The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is known as one of the feistiest hummingbirds in North America. I should know that well because on our recent trip to Colorado, I tried to photograph this tiny bird in flight, but I was … Read More

The use of backlight in photography offers many advantages to make your photos pop. For example, the featured image above, captured at Mills Pond, highlights the strength of form and texture. Backlighting separates the subject from the background and creates … Read More

Every summer, the skies in Round Rock witness hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins (Progne subis) gathering in parking lots. These birds create a massive, swirling roost every evening around sunset. People flock to see these wonderful birds as they … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #359: Tools of Photo Composition: Lines, Colors, and Patterns How do you make your photos more appealing to viewers? Whether you are a professional or hobbyist photographer, knowing some of the basic tools of photo composition can help … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #358: Live and Learn You have probably heard someone say that Latin people are hot-tempered. Well, I will not endeavor to change or confirm your beliefs. However, I do find that being hot-tempered and impatient can go hand … Read More

Summer has been busy on the deck and backyard. To attract Painted Buntings, I purchased a new bird feeder and food that the store clerk assured me was suitable for buntings. Well, so far, I have not seen one here, … Read More

Happy World Snake Day! Here in Texas, there is a common saying that helps determine whether a coral snake is venomous or not. It is all based on the sequence of the red, black, and yellow stripes. In the photo … Read More

Of all places I go, I would never have expected to see a Queen butterfly (Danaus gilippus) enjoying the nectar of Gregg’s Mistflowers (Conoclinium greggii) near the entrance of a grocery store. It was utterly oblivious to passers-by and even … Read More

As I was looking out the dining room windows a couple of hours ago, I saw a Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) fly to the ground. I grabbed my camera off the dining room table and went outside to the deck. … Read More

While walking the grounds of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center a few years ago, I witnessed several pollinators doing their job of carrying pollen from flower to flower. However, little did I know that I was going to have … Read More