TEXplorations

TGIF... beautiful?

2008-02-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-15T04:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-02-01T23:29:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-01-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

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

Meanwhile, random beauty abounds!

TGIF... Back at it!

2008-01-11T23:30:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-12-05T23:45:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-11-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

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!!

TGIF... magnificent monarch.

2007-11-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

This monarch was taking vacation along the Frio River at the same time that I was. A perfect candidate for the Flyday award.

Rio Frio

2007-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

The Frio River is exactly that... mucho frio! Not sure what the actual water temperature was, but I certainly did not take a swim. Thankfully, it is absolutely gorgeous to photograph and explore from it's banks.

As busy as November can get, I had to sneak away from the hustle and bustle for a few days. A nice relaxing vacation (before the holiday season) was just what the "doctor" ordered.

Made a trip to Leakey Texas that included walks along the Frio and day trips to hike in Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Park. More pictures to come from both of those parks soon.

The Rio Frio taken at Camp Live Oak which fronts this colorful section of the river.
Click for a larger view in order to truly appreciate the colors.

Halloween spider

2007-10-31T22:51:00.000-07:00

These photos were not taken on Halloween, but I certainly thought they were fitting for a Halloween post. I came across this spider after sunset and he was just starting to build his web for the night. It is always interesting to watch the process of web building, various spiders tend to have different ideas on web architecture.

Click each photo for a larger view... I think this little guy could use a razor. The dragonfly (below) sports peach fuzz compared to this!

Unidentified spider (common name is crab spider)

TGIF... the bold & the beautiful.

2007-10-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

Click image for larger view.

Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin! Need I say more? TGIF!!

TGIF... Real and Surreal

2007-10-19T23:20:00.000-07:00

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
Click on image for larger view.

This is not any type of special effect or photoshop technique. The "effect" is simply due to a relatively slow shutter speed (1/60th of a second) and a blackbird that suddenly decided to fly the coop.
I happen to like both images. TGIF!!

Random beauty

2007-10-17T21:58:00.000-07:00

Craziness abounds! Good craziness I am happy to admit. I have been out in the field quite a bit lately and you would think that would translate into more posts on my blog…NOT!

Honestly, I am temporarily overwhelmed with keeping all my image files sorted and in order. I am not sure why this process seemed easier in the days of the darkroom… but I keep thinking those were the “good ol’ days”.

My post processing on images is almost non-existent, so unfortunately it is all the tedious stuff that steals my time. In the future, when I get bogged down, I will try to remember to stop and relax just long enough to share a random image.

Just a quick wave!

2007-10-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

Click for larger and much better view.

Just a quick WAVE to say "Hello". After my previous post of a major bug, I think I will give the non-bug lovers a break. A break to the coast in fact. This particular wave chose a nice grassy spot on the banks of East Bay to come ashore.

FYI: I have begun to moderate comments. Earlier today I saw a "spam" comment (attached to an otherwise reputable blog) that caused me to make a mad dash for my computer settings. If you feel that this constitutes censorship, I agree with you wholeheartedly. If you choose not to comment on this site due to the fact that I can read "outside" comments before they are posted, then so be it.

TGIF... warning super creepy!

2007-10-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

CREEPY! Don’t say I did not warn you.

I always understand when people tell me of their phobia of snakes or spiders. I myself have one of those phobias of cockroaches. I hate to even type it.

If you have the same fear don’t read any further. I was jumpy for two solid days after photographing this toe-biter, way too much like a cockroach to me. I also think that anything called a toe-biter is apt to make one a little skittish.

Having coffee on a patio the other night, when this guy shows up in the parking lot… by the size of it I knew what it had to be. I ran and got my camera and then made a complete spectacle of myself literally jumping around taking pictures of it.

Although I was using my longest telephoto lens, each time it would attempt to fly I would turn and run for cover. Finally one of my friends grabbed my camera and took a few shots, I think just to prove it could be done standing still.

I tried to explain that this was NOT my normal mode when doing wildlife/outdoor photography… they just kind of smiled uneasily and nodded. Well, enough about my antics lets see this bug. TGIF!!

Toe-biter
Lethocerus americanus or if this is the Eastern Toe-biter Benacus griseus

More information than you might ever want to know about the Toe-biter

TGIF... disappearing butterfly.

2007-09-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

Classic Butterfly Photo by Mom

My Mom sent this picture of a butterfly that made a visit to her backyard. I thought it was quite humorous.

By the way she is an excellent photographer with a keen eye for composition, especially of natural scenes. Wow, it's not often that one is allowed to "critique" their own parent.

Definitely a great addition to the TGIF collection. TGIF!!

TGIF...out on a limb.

2007-09-21T13:18:00.000-07:00

Juvenile Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus
As a juvenile the scissor-tail is not yet developed.

It can be a little scary to go out on limb. When I started this site, I said all fun and no rules… and I really am trying. However, I must admit that my perfectionist ways creep up on me at every opportunity.

With most projects, I usually “research them to death” before I start. With blogging, I stepped out on a limb and admittedly it has not always comfortable.

To make a long story short, I have slowed down with my posts because I can't stand to see the loss of quality in my photographs when I download them online.

I know it is something I can learn and I am doing what every adult should do in such a situation, I am consulting with my teenage neices & nephews. I will continue to post but my site will be “under construction” until I revamp my image sizing and quality techniques.

As a dear friend of mine would be saying about now “Hey! Do you want some CHEESE to go with that WHINE?!” Enough whining.

TGIF..."Stingers"

2007-09-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

There comes a time when one must admit to their complete lack of knowledge on an entire subject or species as the case may be.

When it comes to the group that I simply refer to as “Stingers”, I am generally clueless. I know some of their names wasp, yellow jacket, hornet and dirt dauber, however, I would flunk an exam that asked me to tell one from the other.

Unidentified "Stinger"

Sometimes the ones that I call stingers might be harmless and sometimes not. I don’t particularly fear them, in as much as I try to respect their space.

Texas A&M University offers a good amount of online information. Who knows I might learn about these critters yet. TGIF!!

Look Ma! No bugs!

2007-09-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Actually, Mom happens to like bugs or at least she will co-exist with them. Just a few simple rules: 1) Bugs must share, don’t be stingy and eat ALL of her plants. 2) Outside guests are generally welcome while inside guests take their life into their own hands.

One of this season’s guests are spiders… and plenty of them. Let me introduce you to the Spiny Orb Weaver.

Spiny Orb Weaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis)
Upper Gulf Coast (Click any image for larger view)

Sometimes called crab spiders, obviously due to their body shape. I also think their scientific name makes reference to the zodiac sign of Cancer.

Most spiders make for excellent guests, mainly because they dine upon many other unpleasant guests. Unfortunately, these guys set up house in the busiest corridor of the yard and their webs subsequently had to be moved aside on occasion.

A special characteristic of this busy little spider is that it will rebuild a web each and every evening… much to Mom’s dismay. Finally, she gently relocated every web she could to the back corner of the yard and here they are making themselves perfectly at home once more.

Even though nature always has a reason, the web of the Spiny Orb Weaver seems awfully large for a spider smaller than a dime. The following images were made while exploring the Sam Houston National Forest near the Stubblefield Recreation Area.

Piney Woods Region

Reflecting in the light of the evening sun, you could see webs by the dozen throughout the woods. I am sure these spiders have enjoyed the antics of many a hiker or biker indulging in what I call the “spider web dance”. More information on this bizarre human ritual in a future post.

A glorious view!

2007-09-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Climbing the steep path we scratched and clawed our way through the thorny underbrush, we clamored over monstrous boulders and then forged the raging river. Finally, after three straight days without food, water or sleep we reached the summit. Yeah, right!

Too often nature is portrayed as an enemy we must conquer, rather than a beautiful friend we can spend time with and enjoy.

Many nature areas designed for public use offer activities for people with all levels of outdoor experience. This glorious view was photographed at Big Bend National Park on the
Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. The trailhead is easy to access by vehicle and is ¾ mile long with some elevation.

In all honesty, most of my outdoor “adventures” are basically just that… getting outdoors. The hardest step usually is that first step out the front door. Even in my book Big Bend is out in the middle of nowhere, but you might be surprised how many outdoor recreation areas are close to your home.

Any outdoor excursion, long or short, should be treated with a healthy amount of respect. Be safety minded and take general precautions such as checking the oil, tire pressure and spare tire of your car.

If you plan on walking or hiking, make sure you have plenty of water, food, sunscreen and adequate footwear. ALWAYS watch where you step, stand, touch or sit. Simply use your common sense to stay aware of your surroundings and you should be good to go!

TGIF...bonita rojo!

2007-08-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

Cardinal Meadowhawk Big Bend Country

Beautiful red! I know better than to attempt to write in Spanish, however from the start of this site I said I would “relax” on my English grammar and that will certainly apply to my Spanish grammar as well.

This week’s coveted Flyday feature is the Cardinal Meadowhawk. Dragonflies can be tricky to identify, so this is my best guess.

On a trail near the Rio Grande Village in Big Bend National Park, this dazzling dragonfly landed on a nearby reed and stayed long enough for just five clicks of the shutter.

Because dragonflies are my admitted favorite, I can put extra images and get away with it.

P.S. My Spanish is not as bad as you might think; if the conversation happens to be about food, I can talk for hours on end! TGIF!!

TGIF...Bad Reputation?

2007-08-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Texas Tea Party or a Rough Crowd?

These guys tend to get a bad rap most of the time, so it is only fair to feature them on Flyday. As scavengers vultures are associated with death and decay. Yet, without vultures acting as nature's clean up crew Texas would be a very messy place... literally.

This party appears to be all black vultures, however I have often seen turkey vultures infiltrate their ranks.

In the future, I would like to include a post with more in depth information. Hopefully, I can dispel many of the misconceptions surrounding these helpful scavengers; including my own.

Texas Parks & Wildlife has a video segment to enlighten all of us in the general public. TGIF!!

TGIF...A simple decision.

2007-08-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

This week’s lucky TGIF winner is a Great Egret in flight. Chosen as a TGIF feature only because I like the “feel” of this image.

It is not always easy to define what draws us to a particular image. I tend to like images that are more complex than they appear at first glance. They will tug your attention back for a second (and third) look and the more you look, the more you see. The classic shots of photojournalism will do this.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I also like images that capture your attention with their pure simplicity. A stark and simple composition can often appear magical. Obviously, this photo cannot be confused with classic photojournalism; therefore, it is safe to assume I chose it for simplicities sake.

Simply a large white bird against an aqua blue background, photographed with a slight motion blur yet, somehow this image speaks to me. TGIF!!!

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Height: 37-41 inches
Wingspan: 55 inches
Identifying features: Yellow bill, black legs and black feet.

Which way did he go?

2007-08-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Raccoon tracks on a raccoon highway?

Spotted lots of these paw prints running up and down the boardwalk at one of my favorite parks. Even though I arrived very early in the morning, rush hour was over and done with.

Raccoons are basically nocturnal, so I can only assume that they partied all night long while the rest of the world was sleeping soundly.

I have plenty of stories to tell on some of this state's most mischievous raccoons, but that will have to be a whole 'nother post.

TGIF... from outer space?

2007-08-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

This week's lucky TGIF winner is the robber fly! This fly was found near Terlingua, Texas… although it looks like it just flew in from outer space.

Not such a far-fetched notion, considering Terlingua is a bonafied ghost town that is within close proximity (in a West Texas kinda way) to the mysterious Marfa Lights!

Click for larger image.

The robber fly looks quite ferocious, and as a midair hunter of all types of insects, it actually is ferocious.

Adults use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to inject their saliva (a neurotoxin) into their unfortunate prey. The bristles on a robber fly's face help to protect it when an insect tries to defend itself.

Although the long extension on the back end of the robber fly is often mistaken for a stinger, it is actually an ovipositor used when laying eggs.

Robber fly with meal

I have read that the robber fly can inflict a painful bite, but they say that a person has to “handle it improperly” in order to provoke it. I imagine, as is the case with many insects, if you don’t bother them… they won’t bother you. TGIF!!!

Max gets a makeover!

2007-08-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

While rambling through the Texas Hill Country we saw spiders, lots of spiders. My favorite was a black and yellow Garden Spider that built its web right next to the front door of the cabin. Because of the close proximity, we were soon on a first name basis…we decided to name him Max.

Garden Spider

“You know, I think Max is even bigger today than he was just yesterday.” Such a comment, from a hiking buddy who admittedly does not like spiders, simply went in one ear and out the other.

Later that afternoon, I noticed that Max had a friend over for a visit. However, upon closer observation it became all too clear… Max was molting. Yes, molting. Quick, think junior high science. There was the new Max right next to the old Max!

In order for most spiders to grow, they must go through the molting process. Basically, a new body or exoskeleton forms underneath the current exoskeleton. When the time comes the current and the soon to be old exoskeleton splits open and this allows the spider to crawl out. Did anyone follow that?
Questions?

While good old Max was in no position to argue, I took portraits of his makeover from all angles. Front, back and side... man, what a poser. Spiders are extremely vulnerable after molting; they cannot readily move or protect themselves until the new exoskeleton dries and hardens.

Luckily, within approximately 30 minutes Max is looking much more like his old self.

Hang in there BUDDY!!!

The elusive Giant Walkingstick

2007-08-05T19:05:00.001-07:00

The elusive Giant Walkingstick was most definitely eluding me. Could such a critter be camera shy? The Texas Hill Country is an entomolgist's dreamland. I saw dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies… no walkingstick.

Damselfly Unidentified

I saw crickets, grasshoppers and a praying mantis… no walkingstick.

Praying Mantis

I saw spiders, beetles and bumblebees… still no walkingstick.

Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida)

I looked high and low, deep and wide, and even day and night. By this point, I would have been satisfied with the not-so-giant walkingstick. I had given up hope on big ole granddaddy walkingstick… so where was little grandbaby walkingstick?

Well, I must admit that it was great fun searching and I certainly added to my repertoire of bug images. I guess just like most things, you count the positives and head back out there next season… so here’s looking forward to next year's “walkingstick season”.

Alas, as promised, here is the original image that sent me on this journey in the first place.

Giant Walkingstick
Bastrop, Texas

Rain, rain go away!

2007-08-01T22:16:00.001-07:00

Sometimes even the best-laid plans just don’t pan out. Take, for example, my trip to Bastrop... where I was to search high & low and deep & wide for the Giant Walkingstick.

Plans were made; a date was set and when the much-anticipated day finally arrived… the heavens poured! Another date was set and much to my dismay… more rain. One more date set and (you guessed it)… even more rain!

Now don’t get me wrong, rain (without heavy flooding) in July is not something that I or any Texan will truly complain about. Plants, animals and humans all need water during these scorching hot summer months. It is really only a simple inconvenience.
Texas Rain Info (scroll down for map).

Although the Bastrop trip is temporarily on hold, a different trip is planned for this weekend… if it does not rain! My destination is the banks of the Guadalupe River, just above Canyon Lake. A mere 60 miles or so west of Bastrop, right in the middle of the Hill Country, so the search for the Giant Walkingstick is still on!

On a completely different note, I am finding out that not everyone is as enamored with bugs as I tend to be. I really can’t pretend to be 100% shocked. I learned a long time ago that you cannot please everyone; however, on this matter I can at least compromise.

It just so happens that I have plenty of scenic and/or landscape shots that I can add to this site. I will not promise less bugs… just more images without bugs. Of course, if you could zoom in really, really close I bet you would still find a bug or two.

Spider Lily (Hymenocallis)
Upper Gulf Coast

TGIF...Ya just gotta love'em!

2007-07-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Most likely I am in the minority, but I still happen to like those old familiar lovebugs. You might even say I love them.

I remember as a kid holding out my arms, closing my eyes (and hopefully my mouth) and just letting them “fly right through me”. If they landed on you, it was cool, you could just watch them crawl around for a while and then they would be on their way.

No bite, no sting, no smell, no mess and no yucky germs. All of us kids knew that this one thing was harmless; our parents had put the stamp of approval on lovebugs. I must admit, though, that this is the same generation that actually let us go outside barefoot all summer long.

Lovebug pairs (Plecia neartica) on Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)

Recently, I am finding out that many people either love these little guys or they hate them. Not much middle ground here. As a licensed driver in the state of Texas, I am not always thrilled with them, but I can certainly co-exist with them.

People complain that they are a nuisance… well, of course, they are a nuisance when we barrel down the road at 70 mph running into them by the thousands. Somehow, I always felt for the lovebug and hoped I was not solely responsible for the demise of their entire population. (Obviously, not the case.)

They cannot be avoided, so during lovebug season we wash our car, windshield, headlights and front grill more often. Also, we can drive slower or drive at night when the lovebugs are not out. I hope to get some “fan mail” about this: I have not ever personally heard of someone’s car overheating due to lovebugs.

By 1940 reports from Galveston claimed they were well established along the Texas and Louisiana coast. Lovebugs might have arrived by boat through the port of Galveston or migrated from South America.

Lovebugs spend most of their life in larvae form, their larvae help aid plant growth by recycling organic plant matter. Twice a year many southern states see an over abundance of lovebugs, however, they have not migrated to the northern states due to the colder temperatures.

Lovebugs do not harm crops, animals or humans. I think our parents were right, so I will continue to give lovebugs my stamp of approval. Honestly, as far as a prolific invasive species, I think we got very, very lucky. TGIF!

Lovebug (Plecia nearctica)
Size: ½ inch
Features: Black with red or orange area on top of the thorax. Smoky colored wings. Generally seen as a pair, male and female flying together.

May I see some ID please?

2007-07-24T05:55:00.001-07:00

Many creatures employ some form of protection; after all, it really can be a jungle out there. Sometimes their methods of protection are quite obvious, while other times not.

When I spotted this “Mr. Yuk” green caterpillar, in all of its glorious spiny-ness, I thought it had “Do Not Touch!” written all over it. Going with my gut instinct, I took a few photographs and my newfound friend and I mutually parted ways.

Finding out the true identity of Mr. Yuk might be a challenge, yet it’s all part of the fun. Most libraries and bookstores carry nature field guides that range from broad to very specific locations and species.

The library is a good way to “try before you buy”. Various guides are set up differently and you might have better luck with one that you enjoy and feel comfortable using.

I tend to gravitate towards the guides with lots of pictures, otherwise, I become very frustrated attempting to decipher Latin with only an index of scientific names to go by. If I knew the name, why would I be looking in the field guide?

Generally, I am just trying to get a picture of a creature and do not take the time to look it up while in the field. Hopefully, if I get a good enough record of it, I will be able to identify it later.

If you are not taking pictures, it is just as easy to make a simple sketch and write a few notes in a small notebook, this will assist your memory later. Sometimes the kids like to do this also. I take notes on wildlife that I cannot possibly get a picture of because I still love seeing and hopefully identifying it.

Another option is an online search. In this case, because Mr. Yuk is a bug, my first choices would be BugGuide.net and What'sThat Bug?

Two quick things to explain: 1) If you or your child has an avid interest in bugs, you can spend hours on these sites 2) Before requesting an identity for your bug, take time to look at the site archives. Chances are you might figure out the ID on your own.

Obviously, there are dozens and possibly hundreds of sites; this is simply where I choose to start. I have also been known to desperately type in “black and red bug + Texas”. It worked... but that is another story I will save for later.

FYI: Mr. Yuk is actually the caterpillar, or larvae form, of the Io Moth. I find it absolutely fascinating that after metamorphosis Mr. Yuk will look like THIS!

Also, the gut feeling was right. This particular caterpillar has two types of spines. One will produce a stinging sensation and the second set can actually puncture and remain in the skin.

Io Moth (Automeris io)
Caterpillar: Bright green with distinctive red and white stripe.
Adult: Two inches in length.
Will spend winter in a cocoon and emerge in late spring/early summer.
Io Moth: 2 -3.5 inch wingspan, considered one of the smaller silkworm moths or Saturnids.
Features: Adult moths have eyespots on their underwings.
Io (Eye Oh) is a female character in Greek Mythology.

TGIF... the envelope please!

2007-07-20T02:19:00.001-07:00

TGIF! And now… the moment we have all been waiting for. The envelope please… and the winner is… the Tricolored Heron!

The Tricolored Heron is dark heron with white underparts. With absolutely stunning coloration, this heron is always in style. This raving beauty is identified by a long slender neck and long yellowish bill with a dark tip. Although a graceful bird, it often wades “belly deep” hiding yellow legs underneath the water.

The Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) is often confused with the Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea), I may have made this exact mistake, but for now, this is my story… and I am sticking to it!

Height: 24-26 inches
Wingspan: 36 inches

Snowy Egrets make for a Snowy Exit!

2007-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

Rambling aimlessly on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, just after crossing the toll bridge from Galveston Island to Freeport, I see a large flock of Snowy Egrets roosting right along the roadside.

Pulling off the road quietly, getting out of the car slowly and quietly, walking to a good, clear spot… oh so quietly. I certainly do not want to disturb them. They are in their own little world, in their own habitat.

Yes! I get one shot; zoom in closer for a second shot, “click”, all is good. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a couple of cars whiz loudly down “my” road and all of my nicely posed Snowy Egrets make for a quick Snowy Exit!

Well, at least these guys stuck around for another photograph.

I can’t tell if they were incredibly brave, or if they just looked up from their preening, completely confused asking: “Hey! Where did everybody go?”

How is that for anthropomorphizing?
New word for me. Defined as: to ascribe human form or human attributes to an animal, plant or object.

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Height: 22-27 inches
Wingspan: 38-45 inches
Identifying features: Long slender black bill.
Black legs with bright yellow “slippers”.

Due to their fine feathers, especially during their nuptial plumage, they were hunted relentlessly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries by commercial plume hunters.

A is for Alligator! Or one BIG Lizard!

2007-07-15T20:49:00.000-07:00

American Alligator (Click for larger view - if you dare!)

The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a semi-aquatic reptile native to Texas. The name alligator comes from the Spanish word "el lagarto" which means lizard. WOW!! That's one big lizard! Alligators have been reported as long as 19 feet, however, a large adult is usually closer to 10 or 12 feet long.

Alligators in Texas can be found in rivers, lakes, canals, marshes, swamps and bayous. However, don't rule out any body of water, I have seen them in livestock ponds and heard of them taking up residence in golf course ponds.

Because alligators are reptiles, they are considered to be a cold-blooded animal. This means an alligator is limited to how much it can control it's own body temperature. On warm days you may spot an alligator lying out on a log or a river bank "sunning" itself. At other times, an alligator will be completely submerged with only it's nostrils and eyes barely above the water.

It appears the general rule concerning an alligators diet is... any animal it can catch, is an animal that it will eat. Prey includes fish, softshell turtles, snakes, wading birds, otters, raccoons and occasionally white-tailed deer. ALWAYS keep pets away from any body of water that might contain an alligator. They may appear to be sleeping, but an alligator is always aware of it's surroundings and can move extremely fast when it decides to.

Alligators and humans: According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department alligators rarely attack humans. It is suggested to stay at least 30 feet from all alligators that you may see and never to attempt to feed one. It is reported that most alligators that might pose a problem are ones that have been fed by humans. This causes an alligator to associate humans with a free meal and to lose their fear of humans, which are their only predators.

There are a number of areas to view alligators, all of these photographs were taken at the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. I have a very healthy respect for alligators, large and small, these photographs were taken with a long telephoto lens! Brazos Bend State Park is also home to an untold number of alligators, I have numerous photographs from this park that are currently on hold for a project, but I will post them when I can.

This is the boardwalk that I was on for the alligator picture above. At the far left you can see part of an interpretive sign that gives information about, you guessed it, alligators. The small wooden structure is a conveniently located wildlife blind. I turned around to take this last shot as we were all headed quickly back to the car due the black storm clouds rolling in.

TGIF... Thank God It's Flyday!

2007-07-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Unidentified Dragonflied Upper Gulf Coast (Click for larger view)

I know of very few people that are not thrilled to see Friday roll around. In our current society, the work week and the school week for most of us ends on Friday... Whoo Hoo! In honor of such a momentous occasion, I will be sharing some of my favorite pictures each and every Friday.

However, there's a twist. It is now officially (at least on this site) known as "Flyday". A coveted guest appearance on Flyday is open to any animal that has two or more wings.

The original reason behind this blog was to share many of the images that I continually filed away to never-never land (aka: external hard drive) without ANYONE else seeing them. Flyday is a chance for these wonderful winged creatures to really show their stuff.

There is one thing I must admit up front... I already have a favorite. Dragonflies! In my own personal opinion, dragonflies rule and my image files are overflowing with dragonfly pictures due to this bout of favortism. Come on be honest, all of us have favorites, well, except your own mother if you have brothers & sisters.

You know of people who are REALLY into birds or butterflies or even snakes. Well, I just happen to like dragonflies. Nothing fanatic, though. I will try my best to be non-partisan during the (s)election process. TGIF!!!

Beat with an ugly stick? No way!

2007-07-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend sent a picture of a walkingstick that she saw on her property near Bastrop, Texas. I have to admit that I have always thought walkingsticks were some of the coolest insects around. However, I have not seen very many of them and I attribute this to the fact that they honestly do look like sticks. A pretty good camouflage trick... if you are in a tree just look like a twig!

Well, the interesting thing about this particular walkingstick is that it looked more like a limb or even a tree trunk. It looked HUGE! Not sure this one could camoulage itself if it tried.

A quick look at Bug Guide let me know that, yes, Texas is indeed home to a species known as the Giant Walkingstick. Why does this not surprise me? The Giant Walkingstick (Megaphasma dentricus) grows up to 7 inches long and is the longest insect in the United States.

Please understand, there is nothing wrong with the original picture. In fact, it was very good and I certainly plan on posting it. However, as a photographer I am a collector... I collect images. This means that I have a burning desire to take my own picture of a Giant Walkingstick. So, I will continue my research (in order to improve my chances of locating one), then off to Bastrop in search of said large insect.

One reason that I am writing about this now is because I believe life is in the journey, not the destination. Whether or not I find a Giant Walkingstick is not the point. Not only will I enjoy the search, but I will also enjoy the planning, the research and the anticipation of the trip. I will definitely enjoy visiting with an old friend and then we will both enjoy telling stories (probably for years) about the ones we found or about the one that got away! I promise to let you know.

Passion not perfection!

2007-06-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

This site is about my passions... all creatures great and small, nature, photography, history and travel.

(Click for larger view)

Rule #1
There are no rules.

Rule #2
If there are any questions concerning rules, refer to Rule #1.

In a perfect world I would post every single morning at 6:00 a.m. Each post would contain a beautiful "front cover" image along with detailed photographic information. The subject would be correctly identified (Latin: genus and species) and verified by several leading scientists. The text would read like Rachel Carson and be proof read by at least a dozen retired English teachers.

Actually, in a TRULY perfect world I would be off shooting on assignment for National Geographic, for months on end, while someone else did all of the above for me.

However, this is not a perfect world and this is just a BLOG. And this blog is ALL about fun. Remember: Passion not perfection. This is simply a journal, of sorts, posted for family and friends who might be interested in my outdoor ramblings. This is also the Reader's Digest condensed version for those of you who become bored to tears with my verbal ramblings.

I will surprise myself if I post even twice a week and, trust me, it will not be at 6:00 a.m. If I am ever up at that hour, I am outdoors with my camera in tow. The images will feature the subject and not necessarily be the most beautiful or artsy of photographs.

My subjects may or may not be identified. If they are identified, the information may or may not be correct. I am certainly not an expert, I just check the guide books like everyone else.

Last, but certainly not least, there was only one Rachel Carson; and having read this far, it may be painfully obvious that my old English teachers will have nothing to do with me. However, if I bow down to the false god of perfection, I would not ever get a word written.

Therefore, the first set of rules to be thrown out are (is?) the grammatical ones!

P.S. If you are not familiar with Rachel Carson, she is a writer worth looking up. www.rachelcarson.org