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
Description: Banded Hawk Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park by Debra Martz Once I looked at this image on my computer, I noticed that this Harris's Hawk was banded. In addition, a second Harris's Hawk is lower in the tree and on a nest. I tried getting an image showing both, but the distance between them made the birds look too small. But I have it in my file. Image captured at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4285
Description: Rio Grande Valley Wild Turkey by Debra Martz A group of Wild Turkeys appeared out of the trees and tall grass just ahead of us on the trail. As you can see, this one and all the others turned and went right back into the safety of their habitat Seen in the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4274
Description: Plain Chachalaca Not Looking So Plain by Debra Martz I've seen many Plain Chacalacas while birdwatching in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, but it was a surprise to see this leucistic one on my last visit in February 2025. In leucistic birds, affected plumage lacks the cells responsible for melanin production. This means that melanin pigment, which makes feathers appear dark, is absent. I thought it was rather beautiful compared to what should be its normal brown coloring. Seen at Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250225-DSC_4218
Description: Winter Wetlands at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge by Debra Martz A beautiful day of warmer winter weather made for a great day to get out and enjoy nature. The freeze had passed, the ice had melted, and the winds had stopped howling, making for a calming landscape. This is just one of many marsh areas along the winding gravel road that traverses through the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Oklahoma" "National Parks and Lands" "Landscapes and Landmarks" 2025-02-03-DSC_1049
Description: Altamira Oriole Profile by Debra Martz The largest of 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_4201
Description: I spotted this Great Kiskadee shortly after starting out on the first trail early in the morning. It was February and a little cold, so it might have been fluffing its feathers for warmth, though there are several reasons they do this. I captured this image at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in the Sub-tropical tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250225-DSC_4200
Description: Black and White Fire Scarred Cottonwood by Debra Martz When I saw this fire-scarred tree in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, I just had to stop to appreciate the beauty. Several years ago, the fire came through the NWR burning much of the land and the visitor/ranger station. This scarred tree stands proud and tall with only black and white bark. Therefore, I decided for a black and white edit. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20191009-DSC_7505-Edit.tif
Description: Great Kiskadee Look This Way by Debra Martz I was walking the trail around Avocet Pond, watching and waiting for a bird to land on a snag or small winter tree branch over the water, when this Kirkadee flew in. For the longest it looked in every direction except mine, then finally it looked at the camera. I captured this image in the Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250224-DSC_4137
Description: Night Heron in Morning Light This Yellow-crowned Night Heron was still wide awake when I saw it early one morning. Perhaps it was watching the baby alligator below in the water. Also, interestingly enough, I saw several alligators on this day in Alligator Lake along the Alligator Trail. Hmmm, I wonder how they came up with those lake and trail names? :-) I captured this image in the morning light at Estero Llano Grande State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: This Northern Mockingbird sat so still it seemed frozen to its spot. I wasn't sure what it was watching so intently. They eat mainly insects and fruit, so perhaps a nicely sized beetle, moth, or butterfly was near on a limb. Or, being the territorial birds they are, there might have been another unwelcome Mockingbird nearby. Either way, it was nice and still for me to capture several images of it on this high branch with a beautiful sky in the background. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250224-DSC_3982
Description: Mockingbird the Texas State Bird by Debra Martz It is the state bird for several USA states, including Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, where I saw this one while hiking and bird-watching. Aka Northern Mockingbirds, they sing all through the day and often into the night and will continue building their repertoire throughout their life. I captured this image in the tropical zone of Estero Llano Grande, a state park in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250224-DSC_3971
Description: As I walked along the trail, I initially spotted the male, and shortly thereafter, the female emerged just a bit further down. The Northern Cardinal is a familiar sight in backyard habitats within its range and does not migrate. However, I didn't spot this female in my yard. Instead, I encountered it while birdwatching on a trail in Estero Llano Grande State Park in southern Texas. Cardinalis cardinalis Passeriformes ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250224-DSC_3955
Description: Handsome Mr Cardinal by Debra Martz The Northern Cardinal is a familiar sight in backyard habitats within its range and does not migrate. However, I didn't spot this particular one in my yard. Instead, I encountered it while birdwatching on a trail in Estero Llano Grande State Park in southern Texas. Cardinalis cardinalis Passeriformes ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250224-DSC_3944
Description: A Pair of Green Jays Deep in Trees by Debra Martz Green Jays are a bit skittish and prefer to stay deep in the trees. On this early morning, they at least perched and preened in an area in the trees with a fairly open view. The sun cast light in the opening, showing off their beautiful coloring. These brilliant green, yellow, and blue jays are birds of the tropics whose range barely stretches to southern Texas. Image capture in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: The Common Pauraque’s brown, black, and gray plumage provides such wonderful camouflage that it might as well be invisible in its daytime sleeping spots on open ground. It is a nightjar, sleeping during the day under brushy vegetation, where they blend incredibly well with dead leaves and sticks. They hunt flying insects during the night and often return to the same roosting spot day after day. And that was true for this one, which we spotted on our first day at the state park. We returned to this park several days in a row and checked to see if it was there each time, and it was! Its distribution is widespread in the Neotropics but ventures into the U.S. just at the southernmost tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: To find a Sora, look to the freshwater marshes. If you are lucky, one might appear at the edge of the reeds and cordgrass, but most often, they will be within the vegetation. The Sora is one of several secretive rails that walks slowly through shallow wetlands, a bit like a chicken, nervously flicking its tail. Image captured in Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250223-DSC_3843
Description: On a recent trip to South Texas for bird watching, I was surprised to see quite a few White-tipped Doves. In past years, it was an amazing day if one was spotted. A bird mainly of South and Central America, more of these seem to be making their way into the southern edge of the USA bordering Mexico. The white tip of their tail isn't always easily visible unless fanned or in flight but with the filtered sunlight, the tiny bit of white can be seen in this photograph. Captured at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250223-DSC_3902
Description: I watched this Buff-bellied Hummingbird fly quickly in and out of the trees at Estero LLano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. Finally, it landed and gave me a variety of poses before it flew away again. I especially liked it when it fanned its tail. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250223-DSC_3823
Description: I watched this Buff-bellied Hummingbird fly quickly in and out of the trees at Estero LLano Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX. Finally, it landed and gave me a variety of poses before it flew away again. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250223-DSC_3814
Description: I had been focused on and watching this Couch's Kingbird fly out for an insect and return repeatedly, so I was quite surprised when this Orange-crowned Warbler flew in, too! Captured this image at Estero Llano Grande State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250223-DSC_3793
Description: Gloss Mountains View From the Trail by Debra Martz This view is partway to the top of the mesa consisting of a combination of paths and stairs. A conflict that continues today, "What REALLY is the name of this landmark; Gloss or Glass Mountains?" In 1873 the name Glass Mountains appeared on a map issued by the Federal General Land Office. Two years later the same office issued another map calling them the Gloss Mountains. Perhaps the 2nd draftsman misread an A for an O. The state of Oklahoma operates the 640-acre Gloss Mountains State Park, 6 miles west of Orienta along Highway 412. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: loss Mountains View From the Trail by Debra Martz This view is partway to the top of the mesa consisting of a combination of paths and stairs. A conflict that continues today, "What REALLY is the name of this landmark; Gloss or Glass Mountains?" In 1873 the name Glass Mountains appeared on a map issued by the Federal General Land Office. Two years later the same office issued another map calling them the Gloss Mountains. Perhaps the 2nd draftsman misread an A for an O. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Golden Fronted Woodpecker in Morning Light by Debra This is a first for me to capture an image of a Woodpecker using its tongue to retrieve food from the trunk of a tree. They have powerful chisel-like beaks and long, specialized tongues to help woodpeckers access food other birds can't. Like other woodpeckers, Golden-fronted woodpeckers perch early in the day, often calling loudly or drumming, and then spend their day picking insects and larvae from tree branches and trunks. Captured this image in the morning light at Estero Llano Grande State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250227-DSC_4707
Description: Perched Dark Eyed Junco in Winter by Debra Martz There was a large flock of Juncos hopping around on the ground when we pulled into the parking lot. Of course, they all scattered once I got out of the truck. Fortunately, one found a place to perch in a nice opening of the thin limbs. Captured this image in February at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma. These migratory birds will be heading north to their breeding grounds in a month or so. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250209-DSC_3736
Description: Bald Eagle Perched and Searching by Debra Martz Captured on a winter day near the spillway of the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20250127-DSC_3416 AI Alt Text: A bald eagle perches on the branches of a leafless tree against a muted sky. The stark contrast between the bird's striking plumage and the bare tree limbs creates a serene yet powerful scene.
Description: Ducks Take Off From the Lake by Debra Martz While standing on the upper tier of the spillway, I looked down at a sizable group of Lesser Scaups and Ring-necked Ducks. Suddenly, a few took flight over the treetops. Most of these are Lesser Scaups, but if you look closely at the upper left duck, you'll notice the distinctive gray bill with a black tip edged by a white band, characteristic of the Ring-necked species. I captured this image at Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains State Park in February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Colors of Winter Sedum by Debra Martz This perennial plant is Angelina Sedum that I grow in my backyard. In the spring and summer, it is a brilliant chartreuse-yellow and as the weather cools and gets into winter, the foliage turns orange here in northern Oklahoma. I understand it stays green in warmer climates. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Failing Old Barn by Debra Martz We pass this structure often but have never stopped as it is on a narrow 2-lane highway with no shoulder. But on this day, we could see no traffic in either direction so took the time to stop on the road and compose a few shots. Located in northern Oklahoma along the highway to the Great Salt Plains State Park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Winter At The Old Green House by Debra Martz I've photographed since house since I discovered it in August 2019. This is the angle I most often choose because it includes the windmill and the old dying tree in addition to the house and barbed wire fence. On this winter day, it seemed to call out for being converted to black and white to add to the sense of the cold weather. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Bald Eagle Nest Remodeling by Debra Martz I watched this eagle meticulously rearranging sticks and branches in its nest for stability and possibly for comfort. Eagles are known to maintain large nests, up to eight feet across and over a ton in weight. Capture at Oklahoma's Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250203-DSC_3602
Description: Sparrow On A Wire by Debra Martz We always roll slowly after turning on the gravel road that goes to the wildlife refuge. Often, just like this day, we spot some small birds on the barbed wire fence. Luckily today it was on my side of the road. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250203-DSC_3558
Description: Merlin Checking Its Surroundings by Debra Martz As it was finishing the prey it had caught, it stopped briefly to look around its surroundings. It continued with its meal and I continued on my way. Captured at Oklahoma's Great Salt Plains State Park on a winter day. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250203-DSC_3549
