iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

I’ve been AWOL from wildlife photos because I’ve been focused on I See Purple. I don’t usually post civic/political content here - and I’ll be back to wildlife after this - but this matters to me. Please consider following @iseepurple.bsky.social and signing the pledge at www.iseepurple.org.

000

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

A Swallow-tailed Manakin perches in the Atlantic Forest outside Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, its bright red crown glowing against the deep greens of the canopy. #BirdsOfBlueSky #Birds #WildlifePhotography #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #SwallowTailedManakin #Manakin #BrazilBirds

0162

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I’m reposting this because it happens to fit the #birdoftheday theme of #foodinbeaks and the alt theme of #green.

0121

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

A Green-headed Tanager pauses while foraging in the Atlantic Forest outside Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a tiny berry held carefully in its beak. Its colors are hard to ignore, but the little feeding moment is what makes the image for me. #Birds #BirdsOfBlueSky #GreenHeadedTanager #Tanager #Brazil

3265

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

A pair of Black-capped Donacobius pauses for a quiet moment among the reeds and thorny branches along a rural stream outside Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. #BirdsOfBlueSky #Birds #WildlifePhotography #BirdPhotography #BlackCappedDonacobius #BrazilBirds

1133

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

A Glittering-bellied Emerald hovers among purple blossoms in Buenos Aires, Argentina, feeding in a blur of iridescent green and motion. For such a small bird, it leaves quite an impression. #BirdsOfBlueSky #Birds #Hummingbirds #GlitteringBelliedEmerald #ArgentinaBirds

0528

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

A vibrant butterfly lingers on lantana blossoms in Punta del Este, Uruguay, its wings glowing like stained glass in the afternoon light. #Butterfly #ButterflyPhotography #InsectsOfBlueSky #ButterfliesofBlueSky #NatureLovers #PuntaDelEste #Uruguay

082

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

A Green-barred Woodpecker works its way along a tree branch in the Atlantic Forest near Rio de Janeiro. Tiny fragments of wood fall below as it pecks, pauses, and listens — patiently chipping away in search of insects hidden in the bark. #BirdsOfBlueSky #GreenBarredWoodpecker #Woodpecker #Brazil

082

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

A Jacamar perches quietly in the Atlantic Forest outside Rio de Janeiro, its iridescent feathers glowing against the moss-covered branches around it. I never would have found it if it weren't for Gabriel Mello (www.irmaosmello.com.br), whose expert eye helped reveal a whole hidden world. #birds

0426

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

A Plain Parakeet feeds quietly among thin branches in the rainforest near Paraty, Brazil. These little beauties blend so well into the green canopy — they’re really easy to miss! #Birds #BirdsOfBlueSky #WildlifePhotography #BrazilWildlife #Parakeet

0112

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

While the rest of our group sampled local spirits in Paraty, Brazil, I wandered toward an old church across the road. Behind it was untamed jungle, where curious marmosets appeared in the canopy. For a few quiet moments, we had the rainforest to ourselves. #WildlifePhotography #Brazil #Marmoset

051

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

A European starling, perched atop a sun-scorched saguaro, locks menacingly onto a perceived threat in the stark white sky. Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix, AZ #europeanstarling #starling #birds #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #birdsofbluesky #arizona

060

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

A Gila woodpecker working on its nest in a saguaro cactus. These cavities often become homes for other birds once they’re abandoned. Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix, AZ #gilawoodpecker #woodpeckers #birds #birdsofbluesky #desertlife #arizonanature #phoenixarizona #desertbotanicalgarden

080

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

An Anna’s hummingbird pausing just long enough for a quick sip… and then gone. Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, AZ #hummingbird #annashummingbird #birds #birdphotography #birdsofbluesky #desertbotanicalgarden #phoenixarizona

0101

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

There was just a quick flash of yellow as this little Verdin darted effortlessly through a maze of thorny branches. Desert Botanical Gardens Phoenix, Arizona #verdins #birds #birdsinflight #arizonanature #desertbotanicalgarden #birdsofbluesky

0263

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

I was focused on the hummingbird… and almost missed the tiny standoff happening right below it. Not sure who thought they had the right of way here. #hummingbird #annashummingbird #birds #arizona #desertbotanicalgarden #birdsofbluesky #birdsandbees

251108116

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Sometimes the wild moments get all the attention, but scenes like this are just as memorable. A quiet afternoon, a sea lion at rest, and the rhythm of the islands slowing everything down. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #galapagos #ecuador #wildlifephotography #sealions

0111

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Not what I expected. I always think of penguins as waddling on land or darting underwater like submersible rockets, but here they were just cruising along the surface like ducks. Who knew? Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #galapagos #penguins #birds #wildlifephotography #naturephotography

0130

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

I’ve shared a few blue-footed boobies already, but this angle really stood out to me. The feather detail, the posture… and of course, those unmistakable blue feet. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #galapagos #bluefootedbooby #galapagos #birds #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #birdsofbluesky

1130

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Spent a while watching this Galápagos mockingbird just holding its ground on this branch. Simple scene, but the light, the pose, and that clean background all came together. #galapagos #birds #galapagosmockingbird #birdsofbluesky

060

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Fresh out of the ocean, this marine iguana climbs up like he owns the place. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #MarineIguana #Galapagos #Iguana #WildlifePhotography #PlanetEarth #ReptilesOfBlueSky

020

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

This pup was tucked into the rocks, catching a pocket of softer light in the late morning. The conditions weren’t easy - shooting from a moving zodiac, with harsh light and deep shadows - but every once in a while, everything lines up just enough. #SeaLion #Galapagos #WildlifePhotography

020

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

I almost walked right past this one. Blending into the dry landscape, these yellow land iguanas don’t always stand out until the light hits them just right. Once it does, though, the color and texture are hard to ignore. #GalapagosIslands #LandIguana #Galapagos #Iguana #WildlifePhotography

020

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

I was surprised to learn there’s a small population of flamingos that live in the Galápagos year-round. They can be hard to find, so I felt especially lucky to catch this one wading through the still waters at Cerro Dragón. #Flamingo #Galapagos #Birds #WildlifePhotography #BirdsofBlueSky

0112

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

A quiet moment between waves. For just a second, everything aligns - light, movement, and reflection - before it disappears again. #SemipalmatedPlover #Galapagos #WildlifePhotography #Birds #BirdPhotography #NaturePhotography #Shorebirds #Reflection #BirdsofBlueSky

0110

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Caught mid-air, just before touchdown. Blue-footed boobies are built for precision—wings outstretched, feet ready, every movement calculated as they return to land. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #BlueFootedBooby #Galapagos #Birds #WildlifePhotography #BirdsofBlueSky

080

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

Proof that even the smallest details can tell a bigger story. Darwin’s finches, found only in the Galápagos, played a key role in shaping the theory of evolution - each species adapting over time with different beak shapes suited to their environment. #Darwin #Galapagos #Evolution #Birds

040

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 28/03/2026

Back after a brief pause. Thank you for sticking with me. A breath between worlds... Green sea turtles spend most of their lives underwater, surfacing only briefly to breathe before slipping back into the depths. #GreenSeaTurtle #GalapagosIslands #OceanWildlife #WildlifePhotography

000

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Slow, deliberate, and unchanged for millions of years. The Galápagos giant tortoise is one of the islands’ most iconic inhabitants — a living reminder of evolution in action. #GiantTortoise #Galapagos #GalapagosWildlife #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography

010

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

The only cormorant in the world that has given up flight, evolving instead to become a powerful swimmer along the Galápagos coastline. After each dive, it returns to the rocks to dry its wings in the sun. #FlightlessCormorant #Cormorant #Galapagos #WildlifePhotography #Birds #BirdsofBlueSky

080

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

OK, I guess it's #tongueouttuesday, so I'll play. I caught this Marine Iguana licking the salt of its lips in the Galapagos.

001

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

A Sally Lightfoot crab clings to the volcanic shoreline. Known for their vivid colors and quick movements, these crabs scramble across lava rocks and tide pools throughout the Galápagos. #SallyLightfootCrab #Crabs #GalapagosWildlife #Galapagos #WildlifePhotography #MarineLife #IslandWildlife

010

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

What did you call me??? A blue-footed booby strikes a slightly opinionated pose. These seabirds are famous for their bright blue feet, which they proudly display during courtship dances. The brighter the blue, the more attractive the mate. #BlueFootedBooby #Galapagos #Birds #BirdsofBlueSky

0182

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

A Galápagos sea lion surfaces with its catch. These playful marine mammals are skilled hunters, feeding on fish and squid in the nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #Galapagos #SeaLion #GalapagosWildlife #WildlifePhotography #SouthAmericaWildlife #SeaLife

010

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

A pair of penguins looking cool along the volcanic shoreline. The Galápagos Penguin is the only penguin species found north of the equator, surviving there thanks to the cool waters of the Humboldt Current. #GalapagosPenguin #Galapagos #Birds #WildlifePhotography #Penguins #BirdsofBlueSky

1214

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Marine iguanas are found nowhere else on Earth. On the Galápagos Islands, they gather along the volcanic shoreline, basking in the sun after feeding on algae in the cold Pacific waters. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #MarineIguana #Galapagos #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #Reptiles

010

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

From the cloud forests of Mashpi to the volcanic shores of the Galápagos. The Blue-footed Booby is one of the most iconic birds of the islands. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador #BlueFootedBooby #Galapagos #Birds #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfBlueSky

0191

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

The White-whiskered Hermit hovered effortlessly in the forest light, its long curved bill perfectly adapted for the flowers hidden deep within the rainforest. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #WhiteWhiskeredHermit #Hummingbird #Birds #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #BirdsOfBlueSky

0223

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

A Black-cheeked Woodpecker pausing briefly while working its way up the trunk, searching the bark for insects. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #BlackCheekedWoodpecker #Woodpecker #Birds #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #RainforestBirds #NaturePhotography #BirdsOfBlueSky

0141

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

A Purple-chested Hummingbird pauses for a split second at the tree-top flower, though in reality it never really stops moving. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #PurpleChestedHummingbird #Hummingbirds #Birds #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #HummingbirdPhotography #BirdsofBlueSky

070

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

A Crested Owl resting quietly in the rainforest canopy. It remained perfectly still — so well hidden among the branches that we never would have noticed it if our guide hadn’t pointed it out. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #CrestedOwl #Birds #BirdPhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #BirdsOfBlueSky

0105

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

The Moss-backed Tanager made quick work of this insect. One bite… and the rest was already falling away. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #MossBackedTanager #Birds #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #RainforestBirds #NaturePhotography #BirdsOfBlueSky

0211

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

There's no mystery how the Wedge-billed Woodcreeper got its name. It crept quickly and quietly up the trunk, never staying still for long - which made a clean shot anything but easy. Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador #WedgeBilledWoodcreeper #Birds #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #BirdsOfBlueSky

0100

Scott Werntz Nature Photographer @swerntznature.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

The Crimson-rumped Toucanet may blend into the canopy, but that bill - and the formidable look in its eye - are anything but subtle. #CrimsonRumpedToucanet #Toucanet #BirdPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mashpi #Ecuador #RainforestBirds #NaturePhotography #Birds #BirdsOfBlueSky

0112