This shot captures the “flame” in Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii). Before the pollinators arrive, the plant stands out with its architectural, fire-colored blooms. The narrow, tubular shape of these flowers is a neon sign for hummingbirds and long-tongued … Read More

I used to go to a neighborhood nature trail near our old home. There was always something to photograph there. It was my playground for macro and also where I’d test a new lens or camera. The Copperfield Nature Trail … Read More

This past weekend, I visited the Travis Audubon Baker Sanctuary for the first time. It was a Master Naturalist event hosted by another chapter in Austin. The sanctuary is located just 14.5 miles (a little over 23 km) from home. … Read More

Lens-Artists Challenge #341 – Personal Favorites Now and then, I change a folder’s content with images that I use as background desktop images. Generally, I rotate photos from recent trips. More recently, I have been using photos I featured in … Read More

Giant Spiderwort (Tradescantia gigantea) is a perennial flower in Louisiana and Texas. This three-petal flower blooms in white, pink, blue, purple, or violet. The colors indicate the acidity of the soil in which they grow. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower … Read More

Before photographing flying dragonflies, the macro workshop I attended a few years ago had attendees photograph bees in flight. This macro photography workshop was very entertaining and educational. We were able to quietly observe the habits of these pollinators to … Read More

I have been taking more time to bike with this mild spring weather. As always, I bring my camera with me in my backpack. One never knows what one will see. This week was no exception for surprises. I spotted … Read More

Clocks and calendars are two of many ways of keeping track of time. Similarly, photography can also capture time, even if just a moment in time. It may not be a continuous depiction of time, but nevertheless, a photo can … Read More

— Before anything is said, there needs to be a clarification. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Therefore, the Aloe Vera plant, for example, is not a cactus. Also, simply because a plant may have thorns … Read More

— Is this bee taking a nap or is it totally inebriated with pollen? The third week of June celebrates Pollinator Week. It is an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. It is a time to celebrate … Read More