South Yuba River State Park Tank Tops

It's a sweet place to live and a sweet place to visit.

Celebrate where you were, where you are, and whatever is next.

SOUTH LLANO RIVER STATE PARK TEXAS STATE PARK HIKING CAMPING FISHING OUTDOORS

Watson Mill Bridge is the Longest covered bridge in the state. Built in 1885 by Washington (W.W.) King.

House Finch Profile by Debra Martz This female House Finch was in the tree next to the one where her mate had been perched. After he took flight, I turned my attention to her. Captured along the Buck Lake trail at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas while out on a bird watching hike and enjoying the surrounding nature. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190425-DSC_5738

House Finch Hello You by Debra Martz I had my camera ready and waiting on this Male House Finch to fly but instead it gave a quick turn around and looked directly down at me! Captured along the Buck Lake trail at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas while out on a bird watching hike and enjoying the surrounding nature. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190425-DSC_5385

Lark Sparrow Early Morning by Debra Martz While having coffee outdoors at my campsite several mornings in a row, I had begun to notice the habits of the birds as they started their day. The Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) along with the Black-throated Sparrows would forage mostly from the ground but would also perch on this low snag. Meanwhile, Warblers, Vireos, Flycatcher, etc were busy deep in the trees catching insects. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190426-DSC_5795

Axis Deer - Spotted Deer - Chital by Debra Martz I hate to admit that I shot this beautiful deer....with my zoom lens extended to 600mm on my camera and from the comfort of my camp chair. While their is a deer hunting season which includes the Axis, I only shoot with my camera. The Axis Deer was introduced to Texas in 1932. They are native to India where they are called Chital or Cheetal. They are also referred to as spotted deer. I captured this image and others of these beauties, on a summer day in South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. On one morning, a herd of aproximately 40 moved through this wooded area at our campsite. That was a wow moment!! Also, see my website www.debramartz.com

Thistle Beginnings by Debra Martz Spring was beautiful in the Hill Country of Texas this year following many rains. I isolated this thistle from the many that were around at South Llano River State Park near Junction, TX. I liked how it was just opening to show its color. Digital enhancements have been applied for a painterly look. ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5213

Bath Time for Female Summer Tanager by Debra Martz It was a surprising day at the bird blind at noon. Full sun, hot and normally not the best time to see any birds but on this day there were many. It was fun to watch as different ones would come and go...like taking turns or getting in line for their opportunity. Captured at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. ©Debra Martz In My Collection "Feathered Friends" 20190429-DSC_6879

Gnatcatcher On Greenery by Debra Martz The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful, tiny bird that makes itself known by its soft but insistent calls and its constant motion makes it hard to capture. In addition to its constant in and out, up and down movements, it flicks its white-edged tail from side to side, scaring up insects and chasing after them. Captured at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. Scientific name: Polioptila caerulea ©Debra Martz 20190429-DSC_6715

Male Northern Cardinal on a Snag by Debra Martz I was at the end of my hike, almost to the truck, when this guy flew in and landed on top of this old snag. Captured at south Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis The white overcast sky was rather boring so I added a few textures to the overall image. ©Debra Martz 20190429-DSC_6711

Butterfly on Perfume Balls by Debra Martz There were literally 100s of these little beauties flying all along the trail. The wind was blowing fairly strong so I looked for an area that wasn't heavy with flowers when I spotted these "perfume balls" rather isolated and waited for a butterfly to land. These colorful round balls are likely the remnants of the wildflower Indian Blanket and from my searching on Google, I've ID'ed the butterfly as a Vesta Crescent, (Phyciodes vesta). I stand to be corrected if I'm wrong...just drop a note in a comment. Captured end of April at South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5361

Painted Bunting -Painterly by Debra Martz It just seemed to me that with a bird this vibrant and named Painted Bunting that it should be processed with a painterly effect. To see this effect better, hover over the image and click to zoom on specific areas. Captured this image after completing a 4 hour bird watching hike and returned to my campsite. That's right, this handsome male flew right to the tree in front of me as I was preparing to unload and sit in my chair to rest. South Llano River State Park near Junction, Texas. ©Debra Martz "Feathered Friends" 20190425-DSC_5441

Hackberry Emperor and Huisache Daisy Wildflowers by Debra Martz The trails at South Llano River State Park (near Junction, Texas) were lined with an abundance of wildflowers all along the trails and therefore have attracted a variety of butterflies. Nature at its finest in the colorful Spring with yellow, orange and green! Hackberry Emperor (Scientific name: Asterocampa celtis) Huisache Daisy (Scientific name: Amblyolepis setigera) ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5378

Checkered White Butterfly Enjoying Huisache Daisy by Debra Martz The trails at South Llano River State Park (near Junction, Texas) have been lined with an abundance of wildflowers all along the trails and therefore have attracted a variety of butterflies. Checkered White Butterfly (Scientific name: Pontia protodice) Huisache Daisy (Scientific name: Amblyolepis setigera) ©Debra Martz 20190425-DSC_5338