TGIF... beautiful?

I would bet that this image presents a solid case for the adage of "beauty is in the eye of the beholder".

A damselfly resting peacefully on a feather most likely would not elicit an argument about beauty, but what about that green muck that holds the feather in its grip?

Beautiful? You must be kidding! Actually, to some of us that green and black slimy goop could hold its own in a nature beauty contest.

As a photographer, I find beauty within the variations of texture and color. However, it is definitely true that this beauty lies only in the "eye" of the beholder and I would never want to fall into this muck.

However, those of you who would truly love to explore every drop of this slime and I know there are people out there who do, I would be more than happy to photograph you safely and cleanly from the shore! TGIF!!

TGIF... Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Ran across these guys while out and about exploring the west end of Galveston Island. These birds have very distinctive coloring so I was able to identify them with my guidebook onsite. Although they are named Northern Shoveler, I tend to think of Galveston as just about as far south as you can get.

This particular site is a nature area set aside by a neighborhood. There are maintained trails and signs to identify many of the plant species. In a future post provide further information.

TGIF... let there be fog!

A wonderfully beautiful foggy morning!

There are two birds in this picture but I will not even attempt to identify them. However, just because they are not identified does not mean that cannot be recognized with the coveted Flyday Award.

The photograph was made at Clear Lake City Park on the banks of
Armand Bayou. A great nearby nature area if you live in the big ol' city of Houston (The Bayou City). Onward through the fog, get out and explore! TGIF!!

Working on it.

Little late on Flyday, I have it in draft so it will be soon.

Meanwhile, random beauty abounds!

TGIF... Back at it!

Flyday is back! Just way too many flying creature photos to share, especially my (admitted favorite) dragonfly friends.

Not shy in the slightest, this beauty was found near the Texas/Oklahoma border striking more poses than Tyra Banks!

A fellow photographer sometimes teases that the local wildlife will get their hair done and bring three different outfits if I am in the area. I think in this particular case, it is easily the correct assessment! TGIF!!

Go with the flow... or not?

Actually, going against the flow just might be in order.

Still not pleased with the image quality of my photographs once they are downloaded, so changes are in order. I plan on experimenting with a new template, one specifically designed for a true photoblog. We'll just have to wait and see. Given time, I am sure I can find the right combination.

In the meantime, please click on the image to enlarge it. This provides a much closer version of the original photograph posted.

The answer is "Yes!", the water in the deep pools of the Frio did look this deep color of green.

TGIF... who's gullible?

This week the coveted TGIF award is presented to an ensemble cast. These seagulls receive the award just for the amount of energy they could muster at such an early hour.

A far cry from a serious birder, I depend heavily on guides for assistance in species identification. A quick glance through my handy-dandy Birds of Texas guide turns up nine different gulls for this area.

Yes, nine. Who would of thought?

They could be Bonaparte's Gulls or Franklin's or possibly Sabine's. They might also be Ring-Billed, Lesser Black-Backed or Great Black-Backed. Alas, my last three choices are Herring, Glaucous or Laughing (don't laugh, I am trying to be serious here).

By process of elimination I have narrowed it down to three, well, or possibly four. However, at this point I am going to blame lighting conditions and proclaim that not even an expert ornithologist could see enough detail to make a positive ID.

So ... any experts out there PLEASE let me know what you think. TGIF!!