Through Brazilian Eyes

Soft, impressionistic reflection of bare trees and a wooden footbridge mirrored on the calm green-blue surface of the San Gabriel River, with grasses along the bank.

The River’s Quiet Garden

Although I enjoy biking at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown, Texas, lately I’ve spent more time walking one particular trail there — Katy Crossing. It’s a beloved route for mountain bikers, but what keeps drawing me back, besides the riding, … Read More

Close-up of a male Red-Winged Blackbird perched beside a green wire suet feeder at Garey Park in Georgetown, Texas, his glossy black body filling the frame and a flash of red and yellow showing on his folded shoulder.

Wings of Fire: A Red-Winged Blackbird in Full Display

Since I first spotted a Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) many years ago, I have always wanted to see one with its wings thrown wide — shoulders flared, the scarlet epaulets blazing in the sun. It was not until last month, … Read More

A Tricolored Heron stands in shallow water with its slate-blue wings fully outstretched overhead, forming a shadowy canopy on the surface as it hunts for fish below.

Where Words Meet Wings

Lens-Artists Challenge #396: Pick a Favourite Quote and Illustrate It. “Stillness is what creates love. Movement is what creates life.” — Rumi The Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) hunts using a remarkable technique called canopy feeding: it stretches its wings overhead and … Read More

A cluster of pickerelweed plants along the edge of a calm pond, violet flower spikes scattered among bright green heart-shaped leaves and tall reeds, with the water reflecting the morning light.

Pickerel-What? Weed by Name, Wonder by Nature.

Last year, I revisited a friend’s ranch just outside Caldwell, Texas, for a refresher on macro photography of bees and odonates in flight. After an early morning session photographing bees, I found myself gravitating toward other treats on his property. … Read More

A male Golden-Fronted Woodpecker perched on a mossy mesquite branch, body turned upward and beak tilted toward the sky, showing its bright golden-yellow forehead, buff-colored breast, and finely barred black-and-white back, framed by feathery green leaves.

Wearing the Sun: Meeting the Golden-Fronted Woodpecker

My visit to South Texas continues to be a source of never-ending pleasures. Whether photographing the flora or fauna, there were plenty — and I mean plenty! — of observations to use. So much of what I captured was first-time … Read More

A Great Blue Heron stands tall in shallow rippling water, its long neck stretched upward and rust-tinged thighs visible above the surface; warm golden light backlights the bird and the green mangrove along the bank behind it.

Stillness on the Water: A Quartet of South Padre Herons

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #395: Looking Back to #155 On the Water Last week, I spent five days in the South Padre Island area with three friends who are photographers. Before reaching the island, I made a one-day stop at the … Read More

Collage of three images of Engelmann's Daisy, including one image showing the flower with its curled petals.

The Sleepy Daisy of the Texas Prairie

“How wonderful yellow is.It stands for the sun.”Vincent van Gogh A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine texted me about some amazing rain lilies in an open field in Pflugerville, Texas. Pflugerville is the town between Austin and … Read More

A Green Jay with a lime-green back, lemon-yellow belly, and blue-and-black head forages along the forest floor among fallen twigs and leaf litter at the National Butterfly Center.

A Green Jay for Earth Day: Treasures of the National Butterfly Center

I spent five days around South Padre Island and Mission, Texas, last week. One place I wanted to visit was the National Butterfly Center. I was not sure what I would find, but knowing the Center is right on the … Read More

Sunlit cloister courtyard of the Convent of St. Francis in Olinda, Brazil, with blue-and-white azulejo tile panels, stone arches, and a red-brick floor — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Blue Tiles and Baroque: Inside the Convent of St. Francis, Olinda

Lens-Artists Challenge #394: History Through the Lens John sets this week’s Lens-Artists Challenge. In his post, he shares one of my favorite pastimes when traveling. Like him, I also enjoy “photography and historic sites.” I’ve never encountered a church or … Read More

A weathered wooden arch marks the trailhead entrance to Twin Springs Preserve, flanked by a stone foundation and framed by the dense canopy of Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei) and mixed Texas Hill Country brush.

Off the Beaten Path: A Quiet Afternoon at Twin Springs Preserve

I recently completed a two-part training on the Leave No Trace Seven Principles — a meaningful program that encourages us to be more mindful of protecting the places we visit and hike. For those unfamiliar, the seven principles are: Plan … Read More