Description: “European Herring Gull Profile” I had been watching this European Herring Gull for quite a bit, and had even been able to get a few in-flight shots of it as it flew close by. Imagine my surprise when it landed on the railing of the upper deck of the cruise ship with a backdrop of the White Cliffs of Dover. It rode along for a while, allowing me and others to get photos of it before it took off back into the sky. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202018-DSC_1317
Description: “Hitching A Ride” I had been watching this European Herring Gull for quite a bit, and had even been able to get a few in-flight shots of it as it flew close by. Imagine my surprise when it landed on the railing of the upper deck of the cruise ship with a backdrop of the White Cliffs of Dover. It posed for a while before departing back to the air. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202018-DSC_1310
Description: “Seagull Soars Across A Clear Blue Sky” We were in Dover, England, setting sail on a 12-night cruise. This was not a birding trip; I didn’t have my large lens for birds, but there was a bird, a European Herring Gull, and I did have a camera with my traveling 18-200mm lens. I watched as it skimmed the water below, rose higher, and soared across the sky, then it circled back around and flew close enough that 200mm was good enough! And I was happy to capture a new-to-me bird! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202018-DSC_1251
Description: Bald Eagle Perched In A Winter Tree by Debra Martz I spotted this Bald Eagle as we were leaving the state park after a day of bird watching. Of course, we had to pull off the road so I could get out and take a few photos. Stange, after we had just said, can't believe we didn't see any Eagles today, this one appeared. Captured from Highway 38 near the entrance to the River Road Campground located in Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains State Park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: "Osprey Passing Through the Woods With A Catch" Normally, I would be looking for Osprey at the water's edge. However, this one surprised me when I was on a hiking trail and out of sight of the lake. Photographed when hiking a trail in Falcon State Park in Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 202520180122-DSC_5302
Description: "Dover Kent England" Dover Castle is located on the hills above Dover, Kent, in the United Kingdom. The castle is very close to the English Channel and has served as a protector of the town and the surrounding area for hundreds of years. Possibly the oldest in England, the Roman lighthouse is seen in the upper center next to the Saxon Church. A hotel and rows of houses can be seen below the castle on the edge of Dover Harbour. The famous white cliffs of Dover are also visible above the harbour. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250518-DSC_1275
Description: “Ferry Service Dover England Harbour” Prince of Wales Pier and Lighthouse are in the foreground with the P&O Spirit of France and Irish Ferries in the harbour. P&O is just departing, heading out to the English Channel with a view of the White Cliffs of Dover still in the background. Shortly after, our cruise ship departed en route to Ireland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250518-DSC_1269-Enhanced-NR-Edit.tif
Description: “DHB Doughty Tugboat Water Salute at Dover England” One of the most eye-catching sights in tugboat operations is their dramatic water sprays, often leaving onlookers wondering about their purpose. This is made possible via the deluge guns installed on some tugboats, equipping them with the ability to participate in fire prevention and firefighting when necessary. Tugboats also, at times, do it to celebrate. This tradition, known as a water salute, is one of the most common. On this day, it was to celebrate the departure of the Miracle cruise ship. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250518-DSC_1265
Description: "White Cliffs of Dover England" The cliffs are made from layers of soft, white, finely grained limestone, which have built up over millions of years. Now owned and managed by the National Trust, these great limestone cliffs are safe from development and industry. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "United Kingdom" 20250518-DSC_1232
Description: “Moving On Up” There were numerous Yellow-rumped Warblers in the park during our visit in late February. While walking the Spoonbill Trail with trees on both sides, they were zipping back and forth. I decided to add some motion effects to this one, which was on the move to a higher level in the tree. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250227-DSC_4776
Description: Plover At Laguna Madre SPI There is a boardwalk by the Convention Center that crosses over 4 acres of marshlands and ends at the Laguna Madre. This is a great place to see wading shorebirds such as the Black-bellied Plover in non-breeding plumage. This March morning was quite busy with a large variety of birds, but then I looked away from the large grouping and spotted this single bird, along with its wonderful reflection. Photographed at South Padre Island (SPI), Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250306-DSC_6319
Description: "Orange-crowned Warbler Splish Splash" It was a treat to happen upon this little Warbler in a small water catchment. The treat was being able to see its orange crown, which is most always concealed. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250227-DSC_4873
Description: "Dover Prince of Wales Pier Lighthouse" The Prince of Wales Pier Lighthouse was built in 1902 and is at the end of the pier separating the outer and inner harbours. It is the only one of the 4 Dover Harbour lighthouses made of stone. Above the White Cliffs of Dover, England, a portion of Dover Castle is in view. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: England Ireland Scotland 20250518-DSC_1230
Description: “Spiky The Titmouse” I’ve always thought the Titmouse birds were cute, but the cutest yet was when I first saw a Black-crested Titmouse. Years later, I still get a kick out of their black spiky crest. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250227-DSC_4961
Description: “Clay-colored Thrush Profile” It gave me a perfect profile showing off its varied brown and buff feathering, but I love the red eye! This thrush is common in open forests and lightly wooded areas from northern Colombia to Mexico, and just ranges north into southern Texas. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250227-DSC_4959
Description: "Orchid Tree Bud" One area of Estero Llano Grande State Park is called the Tropical Zone. Before the state of Texas acquired the land, the previous owner planted many tropical plants that were non-native to the state. Several Orchid trees are locally known as Pata de Vaca (or Cow’s Hoof Orchid) because of their hoofprint-shaped leaves. However, it is the early spring flowers, ranging from white to pink to purple and covering the entire tree, that impress people the most. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Flora” 20250227-DSC_4886
Description: “Double Tree Orchid Bloom” One area of Estero Llano Grande State Park is called the Tropical Zone. Before the state of Texas acquired the land, the previous owner planted many tropical plants that were non-native to the state. Several Orchid trees are locally known as Pata de Vaca (or Cow’s Hoof Orchid) because of their hoofprint-shaped leaves. However, it is the early spring flowers, ranging from white to pink to purple and covering the entire tree, that impress people the most. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Flora” 20250227-DSC_4881
Description: Beautiful Red Rose At Leonabelle in Port Aransas, Texas, there are beautifully maintained flowers on one side of the sidewalk leading from the parking area to the boardwalk over coastal water. I enjoy this area for bird watching, however, I always take it slow and enjoy the flora. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Flora” 202520150409-DSC_3095
Description: Snowy Egrets Looking For Breakfast We were walking the Wader’s Trail around the Dowitchers Pond, where there was a lot of morning bird activity. Mornings are always good times to watch birds as they start their days searching for food. I especially like the reflections of the white Snowy Egrets. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250227-DSC_4846
Description: Little Blue On The Hunt by Debra Martz We were walking the Wader’s Trail around the Dowitchers Pond when I spotted this Little Blue patiently stalking prey for its morning feast. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250227-DSC_4761
Description: Altamira Oriole Protecting the Nest by Debra Martz A pair of Great Kiskadees were also nest-building in the same tree in the lower part. I watched as one of the Kiskadees would take a shortcut to nesting material by stealing it from the Oriole’s nest. This one finally decided to stay put, protect what was built, and wait for its mate to bring in material. She still had a lot of weaving to do! Nests range from about 1 to just over 2 feet long and about 6 inches wide. The largest of the Orioles in the United States. However, this vibrant Altamira Oriole is a tropical species with only a tiny portion of its range reaching the U.S. in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. I captured this image at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Texas
Description: Great Kiskadees Nest Building Time by Debra Martz I watched this pair working on their nest for quite a while. They took turns bringing and placing nest material. I also watched one taking a shortcut to finding twigs by flying to the upper part of the tree where Altamira Orioles were building their nest; the shortcut was the Kiskadee taking/stealing material from the Oriole nest. Photographed at the Bentsen Rio Grande State Park in South Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 202520220415-DSC_2905
Description: Green Heron Blending In With the Reeds by Debra Martz At the end of Alligator Trail, an observation deck allows you to view a part of Alligator Lake, which is surrounded by tall reeds. It is a great area to look for birds, though some might be missed if you don’t look closely. This Heron was one of those I didn’t see immediately, as it blends so well with the tall reeds. Interestingly enough, a fairly large Alligator swam by the deck, which is fairly close to the water level. I kept a keen eye on it, to be assured it was continuing farther away and not coming up on land by the trail where I needed to exit. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: Feathered Friends
Description: Common Pauraque Snug In Its Surroundings by Debra Martz Look for Common Pauraques at twilight or soon after dark as they hunt in grassy areas and along rural roads to catch insects. Also, listen for the male’s unique whistling song to help locate them. During the day, these birds roost in thick foliage, blending in with the fallen leaves. They often select the same resting spot repeatedly, which we verified when we returned to this park a few days later. Its distribution is widespread in the Neotropics but ventures into the U.S., just in South Texas. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park, Texas, in February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250227-DSC_4825
Description: If I Could Just Get Out Of This Mermaid Suit by Debra Martz I lived on a barrier island for almost 17 years, and walking the beach as much as possible never became boring. You could walk the same stretch daily, and I promise it would be different. A lot of driftwood washed ashore, and many people, including me, collected some for different projects. No, I didn't take this one home with me. This one just made me laugh because it reminded me of a worn-out mermaid. Hope it gave you a laugh, too! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Coastal" 2015-04-08-DSC_2891
Description: Clay-colored Thrush Landing by Debra Martz We had just started on our first trail of the morning when we heard a song and rustling on the ground. There we spotted two of these Thrushes foraging, and then one flew up to this low tree limb. They are referred to as being bland for their neutral coloring, but what beautiful eyes they have. This Thrush is widespread throughout Central America from northern Colombia to Mexico, and it slightly reaches north into South Texas. Photographed at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge in South Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250226-DSC_4504
Description: Northern Cardinal in The Tropical Zone by Debra Martz This beautiful female perched peacefully for a minute, looking slightly upward in a dreamy pose. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in the section known as The Tropical Zone. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250225-DSC_4426
Description: Orange-crowned Warbler in the Tropical Zone by Debra Martz While most birds come flying in and zipping all about, this Orange-crowned Warbler just appeared to be out strolling along the limbs, interspersed with a little foraging for insects along the branches. Photographed in Estero Llano Grande State Park in the area known as The Tropical Zone. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250225-DSC_4421
Description: A bird that, when seen for the first time, you will never forget it flying in with a flash of colors. And although I've seen Green Jays many times over many years when I lived in South Texas, it is still a thrill to see them when I return for birdwatching in the Rio Grande Valley. On this day, I had sat down on a bench for a little rest, but my camera was back in action quickly. The trail I was on was none other than the short and shady Green Jay Trail in Estero Llano Grande State Park in South Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4411
Description: The largest of the Orioles in the United States. However, this vibrant Altamira Oriole is a tropical species with only a tiny portion of its range reaching the U.S. in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley. They hop between branches and fly quickly between trees, gleaning insects and larvae. This one finally paused briefly for me. I captured this image at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4369
Description: Kinglet Here One Second Gone The Next by Debra Martz Ruby-crowned Kinglets, so named for the color of their crown, though it is usually concealed and only present on males. They are hyperactive, energetic, quick-moving, wing-flicking little songbirds and foragers in wooded habitats. They are such fast movers that I always feel fortunate to get a photo of this little songbird. Photographed in the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4334
Description: Yes I Only Have Eyes For You by Debra Martz Captured what looks to be two Green Jays in love! The engagement between the two is really something! These brilliant green, yellow, and blue jays are birds of the tropics whose range barely stretches to southern Texas. Photographed in the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4325
Description: Thrasher Drinking and Reflecting by Debra Martz What bird doesn’t enjoy a fresh puddle of water? And what photographer doesn’t mind catching the moment with the reflection and water droplets? It was a lucky day for both the Long-billed Thrasher and me. Photographed in the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250225-DSC_4307
Description: Warbler on A Tree Trunk by Debra Martz We had already walked miles in the state park and needed to give our feet a rest. Thankfully, there are benches throughout the park for tram stops. We weren't ready to get on the tram to leave, only wanted to sit and have some water. And what a perfect place for a break, as many Orange-crowned Warblers were zipping all around in the surrounding trees. Photographed in the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250225-DSC_4299
Description: Cute Posing Black Crested Titmouse by Debra Martz Well, not posing, but a second of a pause gave me just the time I needed to get this Black-crested Titmouse in a lovely surround of nature. I can’t tell you exactly where I saw this one in the state park, as there are so many trails and we walked most of them in a very long day. It might have been on the narrower Kiskadee Trail, which cuts through the center of the two larger loops of trails, and where smaller songbirds are often seen. I captured this image at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4320
Description: Hesitant Great Kiskadee by Debra Martz This Kiskadee was so close yet appeared hesitant to get any nearer to the big black object it saw extending from the side of a tree. I was rather surprised it landed so close and stared straight at the lens in curiosity. I captured this image at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the subtropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4293
