2009 Photos: Birds, Butterflies, Beautyberries, Bullfrogs, Bears and More

It's been a busy year -- little time for pictures -- but I have managed to snap a few. As always, I'm blessed to spend much of my time in places where we get to see a bit of wildlife, and I love sharing it.

(in roughly chronological order)

Eastern amberwing dragonfly
Eastern amberwing dragonfly
This dragonfly mimics a wasp in order to discourage predators -- look at the waist, the amber wings, the stripes on the abdomen. It has no sting, of course.
photo by Mark Minasi