Lea.F Images

Lea.F Images Wildlife photographer on a mission to showcase the wonders of nature. Let's embark on a journey through the lens of nature together.

The American mink is a sleek, nimble predator, both on land and in the water. Blink and you might miss one. They are sma...
06/04/2026

The American mink is a sleek, nimble predator, both on land and in the water. Blink and you might miss one. They are small in size but fearless in attitude. Mink are powerful swimmers, skilled hunters, and one of those challenging mammals to photograph. This image was captured as this curious little hunter raced along a small waterway in search of prey.

Wildlife photography is often about patience, timing, and learning the behavior of the animals you pursue. Encounters like this one never get old.

American mink, Montana wildlife, wildlife photography, wildlife, mustelid, nature photography, Montana, outdoor adventure, animal behavior, Montana photographer

One of the more vocal and unmistakable recent arrivals to Montana wetlands is the bold Yellow-headed Blackbird. Their lo...
05/31/2026

One of the more vocal and unmistakable recent arrivals to Montana wetlands is the bold Yellow-headed Blackbird. Their loud, scratchy calls now echo across marshlands and cattail sloughs as males aggressively announce territories and attempt to impress nearby females with dramatic displays, posturing, and dance-like movements.

While they may not have the prettiest song in the bird world, they certainly make up for it with personality. Their striking yellow heads contrasted against jet-black bodies make them stand out beautifully against the green marsh vegetation and blue spring skies.

This time of year, wetlands are alive with sound and motion, and the Yellow-headed Blackbird is often right in the middle of the chaos — loud, animated, territorial, and impossible to ignore.

Pictured here are both a male and female Wilson’s Phalarope in their beautiful breeding plumage. These energetic little ...
05/30/2026

Pictured here are both a male and female Wilson’s Phalarope in their beautiful breeding plumage. These energetic little shorebirds are among Montana’s most entertaining summer visitors, famous for spinning in tight circles across the water as they feed. Their graceful movements, striking colors, and nonstop activity make them a favorite species to watch each spring and summer across Montana wetlands.

Wilson’s Phalaropes breed right here in Montana’s prairie potholes, marshes, and shallow wetlands before beginning an incredible long-distance migration to South America later in the year. Unlike many bird species, the females are often brighter and more colorful than the males, and after laying eggs, the males take over much of the nesting and chick-rearing duties.

These elegant little shorebirds are constantly in motion — spinning, darting, feeding, and reflecting beautifully across calm water in the early morning light. If you spend time near Montana wetlands this time of year, keep an eye out for these graceful birds dancing across the water’s surface.

It is officially butterfly season here in Montana, and the meadows, trails, and wildflower fields are coming alive with ...
05/26/2026

It is officially butterfly season here in Montana, and the meadows, trails, and wildflower fields are coming alive with color and motion. From monarchs, swallowtails, fritillaries and more, these incredible pollinators are tiny works of art floating through the summer landscape.

Butterflies do far more than add beauty to our days — they play a vital role in pollination and are an important part of healthy ecosystems across the Northern Rockies. This time of year is perfect for slowing down, watching the flowers closely, and appreciating the many unique patterns, colors, and behaviors each species brings.

Keep your eyes open along hiking trails, creek bottoms, gardens, and open fields. You never know when one of these winged masterpieces will land nearby long enough for you to truly appreciate the detail nature put into every design.

Exhausted… and honestly, I can relate.Spring is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year in the wildlife worl...
05/19/2026

Exhausted… and honestly, I can relate.

Spring is one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year in the wildlife world. While most people are just starting to enjoy warmer days, I am usually already out before sunrise and still chasing light long after sunset — documenting courtship displays, nesting behavior, territorial battles, and parents working nonstop to feed hungry young. By this point in the season, I think this marmot perfectly captures how I feel most evenings.

Wildlife photography during spring is unpredictable, exhausting, muddy, cold, exciting, and absolutely worth every second. These fleeting moments only happen for a short window each year, and being able to witness them in the wild is something I never take for granted.

📸 Wildlife photography by Lea Frye

A pair of hooded merganser. As is typical in the waterfowl species, the male feather pattern is much showery. The dra...
05/16/2026

A pair of hooded merganser. As is typical in the waterfowl species, the male feather pattern is much showery. The drab appearance of the females allows them to blend in with the surroundings. Their best defense against predators.

The start of a beautiful family. Two more eggs sit below the red-necked grebe - in a matter of days they will hatch. T...
05/15/2026

The start of a beautiful family. Two more eggs sit below the red-necked grebe - in a matter of days they will hatch. Taken a few years ago when I spent hours watching this pair from courtship to raising their young.

Thank you Fact and Fiction Books for having us and this amazing graphic you have designed. Come chat with and myself th...
05/14/2026

Thank you Fact and Fiction Books for having us and this amazing graphic you have designed. Come chat with and myself this Saturday in Missoula. Books are available to purchase and we would be happy to sign them for you.

When the siblings come out of the warm cozy den, it is play time.
05/14/2026

When the siblings come out of the warm cozy den, it is play time.

Tasty Snack -- A male Western tanager snags a bug. A high protein snack.
05/11/2026

Tasty Snack -- A male Western tanager snags a bug. A high protein snack.

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