Catching Light in Filigree

Lens-Artists Challenge #376: Wings Beth is the Lens-Artists host for this week’s challenge. In her opening paragraph, she wrote, “I am challenging you to feature anything with wings.” She offers excellent examples that will certainly help you if you’re unsure … Read More

Prairie Verbena

A spring hike at the beautiful Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge’s Doeskin Ranch trail often leads to unexpected photo opportunities. This wildlife refuge is just outside the Austin city limits and offers a nice view of the Hill Country and … Read More

Remembering Cee Neuner

The Scarlet leather flower (Clematis texensis) is endemic to Texas. More specifically, it is endemic to the Edwards Plateau region in Central Texas. It thrives in rocky, limestone-rich soils, which we have plenty of in this area. It prefers full … Read More

Finding Beauty in Small Native Blooms

Lens-Artists Challenge #343 – Seen on my Last Outing I had already picked what would have been my post for this latest Lens-Artists challenge. After having had a mild flu case two weeks ago, I was ready to get out … Read More

Hummingbird Moth

— I can now check another item off my bucket list when it comes to wildlife. In April this year, I went for a hike at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, just 40 minutes from home in Austin, Texas. … Read More

Creek Trail

— Balcones Canyonlands NWR is a place full of surprises. In my most recent time spent at the refuge, I enjoyed a very tranquil and easy hike along the Creek Trail. That is the easiest of all trails in the … Read More

Doeskin Ranch Trails

Hiking along a few of the trails at Doeskin Ranch, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.… Read More

Balcones Canyonlands NWR

— On cloudy days like today, I am often reminded of the beauty and tranquility at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge‘s Doeskin Ranch. Located just outside Austin, under an hour from my house, this place is easy to get … Read More

Doeskin Ranch

— Doeskin Ranch is an area inside the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, in northwest Austin. The area was set up to protect primarily two endangered species: the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. Those endangered songbirds rely on specialized habitats … Read More