Socks
Description: “Malariff Lighthouse in Iceland” The lighthouse is located a short walk beyond the Snaefellsjokull National Park’s Visitor Center. The park is on the western side of Iceland on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The original lighthouse was built in 1917 and was replaced by this one, which was constructed in 1946 and stands 66 feet (20.2 meters) tall. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2277
Description: “Malariff Lighthouse and Signpost” Located just beyond the visitor center for the Snaefellsjokull National Park on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the western side of Iceland. Well-maintained coastal paths also invite leisurely walks to several sights. The lighthouse was built in 1946, replacing the previous one built in 1917, and stands 66-foot (20 meters) tall. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2275
Description: “Iceland Destination Signpost” After arriving at the Malariff Visitor Center, one of two that serve the Snaefellsjokull National Park, I saw a path and started walking. I soon came to this sign, which points visitors to sights within the park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2274
Description: “Kittiwake Lands on a Pond” Black-legged Kittiwakes nest in dense colonies on ledges of seaside cliffs, as they were doing here at Arnarstapi, Iceland. During the breeding season, they will forage up to 30 miles from the nest, hunting both over continental shelf waters and deeper waters to feed their chicks. But on this day, they were foraging just inland of the seaside cliffs on some small bodies of water that appeared to me to be freshwater ponds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Feathered Friends” 20250524-DSC_2252
Description: “Harbor of Arnarstapi Iceland” The small Arnarstapi dock is an important harbor for small boats with limited fishing permission and a popular destination for recreational boats. This area is on the southern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is on the Western side of Iceland. The azure waters of northern Faxa Bay can be calm and transparent or have violent, crashing waves from the wild North Atlantic Ocean. It was quite calm on this day, but this harbor is ideal for protection on the wilder ocean days. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2268
Description: “Mount Stapafell Backdrop to Arnarstapi Iceland” Located on the south side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and rising just inland from Arnarstapi, Mount Stapafell stands at an elevation of 526 meters (1,726 feet). It is a dormant volcanic cone, with slopes covered in a mix of moss, volcanic rock, and seasonally, snow. Its pyramid profile makes it a recognizable landmark on the peninsula on the West side of Iceland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Iceland” “Water Forms” 20250524-DSC_2250
Description: “Pumpa Ravine at Arnarstapi” Pumpa is a triangular-shaped inlet in Arnarstapi, where, in addition to colonies of seabirds, you can also see a petrified lion’s head …I did not find it (unless it is the end section jutting out into the bay). But I did see birds, lots and lots of seabirds! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2248
Description: “Incoming Northern Fulmar at Arnarstapi” As we walked farther along the coastal pathway between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, I noticed some birds were flying inland to what appeared like some freshwater ponds. So I took the time to change to better camera settings for birds in flight, just in case I was lucky enough to have one fly in front of or near me. Ay, I was lucky enough, and captured this Northern Fulmar with pink feet down and ready for landing nearby. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250524-DSC_2185.NEF
Description: “The Arch On Arnarstapi Coast” Arnarstapi's beauty is the lava formations surrounding the small hamlet, with the Arch being photographed by many of the tourists. I was wishing for my 600mm lens to get some closer shots of all the birds nesting, but I didn’t travel with it. Some among those nesting were Common Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Kittiwakes, and many more seabirds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2204
Description: “Rugged Coastline of Arnarstapi Iceland” Arnarstapi's coastline beauty lies in the rugged coastline of lava formations and basalt columns easily viewed from a shoreline hiking trail. This part of the shoreline has been a natural reserve since 1979. During breeding season, the coastline is also home to colonies of seabirds nesting on the formations. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 2025-05-24-DSC_2165.NEF
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Quaint Church Interior” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-8805
Description: “Bardur Stone Statue Arnarstapi” This large statue is of a giant, half-man and half-troll, made from shale stones, a homage to the saga of the giant Bárður Snæfellsás, who lived in the area around the nearby glacier. It was created by Ragnar Kjartansson, one of Iceland's most renowned sculptors. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2154
Description: “Icelandic Wildflower Artistic” I saw this pretty wildflower while climbing up the sacred mountain, Helgafell, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Later, with the use of a few wildflower ID searches, I came upon Cuckooflower (sometimes written as Cuckoo Flower), which I believe it to be. It is found throughout Europe and in many other temperate parts of the world, blooming in Iceland mainly in May and June. Cuckooflower, Milkmaids, and Lady's Smock are just three of many common English names given locally to this spring wildflower. With the use of a few digital brushes, I gave the image a bit of a colored pencil effect. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Iceland" 20250524_8800
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Church Iceland” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Digital Art Photography" 20250524-DSC_2126
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Church Iceland” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2126
Description: “Charming Icelandic Countryside Church ” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. I captured this scenic view with the church as I was making my way down from the Sacred Hill, Mount Helgafell. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2110
Description: “Icelandic Horses Trotting Across the Field” Oh, how I wanted to get closer to these beauties as they crossed the valley below Mount Helgafell. I was just in the wrong place to climb down the mountainside and get to where they were headed. But there is still the beauty of their manes blowing in the wind as they trotted across the valley below me. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 2025-05-24-DSC_2101
Description: “View From Mount Helgafell Iceland” Mount Helgafell, the Sacred Hill on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, holds a special place for Icelanders. It is believed that silently climbing to its summit without looking back grants three wishes, but this can only be done on one's first ascent, which many have already completed to secure their desires. I wasn't aware of the tradition of making three wishes before the ascent, and the photo only shows the view where I turned to see what was behind me, so I missed the opportunity. Also, as I'm not Icelandic, it might not have applied to me :-) ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2096
Description: “Cormorant Making A Perfect Landing” There were so many Double-crested Cormorants on this day at the lake and they were diving and resurfacing everywhere. I wanted to get a single one, and that finally happened when I caught this one flying in to join the larger groups. It was in perfect form when it landed with feet forward and wings spread high and wide! Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6937
Description: “Cormorants Popping Up Everywhere” Cormorants can hold their breath for several minutes, allowing them to dive underwater in pursuit of fish. There were so many on this day that it was hard to try and keep track of any given one, so I went for capturing moments of many resurfacing at once. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6927
Description: "Stykkisholmskirkja Church in Stykkisholmur Iceland” And add another “S” place as it is located along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula! No matter how hard I tried, I don’t think I pronounced any of those 3 places correctly. This church makes quite the architectural statement, somewhat futuristic in style with a sweeping bell tower that looks like a whale vertebra. The doors are often open to the public to have a quick look in to see the beautiful organ, statues, and art. Sadly, it was locked while we visited, and we only had a glimpse inside through the exterior windows. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Europe” "Black and White" 20250524-DSC_2091-Pano
Description: “Welcome To The Morning Gathering” It looked like one American White Pelican with its beak wide open was trying to get the attention of all the others! … Now that we are all here, what’s the plan of motion for today? Actually, they gather and work together herding fish to shallow water, making it easier to catch and consume. So it must have been break time after their morning feeding. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6997
Description: "Great Blue Heron Soaring By" I had been watching and waiting for this Heron to come out of hiding. Its head was just above the tall native grasses, and I was focused on it when suddenly it flew. I kept the focus locked on its head and panned along with it, capturing several close-ups in flight. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250501-DSC_7260
Description: "Great Blue Heron Departure" I had been watching and waiting for this Heron to come out of hiding. Its head was just above the tall native grasses, and I was focused on it when suddenly it flew. I kept the focus locked on its head and panned along with it, capturing several close-ups in flight. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250501-DSC_7258
Description: “Egret With Attitude” This Snowy Egret had managed to scare away all the other Snowy Egrets at this point, along with several turtles and even a Great Egret. But this Red-eared Slider was having nothing to do with the Snowy’s attitude and held its ground. Fun to watch all the action. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7224
Description: “Cruising Along Eyjafjordur Iceland” Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, spans more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth near the Arctic Circle to Akureyri. On the cruise in the fjord, we were lucky enough to see several whales, but I didn’t have a camera in hand during those wonderful sightings. 20250523-DSC_2046
Description: “Baltimore Oriole Perched in Tree” I followed this Baltimore Oriole for a while, as it flew from tree to tree. Once it landed in this one with all the new growth, it was content and worked away at getting its fill of the tree's fruits. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7152
Description: “Under the New Spring Growth” I followed this Baltimore Oriole for a while, as it flew from tree to tree. Once it landed in this one with all the new growth, it was content and worked away at getting its fill of the tree's fruits. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7137
Description: "Mountainside Akureyri Iceland" Akureyri is the capital city of North Iceland. It is located at the end of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland, spanning more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth to Akureyri. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Europe” 20250523-DSC_2066
Description: “Little Pied-billed Grebe” Part bird, part submarine, the Pied-billed Grebe is common across much of North America. These expert divers often make it difficult to photograph. As soon as you focus, underwater they go, and where they pop back up, no one knows! This one decided to do a little preening upon resurfacing, which gave me time to capture a few images. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202520150409-DSC_3320
Description: “Delicate Flowers to Powerful Water” I was focused on how large and powerful the Godafoss waterfall was when I noticed the tiny, delicate wildflowers where I stood. Nature is so amazing. The waterfall is fed by the Skjalfandafljot River, which flows from the Vatnajokull ice cap, Iceland's largest glacier. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Iceland” 20250523_8692
Description: “Carnival Miracle In Akureyri Iceland” Akureyri is the capital city of North Iceland. It is located at the end of Eyjafjordur, the longest fjord in Iceland spanning more than 40 miles (60km) from its mouth to Akureyri. On the cruise in the fjord, we were lucky enough to see several whales, but I didn’t have a camera in hand at those wonderful sightings. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In MyCollection: “Iceland” 20250523_8659
Description: "Godafoss Waterfall Iceland" Godafoss is also known as “Waterfall of the Gods”, where Norse idols were cast into the waters as Iceland embraced Christianity at the end of the 10th century, creating a natural and historical landmark. It is located within an easy drive from Akureyri in northeastern Iceland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Iceland" 20250523-DSC_1958
Description: “Carnival Miracle Anchored in Seydisfjordur Iceland” This point of view of the cruise ship and tendering boats is from the opposite hillside while hiking up and around the beautiful waterfall, Budareyrarfoss. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Europe" 20250522-DSC_1862.NEF
Description: “Quaint Village of Seydisfjordur Iceland” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, with a population of about 700. It is a very tidy town with colorful homes, businesses, and of course, the Blue Church. This is a view as seen from the waterfall trail on the outer skirts of town. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250522-DSC_1859-Edit.tif
