga District, Uganda. Her family has benefitted from the Uganda Village Project’s programs to improve the health of Ugandan villagers by providing medical services, including testing for HIV and malaria, improved water access, and education about better hygiene practices. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535313683474-8VO9VIZDCK7J48NPPBV6/_R0A0227.jpg HUMANS - Ten Years Old in Hospital This ten-year-old girl, pictured here with her mother, was in hospital to receive a free medical procedure, sponsored by the Uganda Village Project, to correct an obstetric fistula, a debilitating injury to the birth canal. Most women suffering from a fistula receive the injury giving birth, but the age of this patient implies that in all likelihood, she sustained the injury to her birth canal as a result of being raped. During our interview with her, she expressed her happiness at how much better she felt after the procedure, and she said she was looking forward to leaving the hospital and resuming school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535478790989-CMEI2KBA7GI70XZA118Q/_R0A2114.jpg HUMANS This is Timothy, a Ugandan living in a rural village near Namungalwe, Iganga District, Uganda. In all of Uganda, malaria is a constant risk, but especially so in the villages. Here, Timothy displays his mosquito net, the first line of defense against malaria, which was provided by the Uganda Village Project. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535496422059-3POIE138YHZU8JOY0DQY/_R0A1351.jpg HUMANS - Doting Father A father sits with his daughter outside their village home in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535313937593-AMN5WOS2F07RGC5RAQFI/_R0A0580.jpg HUMANS - Iganga Town Kids in the Street I encountered these children playing in the street outside of the Uganda Village Project’s office in Iganga Town. Light skinned people are quite rate in Iganga District, and an anglo, like myself, walking down the road with a camera in hand attracts all kinds of attention. Whenever I would walk by, the kids would shout out, “Muzungu Bye!” Muzungu is the Ugandan word for foreigner, the etymology of which I discovered after some investigation. It means, “one who zooms around,” which harkens back to the days of the English explorers/colonialists who were seen by Ugandans to be always “zooming around,” supposedly. But like most things in Uganda, there are multiple interpretations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535495273468-XOJ3RSOG6N2W8LOSKNVD/_R0A1972.jpg HUMANS - Shrouded Woman This woman was in a attendance at the Ituba Village healthcare fair, orchestrated by the Uganda Village Project. She is dressed in a traditional shroud worn by Islamic women in the Buganda and Busoga subkingdoms within Uganda. Uganda is an extremely religious country. According to a 2014 census, Muslims make up 15% of the population, with Christians making up the other 85%. In addition to these two mainstream religions, belief in witchcraft is widespread, so much so that national newspapers provide coverage on issues of witchcraft and witches. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535495425044-HXTKO5VLD0O9HV2WQUPS/_R0A2216.jpg HUMANS - Lion Boy As a foreign photographer working in a new country, I am always initially apprehensive as to how people will react to having their photo taken. But, Ugandans as a whole, were incredibly receptive to being photographed, especially the kids. This group of village children couldn’t get enough of having their photos taken. To encourage these kids to let loose in front of the camera lens, I asked them to growl like a lion, to which this was the reaction. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535314041510-0U9F5RLO4GXGFEKF7DV5/_R0A0868.jpg HUMANS - Duck, Duck, Turkey A major part of the Uganda Village Project’s (UVP) work is putting on Health Fairs for rural villages at which residents can receive free screenings for malaria, HIV, and other STI’s. These events are not only crucial to the health of Ugandans living in these villages, but are also filled with fanfare, with music, performances by UVP interns, and games for the children. The children pictured here are engaged in a heated match of Duck, Duck…Turkey. Why “turkey?” Because geese are not present in this area of Uganda, and the UVP interns elected to change the game’s name to feature birds the kids are more familiar with. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296362400-XCPWSK93E5KKKRV8QM3P/_I6A9966.jpg HUMANS - Demonstrator Climbs Barricade at 2016 DNC Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, hopeful Bernie Sanders supporters who were attending demonstrations outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia reacted with tears and disgust, massing against the barricades that separated them from the arena, the delegates, and the police. As tensions rose, demonstrators began climbing the barricade and surrendering themselves to arrest by police waiting on the opposite side. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535477793104-SI2Q7EN90ZCFUJQG6B1Z/_R0A1634.jpg HUMANS - Village Dance Competition This young girl was one of two finalists in the village dance competition, held as part of the day’s events for the Uganda Village Project’s healthcare fair. This event was held in the village of Ituba, Iganga District, Uganda. Here, village residents were able to access medical services otherwise unavailable to them, including testing for malaria, HIV, and STI’s. This girl ended up going on to win the dance competition. Taken in Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535478388790-DZVKF5J83FIXIP1R6I40/_R0A1959.jpg HUMANS - Snaggletoothed At a healthcare fair organized by the Uganda Village Project at Ituba Village outside of Iganga Town, Uganda, this adorable little girl and I made quite a friendship. She loved the camera and spent the better part of the afternoon following me around and reaching up to hold my hand whenever I was standing still. Taken in Ituba Village, Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1535478157675-13T3YYFSNAYZNA5Y9M60/_R0A1832.jpg HUMANS - Girl in the Red Dress It never ceased to amaze me how warm the people I met in Uganda were, and how open they were to being photographed, which I believe can be seen in this girl’s expression as she gazes confidently into the lens. Taken in Ituba Village, Iganga District, Uganda. July 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504295934561-OQNT7Z9744QE6XE62ZQ3/_I6A0041.jpg HUMANS - Protestor With Megaphone (DNC 2017) As night fell in Philadelphia following Hillary Clinton's nomination by the Democratic Party for president, thousands of protestors took to the street. They were largely in support of Bernie Sanders, and accused the DNC of being rigged in Clinton's favor, an accusation that has since gained support from Senator Elizabeth Warren. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296208568-F755A6HMB601QRR34NER/_I6A6526.jpg HUMANS - Young Student in Costa Rica School As part of NGO Frontier's Costa Rica project, volunteers taught English to local students once a week. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica, April 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644644842-6ICXXUDP59TYRW8PD2UO/1P9A4320.jpg HUMANS - Baobab Sunset Two wildlife guides pose in front of a baobab tree at sunset in Mashatu game reserve. Botswana 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504295934486-EKQRKAKCYL97LEVCDY12/_I6A0072.jpg HUMANS - Philly Bicycle Cops Shadowing Protestors As the size and intensity of protests taking place following Hillary Clinton's nomination for president in Philadelphia at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, police presence increased as well. These bicycle police formed ranks and shadowed the rear of a large group of protestors marching from the city center to AT&T Stadium where the DNC was being conducted. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296220194-S74YAWQN643S1NOJEMND/_I6A7499-sm.jpg HUMANS - Conservation Students in Belize As part of NGO Frontier's Belize Project, student groups often visited base camp where they were taught about conservation and the wildlife surrounding their home island of Caye Caulker. Taken in Caye Caulker, Belize, July 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296259148-FA80KBO7FND435FP5AXF/_I6A7523.jpg HUMANS - Students Restoring Nature Trail in Belize As part of NGO Frontier's Belize Project, student groups often visited base camp where they were taught about conservation and the wildlife surrounding their home island of Caye Caulker. These students participated in nature trail restoration on the north side of the island, where Frontier's base camp is located. Taken in Caye Caulker, Belize, July 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720797080259-HRHEPRFRSIQQ6JJUJ0HU/ThomasStroppel_BnW.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720797108638-86LZ1KW2J1PC9VYB2VB4/ThomasStroppel_0017.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296255573-PGQTZC6TIIQNBX7GSIHD/_I6A8139.jpg HUMANS - Crocodile Chris With American Crocodile After witnessing several large crocodiles near the NGO Frontier's Belize base camp, staff members contacted Crocodile Chris to come and conduct a crocodile survey to determine the safety of the camp. While on survey with Chris and other Frontier staff, we encountered this young American Crocodile, which Chris captured, documented, and tagged. Taken in Caye Caulker, Belize, July 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296319703-E74JN6UM8SNV58TA2MKN/_I6A9579.jpg HUMANS - Sun Sets on Another Masked Protestor Following the announcement of Hillary Clinton's nomination for president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, protestors moved from the Free Speech Zone inside Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and began to mass in front of the metal barricades surrounding AT&T Stadium. While the convention was being conducted inside the stadium, many delegates walked out in a show of disapproval of Clinton's nomination, while protestors faced off with police, with only the metal barricades to separate protestors from local law enforcement and homeland security officers. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296263948-0HHXASMNOQ4V5XH55YTD/_I6A8565.jpg HUMANS - Jill Stein Speaking at 2016 DNC Demonstration During the second day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, demonstrators massed at Philadelphia's city center for a series of speeches from activists. Seen here, Jill Stein, spoke passionately to demonstrators, promising that if Bernie Sanders was nominated, that she would run as a Green Party candidate. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753628742-34AD5B4H2OT8GFIAETNU/_I6A9307.jpg HUMANS - Tuna On Big game fishing is ingrained deep in the culture of Outer Banks, North Carolina. Here, the crew of the boat Horseplay works together to land a big yellowfin tuna during the annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament. Taken August 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship //©2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753621050-8I0QB971DP8ZL539R9Y7/_I6A9300.jpg HUMANS - Good Gaff The are of the Horseplay successfully land this 60+ lb yellowfin tuna during the annual Pirates Cove Billfish Tournament. Taken August 2017. Photo by Ben Blankenship //©2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504295959220-MP1VFQH7COR6ZJ98Q3I7/_I6A0351.jpg HUMANS - Protestors Hold Candlelight Vigil for the 2016 DNC Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296265087-Z2EGSUVQN7CFEQQZC816/_I6A8589.jpg HUMANS - Tensions Rise Amongst 2016 DNC Protestors Demonstrators mass at Philadelphia's city center during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296276190-BFYQREORYB0VCZ5MFOA3/_I6A8637.jpg HUMANS - Stilt-Walker at 2016 DNC Demonstrators mass at Philadelphia's city center during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296282301-HX8AW071ECU7Z1SEEN4W/_I6A8725.jpg HUMANS - Tensions Rise in Philly at 2016 DNC Demonstrators mass at Philadelphia's city center during the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296291285-UU8JJKCST2KM5GCIAWUR/_I6A8843.jpg HUMANS - Mythical Chanting Outside the Barricade Protestors from many walks of life demonstrate outside the ten foot metal barricade surrounding AT&T Arena in Philadelphia on the second day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296301376-C2ITF3X8ZE5XIQBQDJ6T/_I6A9150.jpg HUMANS - 2016 DNC Protestor in Guy Fawkes Mask Many demonstrators gathering inside the designated Free Speech Zone at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Philadelphia, were sporting costumes or masks to hide their identity and protect their faces from the potential deployment of pepper spray by police and homeland security forces. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296307276-Y1NO8IOXUPKZ0V83MG2L/_I6A9254.jpg HUMANS - Bernie Sanders Supportes Mourn After Clinton Nomination Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, hopeful Bernie Sanders supporters who were attending demonstrations outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia reacted with tears and disgust. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296308642-9HQ4FWA5S7KIROQ8WM5G/_I6A9304.jpg HUMANS - Bernie Sanders Supporters Mourning at Barricade Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, hopeful Bernie Sanders supporters who were demonstrating outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia reacted with tears and disgust. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296320082-TF9VBPPZQDZEC38IVLK3/_I6A9542.jpg HUMANS - Demonstrator On Megaphone at Barricade Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, demonstrators massed outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia. This man led a "funeral procession" for the DNC just prior to this photo being taken. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296333642-FRFK1EJRB6W14E8KB7M3/_I6A9666.jpg HUMANS - DNC Death March Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, demonstrators staged a funeral procession for the DNC outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296336826-WSJZDKD5H0HYWKYKP1B7/_I6A9694.jpg HUMANS - Demonstrator Gets Pepper Sprayed by Police This woman, who was demonstrating outside AT&T Arena at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, joined with others at the barricade that separated them from the arena and police forces standing on the other side. From the crowd, someone threw a water bottle over the barricade, and Homeland Security forces responded by indiscriminately shooting their pepper spray into the crowd, hitting this woman directly in the face. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296351500-3A4QZ4F58J90FPEB54Y8/_I6A9845.jpg HUMANS - Pepper Spray Victim Return to the Front After being pepper sprayed and then receiving field treatment from other demonstrators, this woman returned to the barricade to continue her protest of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296345183-6SJTT16CSMRQI43K33UY/_I6A9699.jpg HUMANS - Philadelphia Police Officer Through the Barricade A Philadelphia police officer at the 2016 Democratic National Convention places his hands on the barricade that separated police from demonstrators just after several demonstrators were attacked with pepper spray by Homeland Security forces. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296343585-GAHJACVJXT2BAH6QV9N9/_I6A9733.jpg HUMANS - Young Woman Reacting to Homeland Security Pepper Spray This young woman was struck with pepper spray in the face after a Homeland Security sprayed his can of mace into the crowd of demonstrators. This was in response to a water bottle being thrown by a demonstrator over the barricade that separated them from AT&T Arena, the delegates of the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and police and Homeland Security forces. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296349086-PE52BNMIF7WD0LGG832X/_I6A9746.jpg HUMANS - Philly Police Officer Smiling Through the Barricade A Philadelphia police officer smiles into my camera lens from across the barricade that separated him from demonstrators just after several demonstrators were struck with pepper spray deployed by Homeland Security forces outside the 2016 Democratic National Convetion. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296357217-4I0EIVDAP62Z2CMBEE9Q/_I6A9863.jpg HUMANS - Masked Demonstrator Outside Barricade Following Hillary Clinton's nomination for U.S. president at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, hopeful Bernie Sanders supporters who were attending demonstrations outside AT&T Arena in Philadelphia reacted with tears and disgust, massing against the barricades that separated them from the arena, the delegates, and the police. Taken in Philadelphia, PA, July 2016. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296400086-JGG9KBN5T8QTKZVBMIHY/ChrystaBell_001.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296454710-TGK8C21DGAKCE858CXUS/Nick_Fence4.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296366412-RYF3421OCHEJQGC8PFZK/11331046104_fa567f7595.jpg HUMANS - Brother Joe in Medium Format This photo of my younger brother, Joe, was shot on medium format, color negative film using a Hasselblad 500 c/m and a Zeiss 800mm/2.8 lens. This photo was featured in the 2009 Blue Moon Client Showcase. Taken in Olympia, WA, October 2009. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296369119-O6FX8JTLJO9RPMBSXUE0/Birdcloud1.jpg HUMANS - BirdCloud in Portland 1 While on tour, Nashville-based country rock group BIRDCLOUD stopped over in Portland, Oregon for a visit and a quick photo shoot. Taken in Portland, Oregon, November 2013. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720797109552-WY95M6UKZDVRRZYKEQGP/ThomasStroppel_0016.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296386994-PFNQIT0E7AG7AN5K8MDK/Broken+Water+.JPG HUMANS - Jon Hanna in the Studio 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296375797-WGU4PAR2KGTSE8C77KAR/Broken+Water+IMG_0005+copy-2.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296450533-PN4WIXY1DR379P9Q2WEO/mini-bike-winter.jpg HUMANS - Portland Mini-Bike Winter 2010 Every year, Portland bicycling club, The Zoo-Bombers, hold their mini-bike winter, a multi-day celebration of their club and Portland bicycling culture. This event is the "Chariot Race," in which racers ride on custom-built, pedal-powered vehicles, and attempt to either dislodge other drivers or disable other chariots. The event is often violent, and attended by hundreds of fans on on-lookers. Taken in Portland, OR, Winter 2010. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296398533-HQL6VHZ9COVFKAUPRDPB/Broken+Water+NEG+790_0007.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296388069-LF2WDP0SF23EQQAQRUX9/Broken-Water-IMG_0009.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296402497-7DUJTQCDTLXM9I218ZLB/ChrystaBell_02.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296391092-98GBGJCWVHC5E3RJEYJF/Broken-Water-WO6A0192.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296398445-QHR5SMCD9NA3FSJR4TJT/Broken-Water-WO6A9919.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296399657-XD9GRUWEA09NEG4TV70M/Chel.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1504296400924-60G1NIZ1S5S5C61JG4TQ/ChrystaBell_MinhTron.jpg HUMANS 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798184243-UGWZ7BZYLADQTAQIPNV5/Hassie012813_AM_0001.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798196985-JOPRR1EVLLL2BJPA4NT8/IMG_0028.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798354747-8FBER4OXWTRQYKV9JHWN/Hassie-x-proc2.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798402236-OA8V00GO1KYS5H3KBIPF/RAY-IMG_0047.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798849374-0ZKQYOZI9KEXA9NQ6CKS/BrokenWater_WO6A9938-small.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720798965548-DKISTD9BC38EWO48OVNF/WO6A0142.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799105074-HN3Y8W7E50MR97LSLOSI/ref_1.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799187230-OI57L08JU9DDQJBN5FXX/Michael10.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799226839-1N5KULPSY34LF9XG0H0Y/Interior_Kitchen2_WIP.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799764725-52A0LVQ1XKD04C153SQC/1P9A3819.jpg HUMANS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720799823580-F6L33200VW5E0OY4H2V6/1P9A5272.jpg HUMANS https://www.ben-blankenship.com/earth daily 0.75 2025-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638389956389-LQVQ3HTG0LX0LF4FR9JB/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Half Dome and the Elm The first light of sunrise slips into Cook’s Meadow in Yosemite National Park, transforming frost into mist and golden autumn foliage into a glowing crown for this famous elm tree. Taken in October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638389956389-LQVQ3HTG0LX0LF4FR9JB/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Half Dome and the Elm The first light of sunrise slips into Cook’s Meadow in Yosemite National Park, transforming frost into mist and golden autumn foliage into a glowing crown for this famous elm tree. Taken in October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638390987718-3BQ884KK78PUZXLFMXHA/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Scorpius Arch and the Milky Way October 2021. Joshua Tree NP. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638391492868-K4971S7IGILHOQFA3DSP/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Eye of the Beast The volcanic eruption at Fagradalsfjall, Iceland. Taken by drone in September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645047372-KT7R21HSVHTXRBLWYD0H/1P9A4568.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638390665207-G5NIG2LOX2RNSWE5HXLE/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Half Dome from Fat Bear Bend Yosemite NP, October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643201079-868V31FTW9TWJ5DA6QBL/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Aurora over Fairbanks #1 Northern Lights reflect over a lake near Fairbanks, Alaska. 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638391652578-7C3MEXMY0S0SB04I8RJA/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Icelandic Fire Fagradalsfjall erupts. Taken by drone in September 2021 in Iceland. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646979769-20O8QWES2VHXOJ92DM2L/1P9A0477-Pano-2-Edit-Edit-2-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638392634868-D70TJL70UFTOVCG88XA2/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Mount Eystrahorn Shrouded Taken in Iceland, September 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645011334-IURZDUS6QHKGNSMJUOI7/1P9A4037-Recovered.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638394419125-VKG5OILZLHOZBDTLH1FW/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Ruby Beach Waves crash into a sea cave on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park. Photo taken in May 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638390238561-AHZG7J9AG88EHIDBOY23/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Artist's Point Sunset Yosemite NP. October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638391847405-1VON6MRRR4QCGX515XDR/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Diamonds in the Sand Iceland, September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638392970195-42A4NDTZ2MVCZ915T9YX/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Icelandic Glacier Iceland, September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638487541011-AW3QBNYOTGBFN9F3J7GS/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Fagradalsfjall Eruption #3 Iceland, September 11, 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638463311964-JMLVTVV5TBIUUKE6NO2U/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - The Rock Arch Joshua Tree NP, May 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638393285611-F64FZPCXHUK5M1DV0JGB/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Grinnel Lake Sunset This vantage point is one of my favorite in Glacier National Park. The blue glacial waters of Grinnel Lake perfectly reflect the light of the setting sun while the rocky face of Angle Wing Peak fills the background. Photo taken in July 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638393622096-GN3KZTSRMI05SNZ0K84J/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Sunrise Over Lake McDonald Wildfire smoke fills the sky as the morning sun slips over the distant peaks at Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Photo taken in July 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638468984560-QD63OL706EESUMB8Y9QF/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - A Clearing Desert Snowstorm #2 Zion National Park. March 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638463470058-6QQCTAZ9XT9K0JKT03WM/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Skull Rock and the Milky Way Joshua Tree. May 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575322218652-QG6U6EKJYZGAY5XSB613/1I6A2106-HDR-Edit_sm.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Yosemite Valley Magic After two weeks of hazy, cloudless conditions, conditions finally turned to perfection. A psychedelic pattern of clouds hung over Yosemite Valley like a beautiful tapestry for just a few moments before the autumn sun eviscerated them. Taken in Yosemite National Park, October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638395200281-ZQUIJHTOZ891Z3DQ2RDH/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Green Paradise of the Hoh Olympic NP. May 2021. by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638392215680-JVAXVR7JTOWA2LGLT1G3/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Múlagljúfur Canyon Iceland. September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644806710-CMJBK8II5518XM5R15BY/1P9A1562-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638488249169-Q92E904ZHA66GY32UZLT/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - The Icelandic Coast Iceland. September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638393490611-ZCJU0LL5DPS65EOC0JTC/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Avalanche Gorge in Glacier National Park Glacial blue waters rush through the narrow reaches of Avalanche Gorge in Glacier National Park. Photo taken in July 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638395415004-X46CUT1RDSQE8UNJQEDO/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Rialto Beach Sunset Olympic NP. May 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645040465-KFBHYAPGMXETGG600ZVM/1P9A3856-Edit-3-BRIGHTG.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1538171182076-P34DN3FWN0J50TH5VLBK/_R0A4328.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Joaquin at the Waterfall (Copy) During my time living with and photographing the artisanal gold miners of Rio Carate, it was my gold mining friend Joaquin that worked as my guide. On this day, he guided me high into the mountains to a remote stream where he had been mining for gold. The hike was a grueling ascent, and an incredibly dangerous descent, as we clung and scaled along the sides of crumbling jungle cliffs. It was all to easy to see the danger that these men and women confront on a daily basis to make a meager living off pulling gold dust from a river. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. September 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638394990880-GOGZ20PMSH2RVV2ZT8N4/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Ruby Beach Star The setting sun is framed by a gap in a sea stack on Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park, Washington. Taken in May 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638392054534-QU3A0M2NHNHGX3HKOQ9K/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Diamonds in the Waves Iceland. September 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644566591-VOA9CE8XMYM4U2INOKYP/5D5A6045.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638488485836-GGOBK6EE3MFOS5N74X2N/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Mount Eystrahorn Shrouded (vertical) The iconic peaks of Mount Eystrahorn are wrapped in the clouds of the dying hurricane Larry as it moved over Iceland. Photographed in September 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638390492153-A5F3UCKZPHFU8RZXMZWD/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Yosemite Falls in Autumn Yosemite NP. October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598479463442-LHZGD7E19I5E5FPVYRRR/1I6A6892-Pano-2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Old Man of Storr Isle of Skye, Scotland. May 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638468133991-KCP6CU8X3P02QWSCBNOG/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Zion Star Trails The North Star sits at the center of this spiral of star trails. Taken in Zion National Park, March 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575322025540-KXKSHVJL55174BE2R517/1I6A1614-HDR-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - The Dawn Wall (El Capitan) As morning light slips into Yosemite Valley, it first kisses the eastern facing edge of El Capitan, a 3,000 foot granite wall. Taken in Yosemite National Park, October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638393832694-YGP8H0G0WR1KVLESNA5M/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Grinnell Lake #2 Glacier NP. July 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598479042455-RXSNL6FLUV0EDI79NEX2/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Snake River and the Tetons in Snow Clouds Grand Teton NP. October 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567020135076-529KAZ6LL4V948S2G269/1I6A5270.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Brown Bear in Lupine My favorite type of photograph is a hybrid between wildlife and landscape, in which an animal can be featured as part of a beautiful landscape. And this photo to me embodies this duality perfectly, as this subadult brown bear rests amongst the beautiful arctic lupine wildflowers. Taken in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575323425887-SNAT3IFIFRVI430NL8XB/1I6A7938.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Grand Prismatic Spring Yellowstone National Park. September 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567018830639-C51WMW1GR1RC87SGK8FL/1I6A2308-composite.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Swiftcurrent Lake and Grinnel Point Sunrise at Swiftcurrent Lake with Grinnell Point dominating the background. Taken in Glacier National Park, July 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638391256528-0OKTA3S6WESHBAF5MDXY/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Joshua Tree #1 A Joshua tree stand alone in the approaching night in Joshua Tree National Park. Taken October 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575322883425-Q1J7DJ21O5Q2N7P9SWFB/1I6A2125-HDR.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Los Tres Hermanos Yosemite Valley is a wonderland of beautiful landscapes and surreal scenery. Here, the rock known as Three Brothers illuminates with early morning light, creating a scene of magical beauty. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021486032-782SO91YY6T3N57VENV0/1I6A7070-2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Bryce Canyon Sunrise Bryce Canyon NP. November 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575323586485-S7QYIGBPP61M0BQBEVY5/1I6A9644.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Steamy Bison Yellowstone NP. September 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567020857936-MSOSU2E82U502Y7E3AM7/1I6A5224_oxbow-bend2-sm.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Mt. Moran from Oxbow Bend Grand Teton NP. October 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575322502594-APCSRIDUJNHUOGD3M66T/1I6A1833.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Stars on El Capitan In Yosemite National Park, as the sun sets and day turns to night, climbers high on the face of El Capitan switch on their head torches. Their lights can be seen from the valley floor, and set against a beautiful starry sky, it makes for a magical scene. Taken in October 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575323254964-IU8VOMTIKZPCD8C4AGDA/1I6A2592.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Two Medicine in the Wind Glacier NP. July 2019.By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638462260483-2OOJUGWUAG5QEL47Y4MC/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Deep Contemplation A hiker pauses at the bridge over Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park. Photo taken in May 2021 by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647548035-X1K7Q6CTD4CYJ938N5XC/1P9A8042.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638468790110-NXVOJAV7DNUMOXQHUFBJ/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - A Clearing Desert Snowstorm #1 Zion NP. March 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638467173708-XN51NOLTHJ5CHBHHNFPM/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Nevada Falls and Liberty Cap Atop the John Muir and Mist Trail Loop in Yosemite National Park is this incredible vantage point of Nevada Falls with the rock formation Liberty Cap. Taken in April 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575321681017-UTAH6RVQF44V8KHRWVWJ/1I6A0122-Comp1.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Grand Teton Sunrise Grand Teton NP. October 2019. By Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720643095237-HRDQZQM768BVQ0ZE1T6V/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Grand Sunset Grand Canyon National Park, 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720642654807-H8DCJY0TPQ7OT3Q27OYR/1P9A4064.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Bryce Fire in the Sky Sunset over Bryce Canyon. Utah 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575323057369-6OHUQDKGX999B2JJAFE7/1I6A2346-HDR-Edit-2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Sentinel Dome Sunset Yosemite NP. October 2019. By Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638468498277-BGROJPFZ52ITE5KG037Y/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Toadstool Hoodoos Grand Staircase-Escalante. March 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638471269616-Q8PZRCMHE31JCQ2HD4M7/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Grand Teton and Mormon Row October 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598476031986-EAZLC5PLG53KLSVE5O00/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Stellar Sea Lions Bask in Kenai Fjords Alaska. June 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638466249929-8ZJFJH8HMNX5L5G1FYW7/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Rock Arch Star Trails Joshua Tree NP. May 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021798983-RVZ9P022A7TRB4XHOJ33/1I6A6433-HDR-4-3.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Cathedral Rock The fall colors lit up for this midmorning shot of Cathedral Rock in Yosemite National Park. Taken October 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575322749194-CXOJFCAFXGA6P4CT18WB/1I6A1996-sun-soft.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Avalanche Creek Early morning light slips through the dense forest overtop the deep gorge dug out by Avalanche Creek in Glacier National Park. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021956546-G5ZPE3QJ4ZZ7HH47T0SI/1I6A6639-HDR-4.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Half Dome from Sentinel Dome Yosemite NP. October 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638470822260-1I365JTRE7A58AWGSCZX/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Lamar Valley Sunset A herd of bison graze in golden autumn grasses in Yellowstone National Park’s Lamar Valley. Taken in October 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638390839933-5TN4NDU94X7C1WYBX9AM/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Three Brothers in Fall Yosemite NP. October 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598470608967-5OJN7JCA8B2PNI91JKIE/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - The Sentinel A raven perches atop an aspen tree and surveys the landscape as a herd of lions graze in the valley below. Taken in the Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567018970325-OMA6CEMAH9EAYZW50BBE/1I6A2190.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - St. Mary's Lake and Wild Goose Island Glacier NP. July 2019. By Ben Blankenship. Featuring Kevin McNeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638467416538-ICZXHEUEGRME4GIPTJR4/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - The Giving Tree Yosemite NP. April 2021. ByBen Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021332813-607S0AX3WQRQEB17ZP2W/1I6A6999-HDR-straightened.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Thor's hammer #2 Bryce Canyon NP. November 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720642969921-AWAT82WNTRQY4SEF6PRF/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Desert Flowers in Monument Valley Monument Valley 2022 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021107637-3DHWAAXA8515TE4ROFUJ/1I6A6711-UnknownPeak2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - The Anthill Zion NP. November 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638466685826-BXZSX0P1YKAEK29KRFQN/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Pechuga Rock This unnamed rock feature in Joshua Tree National Park aligns beautifully with the Milky Way in spring time. Taken in May 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567020676360-NT7SPYMXT1FLWFKEI50W/1I6A5146_snake-river-sm3.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Snake River in Color Grand Teton NP. October 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638470327271-Y3U74CBWIFTCD6C35UPF/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Great Smoky Mountains Sunset Great Smoky Mountains NPO. October 2020. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598470897329-LN66W80KJQPY9U6102LV/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Ghost Tree The dead trunk of a lodgepole pine tree is all that remains of a grove of trees that was inundated with the acidic waters from Grand Prismatic Hot Spring in Yellowstone National Park. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598389208724-PX7WN407H2H8NVQX8LDU/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Last Leaves This very famous elm tree in Yosemite National Park has been photographed countless times. But, being able to capture its last few golden leaves lit up in dawn light before the coming winter was a special treat. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638468667568-2JRXZDJVXDVJG6I6V2X4/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Big Water Star Trails 160 Exposures were layered to create this star trail image. Taken in Big Water, Utah. March 2021. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638469422685-I9LQRDMW77NY6MJBULTR/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Twisted Pine and the Milky Way Zion NP. March 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021603822-9CUV1BY7IIH5GVC7I0ZH/1I6A6369-HDR-2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - El Capitan The 3000 foot vertical granite wall known as El Capitan is a favorite location for rock climbers and photographers alike. Although, its proximity to several major airports can make avoiding the contrails of airplanes very difficult! Taken in Yosemite National Park, October 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638470582187-2W6WYAFO12FGL7KQDRZ5/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Smoky Mountain Light Rays Great Smoky Mountains NP. October 2020. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753621050-8I0QB971DP8ZL539R9Y7/_I6A9300.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567019848319-RTJB4ZB2FG6YWWVLQAVO/1I6A3322.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Kenai Fjords Humpback The waters of Kenai Fjords National Park are packed with wildlife, like puffins, eagles, sea lions, orcas, and these giant humpback whales. Taken June 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638469884118-M37UU4WPHS0HY9J7IWFM/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Big Water Star Trails #2 Utah. March 2021. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638471131452-L6WI9XZJXDFLJOOG3V9A/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Mammoth Hot Springs Calcium sulfate and thermophilic bacterial mats combine to create a painter’s pallet of color in Yellowstone’s Mammoth Hot Springs. Taken in October 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567019299233-3MFYQZX7KZIR8T37HAL3/1I6A0140.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Osa Iguana Carate, Costa Rica. February 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638470187029-O15PLB8R4WAB7T7MX3HT/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Smoky Mountains Stream in Fall Great Smoky Mountains NP. October 2020. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567020970860-YOCY0AQFXSW1ZPPB07R5/1I6A5080_leaves_sm.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Golden Aspen Grand Teton NP. October 2018. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753644806-ZCG52MFP07E4JISDRZSW/Beach_Panorama1.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Playa Corcovado Corcovado NP, Costa Rica. August 2017. By Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567021231105-FAP0S2YK65NGDXUTQ0FU/1I6A6935-Pano.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Thor's hammer #1 Bryce Canyon NP. November 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753685466-1EG3GJ0CMQND34XJN372/unspecified.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Forgotten Childhood Vashon Island. 2009. By Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753597465-VO1B4TKJJJV4GATXOUXL/_I6A8555.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - El Guia Mejor Corcovado NP, Costa Rica. August 2017. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753639966-3NKPUBZ6NBXPFIQPJSA6/BikeTree_Med1_small.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Forgotten Childhood #2 Vashon Island, Washington. 2009. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753642489-U17XS39I5SCJVGBCNV50/CannonBeach_IMG_0013-smalll.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Cannon Beach on Hasselblad Oregon. 2009. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753675178-G96CE3SHKBO6VVUHLCC1/IMG_8885.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Haystack Vista Cannon Beach, Oregon. 2009. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1575321848940-KFENQ67D6XJK90TMDU0W/1I6A1432.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Merciful Reflection The Merced River in Yosemite National Park creates some of the most beautiful reflections I’ve ever seen. Here, afternoon light illuminates fall foliage against the sheer granite walls of the valley. Taken in Yosemite National Park, October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753628742-34AD5B4H2OT8GFIAETNU/_I6A9307.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753666683-EN4GXA3JYO7BOK8YF7G5/GrandCanyon_6x7_0001.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Grand Canyon Waldo Grand Canyon NP. 2007. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753667879-YEEKTLJOW1WHHJVJ5F0L/IMG_7491.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753672677-8R70Z4A6DXYQDG59F4PH/IMG_7977.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1567018705230-4S1JEERK0RDW40RMIM7P/1I6A2030-HDR.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - St. Mary's Lake Glacier NP. July 2019. By Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753674367-37QUP8NWW227K776GFNO/IMG_8931.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753679598-E0RRFHEUHRGMOIXCQHLD/IMG_9468_GlaciersScar.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Mount Rainier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753679225-FK6KJ8FZ1GW6HAVUWTO4/IMG_9482_NehalemRiver2.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753683097-M33JTPWURR8T0Z93N6TJ/IMG_9534_TreacherousPath.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753684917-9XN83UWZ1N4UFCSGTM4W/RainierStairs.jpg EARTH PHOTOS - Mt. Rainier Through Vintage Glass This Mount Rainier as seen through a vintage zeiss lens adapted to fit my digital camera body. Taken in July 2009. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598389884121-CQAIWVHQG8P0GQDBKMZK/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Long Drop A daredevil peers into a thousand foot drop to the valley below. Taken in Yosemite National Park, October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638487116566-67L6EC9LOVYM6XJBCH53/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Lower Falls of the Yellowstone Taken from Artist’s Point in Yellowstone National Park in October 2021 Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1505753677620-64S2ZJXJ1PE53W1OLFBM/IMG_9335.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638393137898-O3NUS3U4ZKJY4H7PN0VL/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Wildfires in the West 2021’s wildfire season proved to be one of the worst on record. Smoke originating in Oregon and Northern California made it all the way to Glacier National Park, obscuring many of the famous peaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598471094259-OJSZM270WRBMYPLDPW35/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - First Snow on the Tetons The first snow of the fall season in 2019 covered the landscape in a dusting of white magic in Grand Teton National Park. Taken October 2019. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1638471544692-EIUKBWYSS6HEIMY2GZM4/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Castle Geyser Erupting In Yellowstone National Park, in its upper geyser basin, Castle Geyser erupts in the afternoon light. Taken in October 2020. Photo by Ben Blankenship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598477434404-XZA7U10ODYIA2Z1GXHES/image-asset.jpeg EARTH PHOTOS - Snowy Yellowstone Light, fog, and snow make for a dreamy landscape in Yellowstone National Park. Taken October 2018. Photo by Ben Blankenship/©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644250579-3JUPFVZP1VNQ4VO0Q8AP/1P9A2759.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644406607-H3YIRABWB9FBDSUKCHDS/1P9A4297.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720644889826-9HQ4VN7XZ9QS29UAHSPI/1P9A6994.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645063903-VFIKYC66MYM5DBGXCHVL/1P9A4724-Edit-MW.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645068672-S1HIB529FE2QL1L7232A/1P9A4891-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645079866-G9YP4W0SC56LQI7K6FUL/1P9A5114-Pano-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720645101570-T3PVRGQ1FXMI7CYPLD0J/1P9A4518-Edit-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646605280-IPTJSUAZRVN0TWT56PSH/1P9A0340.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720646715399-HRQB0R6V7XSHFQQ0ZFH0/1P9A9869.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647005626-607H8YFHLCUTBQMWDB8I/1P9A0612-Edit-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647008323-62ANFUBUDGGD8VKEFBBA/1P9A0735-HDR-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647017162-O6B2X390HOFQESNIC6FF/1P9A0926-Pano-Edit.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647359156-007XYGPIZ4ZUWJ63NPST/1P9A8217-HDR.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647378571-CDUEBAXH0SQWF19436U8/1P9A8407.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647396737-CEQQDZ0H7OR46PRLDX0Z/1P9A8517.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1720647497668-9T8NUA40F9485WW7QP00/1P9A7953.jpg EARTH PHOTOS https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog daily 0.75 2025-05-31 https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2021/9/28/video-the-iceland-volcano-fagradalsfjall monthly 0.5 2021-09-28 https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2020/12/23/merry-christmas-a-call-out-and-some-pretty-pictures monthly 0.5 2020-12-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608757527853-ZOS2B38CND48XSFKT4KO/_I6A3802.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures My little niece from a few Christmases Past https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758300051-GYHL89D04IEI2F08MT94/1I6A2958.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures Sunset Over the Smoky Mountains from Clingman’s Dome - October 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758628395-DUW9WWA8N24NJGR46OFW/1I6A6793.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures The Mormon Barns in Front of the Grand Teton - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758569552-WFNNF815EP9VW2MY1CYH/1I6A0392.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures A Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Cub Following His Mother - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758477558-E0U9OLAZLKE5JBBGZPLF/1I6A0166.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures A Lone Bull Bison in Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758767993-O9GV5XTX977N4JD4SOFY/1I6A8260.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures Castle Geyser Erupting in Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758827478-N5TAR5DKKF51NNYXHFAX/1I6A5746.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758925375-8NIGDUYLAZRH4JEZVQC0/1I6A8041.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures Bull Elk in Silhouette - Yellowstone National Park - October ©2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1608758007919-TDO3SJOP8Y5D9JI0L55E/1I6A0692.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas - A Call-out - And Some Pretty Pictures A Pretty Little Autumn Stream in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 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The Return of the Colorado Gray Wolf Country children surprised by a wolf (1833) by François Grenier de Saint-Martin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1605221067157-N1EKWSRW0ZRDMARM2DEP/1I6A6142.jpg Blog - The Return of the Colorado Gray Wolf A Yellowstone Coyote ©2020 Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1605221873945-Y9OF6JGK9RWQMAQ77OL9/1I6A6149.jpg Blog - The Return of the Colorado Gray Wolf A Captive Wolf at the Wolf and Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1605221623257-0DA7LJGAZY9GRT69BK5W/lone-wolf-terrorism-security-722x490.jpg Blog - The Return of the Colorado Gray Wolf Wolf of Chazes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1605220453782-QOQLO6FUQMZVA8GNCAHO/bigstock-Grey-Wolf-canis-Lupus--Also--348282613.jpg Blog - The Return of the Colorado Gray Wolf A Gray Wolf in Yellowstone National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1605220989375-WOO1ZBLOIOJDF15XGT6R/image-asset.jpeg Blog - 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Rothschild’s Giraffe - Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486543519-Y1RJP254FF3ZKOE1GY64/OldMan_framed_print.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Old Man of Storr - Isle of Skye, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486370587-Y14QW73LTDGZBOCBYUGL/1I6A7956.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486936755-GB1DRG0826GL9JCBE566/ThorsHammer.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah, USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486483138-VDXXX5D6GC1PNCCUXMRT/1I6A1240-HDR-Edit-Frame.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Half Dome and the Elm Tree - Yosemite National Park, USA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486083324-LLIHERQGLZ2F2JGZDXGW/1I6A7506-Pano.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Grand Teton and The Snake River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486841270-WYQP7B3KL8NHY397E83X/Yosemite_TV_Framed.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Yosemite Valley Cloudscape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1596486701396-LSZ9PKJ6G4L2A7H4VHO1/bedroom.jpg Blog - Big Announcements and Dreams of Travel - Print Sales Open! Sample of a panoramic print of Grand Teton and the Snake River https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2020/1/5/a-photo-guide-life monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578260350492-UGKC3UL3EXWRGV1HHH3L/1I6A5250.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Scarlet Macaw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578253961911-GWQRR5QAYTFFR12EDZSN/1I6A6211.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Howler Monkey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578252704844-XBEPRD5ZRQ9S49J95JQO/1I6A5274.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Scarlet Macaw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578253189115-AUSC8MY496W4EMZE0MR0/1I6A3242.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578252987978-AYBJ78COYKRRIGH8I1TK/1I6A3674.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578254046696-37SFXE0EATLNJOH2Q5PP/1I6A4357.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Black Throated Trogan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578254018937-FAL3U9K79V35XGZHH006/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Collared Peccary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578260572214-9BVBEJBISWDWOO0NKXVJ/image-asset.jpeg Blog - A Photo Guide Life American Crocodile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578253039032-RG8C299HNKDGJ4C6K8CQ/1I6A3555.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Resplendent Quetzal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578261081526-ZGMF8V5722Z54NNLCNS2/1I6A7663.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Three Toed Sloth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578253109808-HH6KQ67SWEWH958MVSOV/1I6A2770.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Emerald Toucanet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578254165209-KLLPB759HLSXR8YNXWDS/1I6A4667.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Green Parrot Snake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578252408717-NXX0ARQ3AOG3TXPL43OT/1I6A4714.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Red Eye Tree Frog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578260633455-04ATBHUIS75VK2MRF7T5/1I6A9774-2.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1578254124765-DQ4ZN4MN1T7CDX3A55Z3/1I6A4638.jpg Blog - A Photo Guide Life Red Eyed Tree Frog https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2019/3/13/chainsaws-in-paradise-plus-new-photos monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507941297-M1INJPSC6BI0XLQWDWKK/1I6A8981.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Hummingbird Feeding. Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507574919-4VIPSFWJRDZGSJUT8G4I/1I6A9459.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Nom nom nom… Central American Squirrel Monkey Feeding. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507990808-324K3SVCRYRXV221GF68/1I6A8654.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Hummingbird in Flight. Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507708146-A4MDKJ8SHPAS56ZO2C02/1I6A7393.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos A Mother’s Love. Female White Faced Capuchin with Offspring. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552508055369-07D4FMA399YBF5USYWUR/1I6A9101.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Scarlet Macaw Feeding on a Wild Almond. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552508187600-XDB7LYBZK0XF7R262U6G/1I6A9559.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Chestnut-mandibled Toucan in a Mango Tree. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1598903340855-KQIBVWBDCG657GTZDZKA/1I6A4667.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Green Parrot Snake - Osa Peninsula February 2020 - ©2020 Ben Blankenship https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507801211-C1J2NMHTL9VV8MKM9112/1I6A7385.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Look at My Teeth! Male White Faced Capuchin in Threat Display. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552508123615-C8MBW521KJ9NGW5OSDC2/1I6A9242.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Scarlet Macaw in a Beach Almond Tree. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507047976-NEG09ILTCHSQP2NJ3MIX/1I6A8447.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Resplendent Quetzal - Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552508271419-EPAIS3J74FF5RTGRDWRI/1I6A9581.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan Raiding a Woodpecker Nest. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507354835-KJSTDEQL8YMMY8JQF6IL/1I6A8409.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Resplendent Quetzal - Taken in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship ©2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1552507477513-T25MWOE01EDTUHONO376/1I6A0035.jpg Blog - Chainsaws in Paradise - Plus New Photos Female Mantled Howler Monkey with Offspring - Taken in Rio Pro, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship ©2019 https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2019/2/1/return-to-the-osa-with-a-new-job-new-documentary-and-new-photos monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059803672-PQT4WW7D23NDCA8THATY/1I6A7753-2.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Toucan - Osa Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059723189-ZB2A5X91WSPTUUPI7FL8/1I6A7466.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Sleepy Squirrel Monkey - Osa Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059435179-ZIN3ITZPPMQM0MO5CW78/1I6A5224_oxbow-bend2.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Mt. Moran as seen from Oxbow Bend in Grand Tetons National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059673685-LCL19O2G77MPPNZOO9TM/1I6A7423.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Scarlet Macaw - Osa Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059597867-AXN5Z5R5DS4CIUJNJLQF/1I6A6433-HDR-4.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Cathedral Rock and the Merced River in Yosemite National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059766906-J38YY9V89Y014R4R4NGA/1I6A7663.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Two toed sloth - Osa Peninsula https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059501596-5227S26ZVS7UB2KEM1X2/1I6A5146_snake-river-sm3.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) Grand Tetons and the Snake River https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1549059548275-M17V0FD78FTP63XBBKWC/1I6A6369-HDR-2.jpg Blog - Return to the Osa (With a New Job, New Documentary, and New Photos) El Capitan in Yosemite National Park https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2018/7/21/from-costa-rican-paradise-to-ugandan-village-life monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1532266378150-0X97BJYJKTF69H2K8X00/IMG_7187.jpg Blog - From Costa Rican Paradise to Ugandan Village Life Cell Phone shot of touchdown at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2018/6/26/a-wedding-in-paradise-osa-peninsula-style monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053027881-HYXR0WQNZK43UVAYR5Z1/1I6A1064.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Sherri posing for her individual portraits. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053102742-75FFP0765ZUHIODY037R/1I6A1033.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Sherri and Jory exchange a kiss in the surf. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053232361-KSW7ONV3RKYG822BPNSS/1I6A0897.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Jory expressing his vows to Sherri. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053358313-499FSXKGU9DTNZEAKVCR/1I6A1006.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Jory and Sherri, newly weds! Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053222881-W1U7A6XPYJ44BLZDA2OY/1I6A0877.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Sherri walks "the aisle." Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530052939177-3CAKC5AHKO7VBRWYBR0C/1I6A1003.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Sherri and Jory just after the ceremony. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053290307-RTULRVU97N5J0IYV8MYT/1I6A0910.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style Sherri places Jory's wedding band on his hand. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1530053742724-BPYMWMYVHEYK6K6ZRRZL/1I6A1039.jpg Blog - A Wedding in Paradise - Osa Peninsula Style And one more shot of the beautiful Sherri. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. June 2018. https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2018/5/9/costa-rican-castration-party-part-one-warning-graphic monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890697544-15PN5DW5X273V7U04KR4/BB_CastrationParty_headlock2.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC The pock-faced man attempts to wrestle a bull to the ground on his own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890137950-X7XVNYWDMZBNPF0LOR45/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A young Tica readies herself for a bull ride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890586715-3F876P6EBEFEFVUQWXVF/BB_CastrationParty_gato.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A local man known as Gato clambers up a fence to avoid a charging bull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525891040034-ZM6COCXD06Y9Q60L4GCV/BB_CastrationParty_iphone1.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A Tico proudly displays the severed bulls' testicles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525891122499-3XVQVPFQH4961Z1ZMD19/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC The young Tica, after being dumped to the ground from atop a raging bull, admires a photo of her newly earned warpaint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890647083-K9Z1OP0N6BIASXW6OKTT/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A young Costa Rican man attempts to bring a large bull to the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890324322-4QQKYL2S31T1CQBMN30H/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC An enraged bull fights against two lassos around its neck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525886845002-Z3P5SUTXQAT5L4U2GCGR/BB_CastrationParty_crowd.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC Spectators line the fence during one of the drinking breaks between castrations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890462005-Z3EJYQ7XN6MA3A64C218/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC Paison, the barefooted Tico, gets dumped to the ground by a bucking bull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890767020-3RLM91UUTIHNH84ECR0E/BB_CastrationParty_pile.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC With Paison positioned atop a bull, the pock-faced man scrambles to avoid being trampled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890528805-3091M4CBEYKJ2LCU696J/BB_CastrationParty_gary.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC Gary and a few other Ticos work a bull to the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890831381-U8LZ1EPM9NM41E8NLNZM/BB_CastrationParty_youngbuck.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A young Tico twists the head of a bull to compel it to the ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890052430-XEB0TVT59G7QIZM644WJ/BB_CastrationParty_battle.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A group of Ticos battle to bring a bull under control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890891890-QHLFCI2YG7JENELTFW85/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A young man braces for impact as a bull thrashes and bucks around whilst tethered to a pole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525889832802-F7Y6XQ8SLZ6PPLOUHRLP/BB_CastrationParty_headbutt.jpg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC A Tico finds himself on the receiving end of a charging bull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1525890951861-5STJAMDD16WO7WIBGCB8/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Costa Rican Castration Party - Part One // WARNING, GRAPHIC The knife-man uses a pocket knife to cut through tissue and tubing, severing a bull's testicles from its body. https://www.ben-blankenship.com/new-blog/2018/4/16/costa-ricas-photographic-cornucopia monthly 0.5 2020-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523895744402-G3Z87LCPDNHZU3C2GADF/1I6A0122_macaw.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Scarlet Macaw-Stare Into My Eye. Taken in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. March 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523898862847-4YFIK5QYEM8BOICF9TKV/_I6A7303-sm.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Frogling in Metamorphosis - Taken at Puma Creek in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. May 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1524160271272-JKDTOF7U2S3DD6RGLD84/1I6A0674_squirrel-monkey-square.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Squirrel Monkey or Forest Elf? Taken in Carate, Costa Rica near Corcovado National Park. Photo by Ben Blankenship. April 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523897880480-8JI676RU1T0EYN49ITQ3/BenBlankenship_I6A8355.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... White Nosed Coati; Peek-a-Boo! Taken in Corcovado National Park, Cost Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. August 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523897285039-44BYV4NXVG4EKV6PZDMK/BenBlankenship_I6A6664-sm.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Golfo Dulce Anole-Camouflaged. Taken at Puma Creek in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. April 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523896118057-WIGP2HJTU84DMWK6WMBA/BenBlankenship_I6A6404.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Bare Hearted Glass Frog-Taken at Catappa Waterfall in Carate, Costa Rica near Corcovado National Park. Photo by Ben Blankenship. April 2017. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/59a8408acf81e09917503779/1523898320333-OMIYOUY41VK58T9LV7UQ/BenBlankenship_I6A7291-sm.jpg Blog - The Cute and the Creepy... Frog Eggs About to Hatch. Taken at Puma Creek in Carate, Costa Rica. Photo by Ben Blankenship. 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