Morninglight

ISO 100 1/2 f/14 20mm
Gamboa, Panama 2006

A long exposure of diffuse light showering
through the canopy understory.

Megalopta byroni

ISO 100 1/100 f/18 100mm
Gamboa, Panama 2005

This sweat bee is a brood parasite on related bees
in the genus Megalopta. In response to these threats
it appears as if the bee species attacked have evolved
nocturnalism to reduce this parasite's impact.
Capturing stationary images of flying insects like this
bee requires photographing the animal the instant
before it buzzes off.

Smilisca phaeota: Perspective

ISO 100 1/25 f/2.8 100mm

Smilisca phaeota, Masked Tree Frog

ISO 100 1/8 f/2.8 100mm
Gamboa, Panama 2007

This masked tree frog is adopting a "water conservation
posture" and in doing so the animal reduces surface to
air contact, minimizing evaporation from its skin.
Despite being a visually gorgeous frog, its a surprise
that its hoarse mating call doesn't repel females.

Dendrobates auratus, Green and Black Poison Frog

ISO 100 1/20 f/18 100mm
Barro Colorado Island, Panama 2007

Unlike most frogs this mildly toxic poison frog is active
during the day. Unless moving on the forest floor or
inside a treehole, these frogs are difficult to detect.
Notoriously unwilling to pose for the photographer,
their highly contrasting coloration also makes them
difficult to capture with a single exposure.

Partly Cloudy on the Panama Canal

ISO 100 1/100 f/22 20mm
Panama Canal, 2007

The translucent green waters of the Canal are a
terrific temperature for swimming, and to do so amongst
large crocodilians and transoceanic freight ships
reminds one of life's palpability.

Bufo marinus, The Cane Toad

ISO 100 4/10 f/3.2 100mm
Barro Colorado Island, Panama 2007

The Cane Toad is an abundant amphibian year round,
and unlike many anurans (frogs and toads) it breeds
during the dry season. While many find this toad to be
an unattractive member of the Amphibia, these animals
have a particular charm - notice the brilliant gold reticulations
on the iris.

Hyla rosenbergi, Gladiator Tree Frog

For those familiar with Gamboa, note the reflection of Building 183 in this frog's pupil.

Rio Chagres, Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes

Agalychnis callidryas, A Metamorphic Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Iguana Iguana, A Juvenile Iguana

Uroderma bilobatum, The Tent-Making Bat

The Red-Eyed Grasshopper

Trachops cirrhosus, The Fringe-Lipped Bat

Hyla rosenbergi, The Gladiator Frog

Hyla microcephala, The Yellow Cricket Tree Frog

Physalaemus pustulosus, The Tungara Frog