Description: Wild Turkey Profile Portrait by Debra Martz I have seen Wild Turkeys at the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park on several different visits, but they seemed to be appearing in every area of this large park on this particular March day. The state park is located in Mission, Texas along the border with Mexico. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240307-DSC_0641.NEF Alt Text: A colorful turkey stands alert with a direct gaze at the camera, showcasing its detailed vibrant red and blue neck and head. In contrast to its stark features, the bird's feathers display intricate patterns that blend with the blurred natural background.
Description: Green Jay Water Puddle Bath © Debra Martz Following considerable rain one morning, we arrived at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park to find several nice-sized water puddles on the road walking into the park. The birds were taking opportunities for baths! It was fun to watch them splashing in the rainwater! The state park is located in south Texas at the border with Mexico. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends
Description: Northern Cardinal Tail Splashing Fun © Debra Martz Following considerable rain one morning, we arrived at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park to find several nice-sized water puddles on the road walking into the park. The birds were taking opportunities for baths! It was fun to watch them splashing in the rainwater! The state park is located in south Texas at the border with Mexico. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240307-DSC_0613.NEF Alt Text: A bright red cardinal is splashing in shallow water, its feathers ruffled as water droplets scatter around. It seems to be bathing, with its crest fully raised and wings partially spread out to catch the water.
Description: Blackbird on Winter Reeds ©Debra Martz I like the rather minimal scene of this male Red-winged Blackbird on the golden-toned reeds. The sky, however, was so dull without color or clouds that I decided to give my photograph an overall light painterly effect. Captured first week of March in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Feathered Friends Digital Art Photography 20240307-DSC_0584-Enhanced-NR-Edit.tif Alt Text: A blackbird with a hint of red and yellow on its upper wings is perched on a brown twig. It stands out against the plain, lightly textured background that offers no distraction from the bird.
Description: Oriole in the Greenery ©Debra Martz We were walking the trails at the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park when this Altamira Oriole flew in along the edge. I could not have asked for it to land in a more perfect place. This state park is located in Texas along the border of Mexico and is a favorite place of mine to go birding when in the area. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240307-DSC_0597.NEF Alt Text: A vibrant yellow and orange bird is perched on the branches of a green leafy tree. The Oriole is looking to its side, and the background is a soft bokeh of greenery, highlighting the bird's bright plumage. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Queen On Blue Mistflowers ©Debra Martz Sometimes this butterfly tricks me as I first thought I was seeing a Monarch flying around until it landed and I took notice of those white dots across the orange. I captured this image on South Padre Island, Texas in March. I've digitally enhanced the background with a soft painterly texture. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 20240306-DSC_0472-Edit.tif Alt Text: A Queen butterfly, which looks similar to a Monarch, has its wings folded upward and is perched delicately on a cluster of small purple flowers. Soft lighting and a painterly green background give the scene a tranquil, painterly atmosphere.
Description: Mexican Olive Tree Blooms ©Debra Martz Walking along the path to the entrance of Estero Llano Grande State Park, you are greeted with native plants and trees growing on both sides. It was March and the Mexican Olive Trees were blooming throughout this Texas state park. AKA Texas Wild Olive, Anacahuita, White cordia, and White geiger. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 20240306-DSC_0467.NEF Alt Text: Vibrant white flowers with delicate petals and a dash of yellow at the center stand out against a dark background. The surrounding foliage is rich green, complementing the bright bloom.
Description: Preening Green Heron ©Debra Martz I watched this beautiful Heron for quite some time. It was hidden to most others on the main boardwalk but I was on a smaller section with a great view of this bird. Image captured on South Padre Island, Texas in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240305-DSC_0406.NEF Alt Text: A green heron is seen preening its feathers by a water body, its rich blue and teal plumage creating a striking contrast against the natural background. It stands amidst reeds and aquatic plants, diligently grooming itself in its natural habitat. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Green Heron Stare ©Debra Martz I'm not sure what this Heron was focused on so intently as I couldn't see anything in the water that would be food! Captured from a boardwalk over brackish water on South Padre Island, Texas in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240305-DSC_0381.NEF Alt Text: A green heron stands in shallow water amongst green reeds, with its sharp gaze directed toward something off-camera. Its feathers display a rich array of colors and patterns that blend well with the surrounding natural environment.
Description: Green Heron Standing Tall ©Debra Martz I watched this Heron for quite a few minutes before it tucked back into hiding in the reeds. Here, it has stretched out its neck and I thought I would see it snatch some prey but it didn't happen. Image captured from a boardwalk over brackish water in South Padre Island, Texas in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240305-DSC_0379 Alt Text: A Green Heron with striking plumage stands alert by the water's edge amid green reeds. Its focused gaze and poised stance suggest it may be hunting or watching for predators.
Description: Monarch Wings Spread Wide on Mexican Flame ©Debra Martz It was the first week of March and butterflies were everywhere though the high wind made it difficult to photograph but I continued my efforts. This beauty was near the convention center on South Padre Island, Texas near the boardwalk that leads out to the Laguna Madre. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-05-DSC_0354.NEF Alt Text: A monarch butterfly with its wings spread is perched on a green plant. In the background, there are flowers with orange petals, and the foliage appears lush. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Monarch on Mexican Flame ©Debra Martz It was the first week of March and butterflies were everywhere though the high wind made it difficult to photograph but I continued my efforts. This beauty was near the convention center on South Padre Island, Texas near the boardwalk that leads out to the Laguna Madre. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-05-DSC_0348 Alt Text: A monarch butterfly is perched delicately on some orange flowers, with its wings lifted upward. The green leaves and blurred background provide a peaceful and natural setting for the scene. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Winter Blues At Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge ©Debra Martz Winter blues means color, not a winter blues/sad day. It was great that the sun had finally shone brightly after a long spell of gray days and below-freezing weather. The water is not shining brightly where the top layer of ice has not yet melted and a mix of the salt. This is a view from the Sandpiper Trail within the Refuge located along Highway 11 in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20220113-DSC_5634
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Description: Flowering Huisache Branch ©Debra Martz A single branch of the Huisache tree with yellow flowers. It is also known as Sweet Acacia, Mealy Acacia, and Mealy Wattle. Image captured on South Padre Island in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 2024-03-05-DSC_0347.NEF Alt Text: A branch with yellow flowers is in focus against a soft, blurred background of blue sky and greenery. The vibrant yellow stands out prominently, highlighting the detail of the flowers and leaves of the Huisache tree.
Description: Cascading Bottlebrush Blooms ©Debra Martz Many would refer to it as a bush, but given its significant height, I consider it a tree! This image was captured on South Padre Island, Texas in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 2024-03-05-DSC_0341 Alt Text: Vibrant red flowers burst from the branches of a shrub against a soft, white background. Each flower is composed of numerous delicate stamens that create a fluffy appearance amidst the green foliage.
Description: Red Admiral On A Red Bottlebrush Bloom ©Debra Martz Butterflies and other insects find the flowers of these trees irresistible. They were darting here and there, stopping briefly on the blooms. This image was captured on South Padre Island, Texas ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Flora Butterflies Bees Insects 20240305-DSC_0319.NEF Alt Text: A vibrant butterfly with orange, black, and white markings is perched on a bright red flower with long filamentous stamens. The background is blurred greenery, which accentuates the sharpness and color contrast of the subject. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Upright Bottlebrush Bloom ©Debra Martz This tree was actually full of bloom but I managed to isolate one and frame it with the leaves. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: 'Flora' 2024-03-05-DSC_0306.NEF Alt Text: Bright red bottlebrush flowers stand out against a soft, unfocused background, with slender green leaves framing the vibrant blooms. The detailed filaments of the flowers are visible, contributing to the plant's unique and textured appearance. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Well Read Books ©Debra Martz I was bird-watching behind the Convention Center because there are beautiful flowering trees and a lookout for the Laguna Madre. As I walked back toward the building I spotted these books on a bench. They look to have been well read and loved by someone; I hope whomever they belong to that they found their way back to where they left them. Digital enhancements were applied to the bench the books rested upon. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Digital Art Photography 2024-03-05-DSC_0297
Description: Great Tailed Grackle Perched ©Debra Martz When there are multiple Grackles, these birds are very noisy but this one just slipped in without me hearing it. I was scanning the upper parts of the trees when I noticed him and liked the starkness of what I was seeing; just one dark somewhat iridescent bird on the bare branches and overcast sky. Captured along a trail in the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 2024-03-04-DSC_0288
Description: Giant Swallowtail South Texas ©Debra Martz Hiking the dusty trails at Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in South Texas was not our best day out bird watching. Thankfully there were many beautiful butterflies, though they were having some issues getting around due to the high wind. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 2024-03-04-DSC_0280.NEF Alt Text: A large black and yellow butterfly is perched on delicate purple flowers, its wings almost fully spread. The backdrop consists of a soft bokeh of green foliage and twigs, providing a natural and serene setting.
Description: Who Is Watching Who ©Debra Martz Green Jays are fairly skittish, coming out into the open and quickly flying back into the safety of the thick trees. I was behind a tree trunk and this Jay had been watching my camera lens from some trees farther back. It slowly moved closer, one tree at a time, until it finally landed on a branch so close I couldn't get its full body in my lens. A Jay of the tropics whose range barely stretches to southern Texas. I captured this image at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 2024-03-04-DSC_0272
Description: Common Mestra Butterfly South Texas ©Debra Martz This butterfly's range is from Costa Rica north through Central America to Mexico and South Texas but it is noted that it strays north to South Dakota. I captured this photograph at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Butterflies Bees Insects 20240304-DSC_0264 Alt Text: A delicate butterfly with predominantly light grey wings and a touch of orange along the bottom edges rests on a slender small branch surrounded by green foliage. The delicate wings are open, showcasing the butterfly's natural symmetry and the intricate patterns etched across its wings.
Description: Spring Garden Beginnings ©Debra Martz A beautiful place to go bird watching in south Texas is at the Rabb Plantation located on the Rio Grande. Before heading out for birding, you stop in the plantation to pay for not only bird watching on the trails but to admire the furnished rooms of the old Sugar Plantation home. Another bit of nature exists on the south side of the home where a lovely garden is maintained. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 20240301-DSC_9975 Alt Text: A solitary white flower stands prominently among a collection of purple flowers and green stems in a natural setting. The backdrop is softly blurred, highlighting the delicate petals of the white flower.
Description: Scattering of Blackbirds ©Debra Martz I don't know which was more surprised; all of these female Red-winged Blackbirds or me! I didn't see them on the ground in the tall grass and then suddenly they were in the air! Captured in south Texas near the Rabb Plantation. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240301-DSC_9961 Alt Text: A flock of birds is captured in mid-flight against a pale sky, creating a sense of movement and freedom. Each bird is spread out, but collectively they form a dynamic and somewhat chaotic pattern as they disperse.
Description: Candy Corn ©Debra Martz From the very first time I saw a Common Gallinule, I thought of Candy Corn with its vibrant colored beak. And today was no different as it seemed even more bright in the beautiful sunlight. Captured in the wetlands of South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20240302-DSC_0141 Alt Text: A black bird with a distinctive orange-red beak tipped with white is swimming in calm waters, casting a clear reflection. The bird appears to be a Common Gallinule, once named moorhen in the USA, known for its aquatic lifestyle and distinctive call. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Seagulls At Boca Chica Beach ©Debra Martz Two Herring Gulls at the edge of the beach. The one in the front is an adult and the the back one is somewhere around 2 or three years old based on its different plumage. Boca Chica Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the far southern tip of Texas. Digital brushes were used to enhance the Gulf waters and sandy shore only. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Feathered Friends" "Digital Art Photography" Alt Text: Two seagulls stand in shallow water, creating ripples and reflections beneath them. The background is a uniform, misty blend of greys and blues of the Gulf's water, highlighting the birds' presence.
Description: Little Blue Heron Foraging ©Debra Martz It was a pull-off-the-road moment when I spotted this Heron working the water near the edge of the road leading to the Boca Chica beach on the southern tip of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240301-DSC_9935.NEF Alt Text: A Little Blue Heron is foraging in shallow water, its neck extended towards the water as if it's about to catch prey. The bird's reflection is visible on the lightly rippled water's surface.
Description: Tiptoe Through The Water ©Debra Martz When I watched this pair of Lesser Yellowlegs skimming across the water, it seemed as though they were delicately tiptoeing to avoid disturbing anything in their path! Captured from a boardwalk over the wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9853 Alt Text: Two birds with speckled feathers and bright yellow legs are walking in shallow water, from the right toward the left side. Each of the birds has its outer leg slightly lifted just above the water as if tiptoeing. Their reflections are visible on the water's surface, highlighting their long beaks and slender forms. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Great Blue Heron Hiding In the Mangroves ©Debra Martz Perhaps it thought it was in hiding but they are so large that is rather difficult to go unseen. Captured from a boardwalk over some wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: 'Feathered Friends' 20240229-DSC_9828
Description: Great Egret In The Mangrove Tree ©Debra Martz It was mid-afternoon when I returned to this area after the sun finally broke through a heavily clouded morning. The sunlight helps show off the Egret's bright white and beautiful feathering. I saw this beauty from a boardwalk over wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9806.NEF Alt Text: A majestic white egret stands poised amidst vibrant green foliage of the mangroves, its long neck tucked and slightly arched gracefully. The bird's bright yellow beak and sharp eye suggest alertness as it surveys its surroundings. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: Merganser Gliding Across the Water ©Debra Martz It was catching the afternoon light just right to highlight its face and cast a partial reflection on the water. Captured at South Padre Island, Texas near the Laguna Madre late winter. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9767.NEF Alt Text: A waterbird with a speckled grey and white feathered body floats on a calm water surface, creating ripples around it. The bird has a sharp, orange beak and is looking slightly to the side, as its reflection mirrors on the water.
Description: Great Kiskadee On The Rocks ©Debra Martz While we watch the birds from the boardwalk, this Kiskadee seems to be watching the bird watchers. I followed it from its movements in a tree until it flew down to the rocky, sandy area at the edge of the wetlands. Captured at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9678.NEF Alt Text: A bird with bright yellow plumage on its underside and a distinctive white and black head is perched on a moss-covered rock. Its tail feathers and wings display shades of brown and rufous, providing a colorful contrast to its surroundings.
Description: Blue-winged Teal South Texas ©Debra Martz The male Blue-winged Teal is easily identifiable with its bold white crescent in front of the eye and a good-sized black bill. The powdery blue shoulder patch is visible in flight along with green secondaries of the wing. They breed in much of the northern USA and Canada migrating as far south as South America. But many are perfectly fine to stop in south Texas for the winter. Image captured on the wetlands of South Padre Island, Texas on the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9576.NEF
Description: Pied Billed Grebe Black and White @Debra Martz My original image was of just this Pied-billed Grebe after it resurfaced on sandy-colored water. Not a lot to the composition as all vegetation was in front or behind so I created a composite using additional photos of mine and lastly converted it to black and white. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240229-DSC_9570-Edit-Edit.tif Alt Text: A greyscale photograph features a lone Grebe swimming in rippling water. It appears to be a calm scenario, with reeds visible in the foreground and part of a palm tree trunk to the right. Across the top of the image, from left to right, there are a few fringes
Description: Shaggy Headed Reddish Egret ©Debra Martz I always enjoy the opportunity to see and photograph this species of Heron with its colorful body and legs and a head of feathers that most often makes me think of having a "bad hair" day! The colors of the legs and bill indicate breeding season color changes are happening. This one was in the mangrove edge next to the Laguna Madre on South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20240302-DSC_0198.NEF Alt Text: A reddish egret stands among mangrove roots beside a body of water, its feathers ruffled and beak pointed downward while one leg is lifted to the right of its head. It is a medium-sized Heron with a blue-gray back, shaggy rusty colored head and blue legs
Description: Whistling Duck Whistling A Tune ©Debra Martz Yes, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks really do have a whistle for their call. It's a soft, high whistle with a long first note and several following notes. They also have an inflight call of chit-chit-chit which can be quite loud when it is a large flock of them. Captured on South Padre Island, Texas. Scientific name: Dendrocygna autumnalis ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20240229-DSC_9537.NEF Alt Text: A brownish-colored Whistling duck with a distinctive red bill is looking upwards, possibly calling or whistling. The background reveals a calm body of water that reflects subtle ripples.
