Description: Red Bellied Woodpecker Storing Food by Debra Martz At home, we watch these Woodpeckers get peanuts from our feeders and then take them to the power poles nearby. They wedge the nuts into crevices and then whack them into manageable pieces for eating using their beaks. They also use cracks in trees and posts to store food for later in the year. I sat nearby for some time and watched this one fly to a tree with berries and then back to this one to hide its fruits deep in the crevices of the bark. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma in the River Road Campground. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241111-DSC_2449
Description: Red Tailed Hawk Through the Limbs by Debra Martz This one made me wait and wait and wait as I thought it would never turn and look toward me! Finally, it turned and looked sideways but still a limb was across its face. I was just about to move on when it lowered its head just enough to peek through the fork of limbs giving me a clear view of its head, bright eye, and beak. Not to say that those talons are of any less interest because they are large and sharp! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241111-DSC_2351
Description: American Kestrel On A Snag by Debra Martz There is an area along Hwy 38 just south of the state park entrance where we normally see these birds in fall and winter but this year we have not. So I was very pleased to see this one on the snag in the Salt Plains Wildlife Refuge north of the state park. Image captured in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241106-DSC_2272
Description: Coots Coots And More Coots Crossing the Lake by Debra Martz There were more American Coots than I had ever seen in this location. They are year-round birds but normally I see just a few or maybe a small flock of a dozen or so at the refuge next to this lake. But on this morning the line went on forever. This is only about 1/5 of the line crossing the lake on this October 14th morning. And you might notice a couple of Ruddy Ducks traveling across the lake with the Coots. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake/State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2201
Description: American Avocet Wading by Debra Martz These are fall and winter visitors to the lake in northern Oklahoma, so it is in its nonbreeding plumage. In the summer, it wears a beautiful rusty-colored head and neck. The water was a little deeper thanks to a 7" rain over two days. Prior to that, this same area would have covered only its feet and not its long legs. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2218
Description: It Saw Me Too by Debra Martz I couldn't believe my luck when I saw this Cooper's Hawk so close to the gravel road that runs through the marshlands of the refuge. But it was sitting there with its back to me for a while when it suddenly spun its head around about 270 degrees and gave me the stare. I took one last photo and slowly rolled onward. Image captured in northern Oklahoma at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2187
Description: Seagull With Its Catch by Debra Martz Very few birds had been successful at catching fish this morning. Finally, the Ring-billed Gull caught one and it was out of there quickly before another gull could try to steal it. Meanwhile, the single Cormorant seemed to not have a care in the world. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake/State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2159
Description: See You Two Later by Debra Martz Cormorants and American White Pelicans are often seen foraging together to "corral" fish. Most of the time the foraging is done nicely but at other times I've seen the pelicans try to steal fish from the cormorants. However, I didn't see any of them having any luck with their morning catches, so perhaps the Double-crested Cormorant decided it was time to move on to new fishing territory. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2148.NEF
Description: You All Go Your Way I Am Going Mine by Debra Martz In life, each person has the freedom to select their own journey, so I guess it works the same for our feathered friends as well. My lesson for the day came from my favorite hobby, bird watching :-) I captured this scene in the early morning light at the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2122.NEF
Description: What Do You Think It Is by Debra Martz The way these two American White Pelicans were looking at their reflections on the water made me laugh. How would you caption this image? Photo taken on the second level of the Great Salt Plains Lake's spillway in Oklahoma during a drought period. Normally water should be flowing over the ledge they are standing on. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241014-DSC_2117.NEF
Description: Peaceful Place at Sunrise by Debra Martz Actually, this is a peaceful place at the lake any time of the day. We often take chairs to this area and watch the birds and wildlife that come and go. Rarely does anyone else come by. Image taken at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Golden Sunrise Great Salt Plains Lake Oklahoma by Debra Martz The first sunrise of October at the state park was beautiful and golden. Soon, the birds would be flying to the lake for morning feedings. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Oklahoma" "Sky Sunrise Sunset Clouds" 20241001-5364.dng
Description: The Glaring Stare Of A Hawk by Debra Martz I didn't know this Red-tailed Hawk had prey in its talons until it turned, gave me a menacing stare, and took off deeper into the trees. When it flew, a fuzzy red tail of a squirrel was dangling from underneath. Later, when I looked at this image on my computer, I saw two tiny paws on the branch. It wasn't my intention to disturb the hawk's breakfast. Hawks have some of the best vision of all birds of prey, and can see eight times better than humans. The idiom "watch like a hawk" means to watch someone or something very carefully. Image captured along a gravel road in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Sunrise Through the Tall Grass by Debra Martz The tall grass is known as Indian Grass and is the state grass of Oklahoma. This image was taken early October and the feathery look of it at this stage is my favorite. Image taken at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Oklahoma" "Sky Sunrise Sunset Clouds" 20241001-5354.dng
Description: Sunrise Beginning Great Salt Plains Lake Oklahoma by Debra Martz The sun had begun to peek over the earthen dam of the lake. Image taken between Sandy Beach and the boat ramp. Image taken at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Oklahoma" "Sky Sunrise Sunset Clouds" "Water Forms" 20241001-5267.dng
Description: Cormorant Rising Above the Trees by Debra Martz I saw this Double-crested Cormorant flying in from the lake beyond the spillway. Usually they will land on one of the upper tiers of water but this one continued flying, rising above tree level, and downstream to the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1971
Description: Morning Gathering Of Cormorants by Debra Martz As fall migration is underway and we get into the early part of October, more and more Double-Breasted Cormorants arrive. They too like the water in the upper spillway of the lake. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1994.NEF
Description: Osprey On The Hunt - The End by Debra Martz I followed this Osprey with my camera as it searched for a view of a fish. So of course, I was hoping for that awesome dive they do in hopes of getting a photo with it bringing up a fish. But, in the end, it took this one last look back down to the water and flew away. I didn't get the dream image I hoped for but I did get many inflight shots which made my day! Image captured at the lake in the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1934.NEF
Description: Osprey On The Hunt #4 by Debra Martz I was panning my camera as I followed a Bald Eagle through the sky when this Osprey crossed through my viewfinder. I immediately changed course on which bird to follow as this one was much closer than the Eagle. I was able to get many inflight shots which made my day! Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1929.NEF
Description: Osprey On The Hunt #3 by Debra Martz I was panning my camera as I followed a Bald Eagle through the sky when this Osprey crossed through my viewfinder. I immediately changed course on which bird to follow as this one was much closer than the Eagle. I was able to get many inflight shots which made my day! Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1919.NEF
Description: Osprey On The Hunt #2 by Debra Martz I was panning my camera as I followed a Bald Eagle through the sky when this Osprey crossed through my viewfinder. I immediately changed course on which bird to follow as this one was much closer than the Eagle. I was able to get many inflight shots which made my day! Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1909.NEF
Description: Osprey On The Hunt by Debra Martz I was panning my camera as I followed a Bald Eagle through the sky when this Osprey crossed through my viewfinder. I immediately changed course on which bird to follow as this one was much closer than the Eagle. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1907.NEF
Description: Walk This Way by Debra Martz This Yellow Legs was putting on quite the show as it splashed through the shallow waters of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. Meanwhile, the Pectoral Sandpiper paid it no attention at all. The Great Salt Plains Lake spillway in northern Oklahoma flows into this river. However, the river had only puddles at this time due to the lack of rain for the first three quarters of 2024. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20241006-DSC_1907.NEF
Description: American White Pelican Gliding Solo On The Lake by Debra Martz What can I say? I love the autumn migration when flocks of Pelicans visit the lake just a short 45-minute drive from our residence. The challenge lies in focusing on a single Pelican rather than the numerous ones present. Captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma on the final day of September. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240930-DSC_1725.NEF
Description: American White Pelicans Gliding Along by Debra Martz What can I say? I love fall migration, when thousands of Pelicans grace the lake just 45 minutes from our home. It is especially nice on a sunny day, even if the temperatures are a little chilly. Captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma on the last day of September. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240930-DSC_1716.NEF
Description: Egrets Dance A Lake Ballet by Debra Martz The lake was so blue on this day. It is not always like this due to normal windy days which stirs up the sediments and makes it look brownish...so this was a real treat. These Egrets and their movements made me watch in awe; like they were dancing on the water's surface. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake/State Park in northern Oklahoma. I enhanced this with a slightly painterly effect and added a layer of cracked fresco texture. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" "Digital Art Photography" 20240930_5236 (1)-Enhanced-SR-Edit.tif
Description: Magical Moment With Pelicans by Debra Martz I was intrigued by the line of upward moving American White Pelicans and one lagging behind just a bit. They were flying in the morning light and the sky was awash in orange. But I thought it needed something else so with a few additional layers of color and bokeh, I created this piece which seemed rather magical looking to me. Original Image captured at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Digital Art Photography" 20240930-DSC_1573-Edit.tif
Description: A Single Pelican Flying Overhead by Debra Martz The American White Pelican is a very large and beautiful bird yet there are times that they appear almost prehistoric. This was one such moment when a lone pelican soared above, capturing the interplay of light and shadows in the morning sky, dotted with scattered clouds. Captured in northern Oklahoma during Fall Migration at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240930-DSC_1630
Description: Variety of Sandpipers At The Front Waterline by Debra Martz During fall migration, the observation blind along the Eagle Roost trail provides a perfect vantage point to observe the vibrant morning routines of bird life. In this image, a large number of sandpipers and other small shorebirds dart around in the front foraging for their morning meal. Meanwhile, American White Pelicans and various waterfowl are actively searching for food in the center. Image captured at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma just minutes before full sunrise. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240930-DSC_1628
Description: Early Birds At the Refuge by Debra Martz During fall migration, the observation blind along the Eagle Roost trail provides a perfect vantage point to observe the vibrant morning routines of bird life. In this image, a large flock of seagulls soars through the sky, while small shorebirds dart around in the front. Out in the center, various waterfowl are active, searching for food near a solitary American White Pelican. Image captured at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma just minutes before full sunrise. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240930-DSC_1611
Description: Dawn At Oklahoma Great Salt Plains State Park by Debra Martz The morning began with a black sky and just a sliver of a crescent moon as I waited for the light of dawn and incoming birds. The wait in the darkness was worthwhile as the sky gradually became more colorful overtime. Then, about 15 minutes before sunrise, pink beams of light began to rise upward. Image captured from a north shoreline of the lake within the state park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240929_5111
Description: Twilight At Oklahoma Great Salt Plains State Park #2 by Debra Martz The morning began with a black sky and just a sliver of a crescent moon as I waited for the light of dawn and incoming birds. It was worth the wait in the dark when the sky started to glow with color about 25-30 minutes before sunrise! Image captured from a north shoreline of the lake within the state park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240929_5107
Description: Twilight At Oklahoma Great Salt Plains State Park #1 by Debra Martz The morning began with a black sky and just a sliver of a crescent moon as I waited for the light of dawn and incoming birds. It was worth the wait in the dark when the sky started to glow with color about 25-30 minutes before sunrise! Image captured from a north shoreline of the lake within the state park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240929_5099.DNG
Description: Beautiful Pelican and Rippled Reflections by Debra Martz Watching birds at the South Spillway in the early morning is wonderful, as the sunlight casts a soft, warm glow on the waterfowl. In addition, the water takes on beautiful colors from the light and patterns from the birds' movements. The American White Pelicans are my favorites when they stop over for several weeks during fall migration. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake/State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240929-DSC_1528.NEF
Description: American White Pelican In the Morning Light With Enhancements by Debra Martz Watching birds at the South Spillway during the early morning is wonderful, as the sunlight casts a soft, warm glow on the waterfowl. Image captured at the Great Salt Plains Lake/State Park in northern Oklahoma. I enhanced the water with vibrant color and digital brushes for a painterly finish. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Digital Art Photography" 20240929-DSC_1526
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