DebraMartz

Monarch Wings Spread Wide on Mexican Flame ©Debra Martz It was the first week of March and butterflies were everywhere though the high wind made it difficult to photograph but I continued my efforts. This beauty was near the convention center on South Padre Island, Texas near the boardwalk that leads out to the Laguna Madre. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-05-DSC_0354.NEF Alt Text: A monarch butterfly with its wings spread is perched on a green plant. In the background, there are flowers with orange petals, and the foliage appears lush. Photography by Debra Martz

Monarch on Mexican Flame ©Debra Martz It was the first week of March and butterflies were everywhere though the high wind made it difficult to photograph but I continued my efforts. This beauty was near the convention center on South Padre Island, Texas near the boardwalk that leads out to the Laguna Madre. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-05-DSC_0348 Alt Text: A monarch butterfly is perched delicately on some orange flowers, with its wings lifted upward. The green leaves and blurred background provide a peaceful and natural setting for the scene. Photography by Debra Martz

Winter Blues At Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge ©Debra Martz Winter blues means color, not a winter blues/sad day. It was great that the sun had finally shone brightly after a long spell of gray days and below-freezing weather. The water is not shining brightly where the top layer of ice has not yet melted and a mix of the salt. This is a view from the Sandpiper Trail within the Refuge located along Highway 11 in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20220113-DSC_5634

Flowering Huisache Branch ©Debra Martz A single branch of the Huisache tree with yellow flowers. It is also known as Sweet Acacia, Mealy Acacia, and Mealy Wattle. Image captured on South Padre Island in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 2024-03-05-DSC_0347.NEF Alt Text: A branch with yellow flowers is in focus against a soft, blurred background of blue sky and greenery. The vibrant yellow stands out prominently, highlighting the detail of the flowers and leaves of the Huisache tree.

Cascading Bottlebrush Blooms ©Debra Martz Many would refer to it as a bush, but given its significant height, I consider it a tree! This image was captured on South Padre Island, Texas in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 2024-03-05-DSC_0341 Alt Text: Vibrant red flowers burst from the branches of a shrub against a soft, white background. Each flower is composed of numerous delicate stamens that create a fluffy appearance amidst the green foliage.

Red Admiral On A Red Bottlebrush Bloom ©Debra Martz Butterflies and other insects find the flowers of these trees irresistible. They were darting here and there, stopping briefly on the blooms. This image was captured on South Padre Island, Texas ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Flora Butterflies Bees Insects 20240305-DSC_0319.NEF Alt Text: A vibrant butterfly with orange, black, and white markings is perched on a bright red flower with long filamentous stamens. The background is blurred greenery, which accentuates the sharpness and color contrast of the subject. Photography by Debra Martz

Upright Bottlebrush Bloom ©Debra Martz This tree was actually full of bloom but I managed to isolate one and frame it with the leaves. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: 'Flora' 2024-03-05-DSC_0306.NEF Alt Text: Bright red bottlebrush flowers stand out against a soft, unfocused background, with slender green leaves framing the vibrant blooms. The detailed filaments of the flowers are visible, contributing to the plant's unique and textured appearance. Photography by Debra Martz

Well Read Books ©Debra Martz I was bird-watching behind the Convention Center because there are beautiful flowering trees and a lookout for the Laguna Madre. As I walked back toward the building I spotted these books on a bench. They look to have been well read and loved by someone; I hope whomever they belong to that they found their way back to where they left them. Digital enhancements were applied to the bench the books rested upon. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Digital Art Photography 2024-03-05-DSC_0297

Great Tailed Grackle Perched ©Debra Martz When there are multiple Grackles, these birds are very noisy but this one just slipped in without me hearing it. I was scanning the upper parts of the trees when I noticed him and liked the starkness of what I was seeing; just one dark somewhat iridescent bird on the bare branches and overcast sky. Captured along a trail in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 2024-03-04-DSC_0288

Giant Swallowtail South Texas ©Debra Martz Hiking the dusty trails at Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in South Texas was not our best day out bird watching. Thankfully there were many beautiful butterflies, though they were having some issues getting around due to the high wind. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-04-DSC_0280.NEF Alt Text: A large black and yellow butterfly is perched on delicate purple flowers, its wings almost fully spread. The backdrop consists of a soft bokeh of green foliage and twigs, providing a natural and serene setting.

Who Is Watching Who ©Debra Martz Green Jays are fairly skittish, coming out into the open and quickly flying back into the safety of the thick trees. I was behind a tree trunk and this Jay had been watching my camera lens from some trees farther back. It slowly moved closer, one tree at a time, until it finally landed on a branch so close I couldn't get its full body in my lens. A Jay of the tropics whose range barely stretches to southern Texas. I captured this image at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 2024-03-04-DSC_0272

Common Mestra Butterfly South Texas ©Debra Martz This butterfly's range is from Costa Rica north through Central America to Mexico and South Texas but it is noted that it strays north to South Dakota. I captured this photograph at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 20240304-DSC_0264 Alt Text: A delicate butterfly with predominantly light grey wings and a touch of orange along the bottom edges rests on a slender small branch surrounded by green foliage. The delicate wings are open, showcasing the butterfly's natural symmetry and the intricate patterns etched across its wings.

Spring Garden Beginnings ©Debra Martz A beautiful place to go bird watching in south Texas is at the Rabb Plantation located on the Rio Grande. Before heading out for birding, you stop in the plantation to pay for not only bird watching on the trails but to admire the furnished rooms of the old Sugar Plantation home. Another bit of nature exists on the south side of the home where a lovely garden is maintained. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 20240301-DSC_9975 Alt Text: A solitary white flower stands prominently among a collection of purple flowers and green stems in a natural setting. The backdrop is softly blurred, highlighting the delicate petals of the white flower.

Scattering of Blackbirds ©Debra Martz I don't know which was more surprised; all of these female Red-winged Blackbirds or me! I didn't see them on the ground in the tall grass and then suddenly they were in the air! Captured in south Texas near the Rabb Plantation. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240301-DSC_9961 Alt Text: A flock of birds is captured in mid-flight against a pale sky, creating a sense of movement and freedom. Each bird is spread out, but collectively they form a dynamic and somewhat chaotic pattern as they disperse.

Candy Corn ©Debra Martz From the very first time I saw a Common Gallinule, I thought of Candy Corn with its vibrant colored beak. And today was no different as it seemed even more bright in the beautiful sunlight. Captured in the wetlands of South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240302-DSC_0141 Alt Text: A black bird with a distinctive orange-red beak tipped with white is swimming in calm waters, casting a clear reflection. The bird appears to be a Common Gallinule, once named moorhen in the USA, known for its aquatic lifestyle and distinctive call. Photography by Debra Martz

Seagulls At Boca Chica Beach ©Debra Martz Two Herring Gulls at the edge of the beach. The one in the front is an adult and the the back one is somewhere around 2 or three years old based on its different plumage. Boca Chica Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the far southern tip of Texas. Digital brushes were used to enhance the Gulf waters and sandy shore only. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Feathered Friends" "Digital Art Photography" Alt Text: Two seagulls stand in shallow water, creating ripples and reflections beneath them. The background is a uniform, misty blend of greys and blues of the Gulf's water, highlighting the birds' presence.

Little Blue Heron Foraging ©Debra Martz It was a pull-off-the-road moment when I spotted this Heron working the water near the edge of the road leading to the Boca Chica beach on the southern tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240301-DSC_9935.NEF Alt Text: A Little Blue Heron is foraging in shallow water, its neck extended towards the water as if it's about to catch prey. The bird's reflection is visible on the lightly rippled water's surface.

Tiptoe Through The Water ©Debra Martz When I watched this pair of Lesser Yellowlegs skimming across the water, it seemed as though they were delicately tiptoeing to avoid disturbing anything in their path! Captured from a boardwalk over the wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9853 Alt Text: Two birds with speckled feathers and bright yellow legs are walking in shallow water, from the right toward the left side. Each of the birds has its outer leg slightly lifted just above the water as if tiptoeing. Their reflections are visible on the water's surface, highlighting their long beaks and slender forms. Photography by Debra Martz

Great Blue Heron Hiding In the Mangroves ©Debra Martz Perhaps it thought it was in hiding but they are so large that is rather difficult to go unseen. Captured from a boardwalk over some wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: 'Feathered Friends' 20240229-DSC_9828

Great Egret In The Mangrove Tree ©Debra Martz It was mid-afternoon when I returned to this area after the sun finally broke through a heavily clouded morning. The sunlight helps show off the Egret's bright white and beautiful feathering. I saw this beauty from a boardwalk over wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9806.NEF Alt Text: A majestic white egret stands poised amidst vibrant green foliage of the mangroves, its long neck tucked and slightly arched gracefully. The bird's bright yellow beak and sharp eye suggest alertness as it surveys its surroundings. Photography by Debra Martz

Merganser Gliding Across the Water ©Debra Martz It was catching the afternoon light just right to highlight its face and cast a partial reflection on the water. Captured at South Padre Island, Texas near the Laguna Madre late winter. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9767.NEF Alt Text: A waterbird with a speckled grey and white feathered body floats on a calm water surface, creating ripples around it. The bird has a sharp, orange beak and is looking slightly to the side, as its reflection mirrors on the water.

Great Kiskadee On The Rocks ©Debra Martz While we watch the birds from the boardwalk, this Kiskadee seems to be watching the bird watchers. I followed it from its movements in a tree until it flew down to the rocky, sandy area at the edge of the wetlands. Captured at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9678.NEF Alt Text: A bird with bright yellow plumage on its underside and a distinctive white and black head is perched on a moss-covered rock. Its tail feathers and wings display shades of brown and rufous, providing a colorful contrast to its surroundings.

Blue-winged Teal South Texas ©Debra Martz The male Blue-winged Teal is easily identifiable with its bold white crescent in front of the eye and a good-sized black bill. The powdery blue shoulder patch is visible in flight along with green secondaries of the wing. They breed in much of the northern USA and Canada migrating as far south as South America. But many are perfectly fine to stop in south Texas for the winter. Image captured on the wetlands of South Padre Island, Texas on the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9576.NEF

Pied Billed Grebe Black and White @Debra Martz My original image was of just this Pied-billed Grebe after it resurfaced on sandy-colored water. Not a lot to the composition as all vegetation was in front or behind so I created a composite using additional photos of mine and lastly converted it to black and white. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9570-Edit-Edit.tif Alt Text: A greyscale photograph features a lone Grebe swimming in rippling water. It appears to be a calm scenario, with reeds visible in the foreground and part of a palm tree trunk to the right. Across the top of the image, from left to right, there are a few fringes

Shaggy Headed Reddish Egret ©Debra Martz I always enjoy the opportunity to see and photograph this species of Heron with its colorful body and legs and a head of feathers that most often makes me think of having a "bad hair" day! The colors of the legs and bill indicate breeding season color changes are happening. This one was in the mangrove edge next to the Laguna Madre on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240302-DSC_0198.NEF Alt Text: A reddish egret stands among mangrove roots beside a body of water, its feathers ruffled and beak pointed downward while one leg is lifted to the right of its head. It is a medium-sized Heron with a blue-gray back, shaggy rusty colored head and blue legs

Whistling Duck Whistling A Tune ©Debra Martz Yes, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks really do have a whistle for their call. It's a soft, high whistle with a long first note and several following notes. They also have an inflight call of chit-chit-chit which can be quite loud when it is a large flock of them. Captured on South Padre Island, Texas. Scientific name: Dendrocygna autumnalis ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240229-DSC_9537.NEF Alt Text: A brownish-colored Whistling duck with a distinctive red bill is looking upwards, possibly calling or whistling. The background reveals a calm body of water that reflects subtle ripples.

Tricolored Heron in Neck Tucked Pose ©Debra Martz Like many Herons, this species has a very long neck. But when they tuck their neck into the chest area it gives them a completely different look. This was one of several poses this Heron gave me when it landed close by. Captured from a boardwalk over the wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240229-DSC_9608.NEF

Beauty Of A Tricolored Heron ©Debra Martz Sometimes you just get lucky with where a bird decides to land! This beauty had been moving about in different parts of the wetlands and mud flats and I had been following it with my camera. Imagine my surprise when it decided to land on the railing of the boardwalk where I was. Of course, it didn't stay long and went back to its search for prey in the shallow waters. The area of wetlands connects with the Laguna Madre on South Padre Island, Texas. A couple of places have boardwalks to get you closer to nature...this particular area's boardwalk bends and turns for about a mile. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9601.NEF

Brown Pelican Floating Along ©Debra Martz It made a crashing dive into the water and came up empty of prey. I guess that was enough for a while as it just floated around for a while. Captured on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240229-DSC_9499.NEF Alt Text: A brown pelican is afloat on a body of water, displaying its distinctive long bill and a splash of vibrant yellow plumage atop its head. The ripples on the water's surface add a dynamic element to the bird's serene presence.

Tricolored Heron Makes A Catch ©Debra Martz I watched as this Heron slowly walked through the water while shuffling its feet to stir up some prey. Success; it made a catch! Captured in the wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9475.NEF Alt Text: A tricolored heron stands in shallow water as it intently looks down, likely spotting a potential catch, with water ripples emanating from its beak and the surrounding area. Its plumage is primarily grey with nuances of blue and purple, and it holds a graceful, poised stance indicative of its hunting strategy.

Resting and Watchful Wigeon ©Debra Martz She seemed to just be resting as she floated around on the water. Other American Wigeons were nearby. Captured on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9417.NEF

American Wigeon Changing Plumage ©Debra Martz He has started changing into breeding plumage and will soon have bright green patches on either side of the head. Captured on the wetlands on South Padre Island on February 29 in a leap year. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9383.NEF

Merganser Resurfaces From Dive ©Debra Martz I was focusing on this Red-breasted Merganser when it suddenly dived underwater. At least I spotted it when it resurfaced close enough to get this photograph, although its head feathers weren't as tidy as they previously were. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9370.NEF

White Ibis At The Edge of Laguna Madre @Debra Martz Where the blue waters of the Laguna Madre meet the lush vegetation of the brackish marshes, this Ibis appeared to be surveying for potential food sources. Their elongated bills are often caked in mud from foraging, but this particular one appeared to have recently tidied itself. Captured on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240302-DSC_0119.NEF

Black Skimmer @Debra Martz I was standing on the end of a boardwalk that extends into the Laguna Madre watching a Reddish Egret when this Skimmer appeared. It made several circles in the area before moving on a little north. The strange, uneven bill of the skimmer has a purpose: the bird flies low, with the long lower mandible plowing the water, snapping the bill shut when it contacts a fish. Captured at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240302-DSC_0092.NEF

Curious Duck @Debra Martz This Mottled Duck seemed to wonder what the long black gear was that I was holding to my face. Captured from the boardwalk at South Padre Island, Texas next to the Laguna Madre. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240302-DSC_0074.NEF