The Eurasian Eagle-owl is one of the world’s largest owl species. Native to Europe and Asia, these impressive birds are recognized by their bright orange eyes, prominent feather tufts, and powerful build. Adults can stand nearly 30 inches tall and have wingspans exceeding six feet. Saw this one at Wing Haven in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Eurasian Eagle
A newborn rhino looks like a tiny, wrinkled, gray-to-brown tank with a stubby bump instead of a long horn.
Rhino Closeup
Unique among Eulemur species, common brown males and females share the same coloring—grayish brown with a blackish face and orange-red eyes. Saw this one at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina.
Brown Lemur
Photographed a Toco Toucan looking sideways at Sylvan Heights Bird Park, Scotland Neck, North Carolina
Toco Toucan Sideways
The polar bear is a massive marine mammal and the world’s largest land carnivore, native to the Arctic.
Polar Bear
The hamadryas baboon was a sacred animal to the ancient Egyptians and appears in various roles in ancient Egyptian religion; hence its alternative name, the sacred baboon. Hamadryas baboons are large-bodied monkeys with strong builds and dog-like muzzles.
Photographed this one; seems angry at the North Carolina Zoo.
Hamadryas Baboon
Photographed from afar with a phone camera, this American Black Bear is sitting and looking at you at Grandfather Mountain Zoo in North Carolina
American Black Bear Sitting
Lemurs are generally the most social strepsirrhine primates, living in groups called troops.
This lemur in a cage was photographed at the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, North Carolina, which houses nearly 250 lemurs and bush babies across 12 species—the most diverse lemur population on Earth outside their native Madagascar.
Caged Lemur
A rhinoceros is a large, thick-skinned, hoofed mammal with one or two prominent horns on its snout. Rhino and rhinoceros are used interchangeably because “rhino” is the short, everyday nickname for the Rhinoceros family.
The white rhinoceros here, photographed at the North Carolina Zoo, is the largest living rhinoceros species and the second-largest land mammal after the elephant.
Rhino
American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America and is the continent’s smallest and most widely distributed bear species.
Shot (not as well) this one at Grandfather Mountain Zoo, North Carolina.
American Black Bear
Along the Watauga River at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, we saw a dog enjoying the clear water and looking towards the photographer.
Dog in the River
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery produces a variety of wines in a relaxing setting beside the Watauga River near the base of Grandfather Mountain. Adirondack chairs line the Watauga River that runs alongside the property.
The vineyard grows Vitis vinifera grapes, which thrive on the terraced land with warm days and cool nights.
Wine by the River
Ready to be Picked
Mast Store
Mast Store Front
Bears are occasionally spotted on Sugar Mountain, even though they are most active at night. Here is a bear sculpture to remind us that bears are in the area.
Bear in the Mountains
A bench to view the scenic mountains near Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
Bench to View the Mountains
Beech Mountain Resort is the highest ski area in the Eastern U.S., with a peak elevation of 5,506 feet.
The resort has 17 trails — including an expansive terrain park — on 95 skiable acres serviced by 10 lifts and conveyors.
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
Ski Lift
Sugar Mountain is a village in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for the Sugar Mountain Resort, with its ski slopes, trails, and outdoor ice rink. Posting images from that area.
We end the series of images of Silver Creek Plantation, near Morganton, North Carolina, with a monochrome version of the mountains over the community. The white-roofed home is striking.
Monochrome Mountain Ridges at Silver Creek Plantation
Setting sun paints the mountains and sky at Silver Creek Plantation
Mountains Painted by Sunlight at Silver Creek Plantation
The golden rays of sunset light up a silo and greenery at Silver Creek Plantation
Lighting Up the Silo at Silver Creek Plantation
Setting Sun Light at Silver Creek Plantation