Description: Nothing better than leaving the hectic driving of the Interstate and slowing the pace. And the best part is finding things like this that you can actually turn around the car, and pullover safely to take a photograph. Wonderful back road highway driving in Oklahoma!! Roosevelt, Oklahoma on hwy 183 to be more specific. Since the old tires had been repurposed into this larger than life sign, I added some textures and distressed markings to give it a vintage feel.
Description: Beach Day in Dominican Republic ©Debra Martz Day 9 of our cruise and we decided on an easygoing excursion just chillin' at the beach. At all the other stops we had done extensive walking and exploring so it was time for a restful day. I've added some soft overlays of textures for enhancement. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: MSC Meraviglia Docked in Dominican Republic ©Debra Martz After a full day at the beach it was time to return to the ship. We were docked at Taíno Bay cruise port which offers complimentary tuk tuk (rickshaw) rides but we chose to walk. I've added some soft overlays of textures for enhancement. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: The Love Locket - Fremont Street - Las Vegas by Debra Martz The "Love Locket" is an interactive, metal heart-shaped sculpture that allows people to attach locks and other pieces of metal displaying their hopes, dreams and loves. It is located on the corner of Fremont and 7th street, in front of the Downtown Container Park. It was erected by artist Nova May, in 2013, as part of the Life is Beautiful Festival but the artist feels that her sculpture represents more than a successful festival. May says, “Every individual who took part in locking the little hearts became part of creating the piece.” Vandalism struck in January, 2016; security video footage revealed that a couple of people cut one side of the art piece loose and loaded ...
Description: Orange Glowing Sunrise ©Debra Martz The colors are glowing and the early birds are starting to arrive. On the lake there is a gathering of Sandpipers and a line Pelicans can be seen flying over the top of the dam. Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: It's pretty obvious that this honey bee has been busy collecting sweet nectar and gathering pollen. Working hard for the colony, to share the nectar which will eventually become honey and spreading the pollen from male to female plants. They definitely love the Indian Blankets and so do I as they are an early wildflower in south Texas...saying Spring is here!
Description: Dust Bowl Bedroom by Debra Martz Houses, during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, often had very little between the outside wall and the inside. Lining the walls in newspaper, which was plentiful, meant that less dust came in with the wind between the cracks of the boards or timbers. One of the inside rooms of the Dust Bowl House replica at the Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City, Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 2022-09-28-IMG_2975-Edit.tif
Description: Osprey Scratching the Itch ©Debra Martz It had no plans of going anywhere, outlasting bird watchers and photographers hoping for that taking flight shot. At least I got this shot of using those sharp talons to sooth an itch! Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6886.NEF
Description: Oh the memories as a kid ready and willing to help Mom lick and stick those stamps in the redemption books! Just another treasure of memorablia in the Classical Gas Museum in Embudo, New Mexico. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "New Mexico" 20210720-DSC_4326-Edit.tif
Description: Tri-colored Heron Reflecting On the Shallows ©Debra Martz Sometimes they run and dart in all directions as they chase prey and other times, like this, the Heron will stalk and gently shuffle its feet to stir up prey. Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6869.NEF
Description: Roseate Spoonbills Preening and Resting ©Debra Martz It was just that time of day when they are all napping with their heads tucked onto their backs or starting to gently preen their beautiful plumage. And they do this while balancing on one leg. Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6882.NEF
Description: American White Pelican Migration ©Debra Martz I discovered this migration path for these Pelicans in 2019 and return each year to watch in amazement as the numbers grow the first few weeks in October. Captured at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma in During Fall Migration.
Description: Tri-colored Heron Wading the Shallows ©Debra Martz Sometimes they run and dart in all directions as they chase prey and other times, like this, the Heron will gently shuffle and stalk to stir up prey. Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6868.NEF
Description: Flying Flock of Common Grackles by Debra Martz The Grackles are a fairly common bird in much of the USA. In fact, so common in some areas that they become an annoyance. Large groups have even been referred to as a Plague of Grackles. Captured in the fall at the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 3" 20211010-DSC_7769
Description: Good Morning Great Kiskadee ©Debra Martz We had just arrived at the South Padre Island Nature and Birding Center but before heading out on the 4800 ft boardwalk we took a walk through the butterfly garden. I didn't see butterflies but did get several different birds! A great way to start the bird watching! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6617.NEF
Description: Beginning Of A New Day ©Debra Martz The colors are glowing and the early birds are starting to arrive. On the water's left edge there is one lone Great Blue Hero and a small flock of Least Sandpipers are just beginning to land on the water. Great Salt Plains State Park in Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Oklahoma 20221013-DSC_7495.NEF
Description: Bright Eyed Osprey ©Debra Martz It had no plans of going anywhere, outlasting bird watchers and photographers hoping for that taking flight shot. Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. I edited the back ground to mute the light brown and green grasses, and the light gray sky to almost black and white. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6874.NEF
Description: Queen Upon the Flowers ©Debra Martz I was only shooting for the Queen Butterfly but nature had another visitor arriving. Seen in the garden area leaving the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center in south Texas on the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20230228-DSC_6986.NEF
Description: Boise City Oklahoma Accidently Bombed in 1943 by Debra Martz The only practice bomb of the 6 that were dropped on Boise City, Oklahoma that did not explode. Five dropped around the courthouse and one a bit farther away landed in a large sandpile by the railroad tracks. It was only dented in its soft landing and is on display on the grounds of the Cimarron Heritage Center museum in town. There were no injuries and miraculously minimal damage. On July 5, 1943, pilots at the Dalhart Army Air Base in Texas prepared four B-17 bombers for a nightime practice run. The navigator was supposed to lead the flight group to drop bombs on a practice range near Conlen, Texas which was a square marked by 4 lights. But something went wrong! The pe...
Description: American Wigeon Pair ©Debra Martz At my first step onto the 4800 ft boardwalk was this handsome pair. The male, front one, is just starting to get the green band from eye to nape but will be vibrant soon as breeding season is only a month or so away. Captured at the South Padre Island Nature and Birding Center in south Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20230228-DSC_6627.NEF
Description: Oklahoma Salt Plains ©Debra Martz Located in northern Oklahoma near the towns of Cherokee and Jet, and within the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, you will find over 11,000 acres of salt flats. A new location is marked off each year for the public to dig for Selenite crystals between April 1 and October 15.
Description: Kayaking to the Spillway by Debra Martz If you read my descriptions on my bird photography, you might recall my mention of the spillway as the location. It is one of my favorite places to bird watch in this state park. But after the birds do their morning feedings and preening in the water, they all but disappear until evening. I only see one lone seagull in this image myself. Just like the birds possibly, I was back to my comfortable place taking a break just after high noon. I had a quick lunch then went back outside and saw this couple kayaking so went back in the RV for the camera. The people give the image a sense of scale and the textures on the flowing water and those reflections were shining bright and very picturesque to...
Description: Morning With The American Avocets ©Debra Martz On this morning, as I moved from location to location around the lake, the different species seemed to have their favorite spots. So many Avocets here that it made my think of being packed in like sardines! October during the Fall Migration at the Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20221012-DSC_5989
Description: Green Heron Perched ©Debra Martz We had just arrived at the South Padre Island Nature and Birding Center when this beauty flew in at the butterfly garden. A great way to start the bird watching! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6609.NEF
Description: Are You Listening To Me by Debra Martz This image made me laugh. It appears to be yelling but in reality adults are usually silent though at times they will emit frequent low, brief grunts. Hope you find some fun or humor in this, too! White American Pelicans at the spillway of the Great Salt Plains Lake in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 3" 20211107-DSC_8649
Description: Pelicans In the Morning Light of the Sun and Moon ©Debra Martz It was October 12th and the numbers of migrating birds continued to climb. More American White Pelicans and now seeing more Double-crested Cormorants in the mix. It was 7:40am and sunrise was 7:37am plus the Waning Gibbous Moon at 92% was almost directly overhead lending to beautiful colors on the water. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20221012-DSC_5729
Description: The Love Locket - Fremont Street - Las Vegas by Debra Martz The "Love Locket" is an interactive, metal heart-shaped sculpture that allows people to attach locks and other pieces of metal displaying their hopes, dreams and loves. It is located on the corner of Fremont and 7th street, in front of the Downtown Container Park. It was erected by artist Nova May, in 2013, as part of the Life is Beautiful Festival but the artist feels that her sculpture represents more than a successful festival. May says, “Every individual who took part in locking the little hearts became part of creating the piece.” Vandalism struck in January, 2016; security video footage revealed that a couple of people cut one side of the art piece loose and loaded ...
Description: Quiet Alone Time ©Debra Martz While there were 1000s of American White Pelicans on the lake, this one found a bit of space to just float around in peace and quiet. Captured original image at Great Salt Plains Lake in northern Oklahoma. Digital filters and brushes used for a painterly effect. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Feathered Friends 3 Digital Art Photography 20221012-DSC_5860-Edit.tif
Description: And Then The Cormorants Arrived ©Debra Martz For two weeks I had only been seeing a few Double-Crested Cormorants with the American White Pelicans, even at the previous areas where I stopped and just before moving to one more place on the lake. I was pleasantly surprised, to say the least, when I saw these arriving in huge numbers. Captured at the Great Salt Plains state park in northern Oklahoma during fall migration in October.Captured at the Great Salt Plains state park in northern Oklahoma during fall migration in October. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 20221012-DSC_5891.NEF
Description: Bishop Castle A One Man Endeavor Enhanced by Debra Martz This is such a unique and quirky castle that I just had to do some enhancements, textures, added colors. Jim Bishop has been constructing this impressive castle for almost 60 years. It is still a work in progress to this day. It is quite difficult to explain this rock and iron structure with all its levels, angles, soaring towers and outside bridges built around the upper levels. It even has a Grand Ballroom and a fire breathing dragon! Best you go see it for yourself! It is located in Colorado on highway 165 about 24 miles west off I-25 not far from Colorado City and Rye, Colorado. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Six Foot Chair at Entrance of Bishop Castle by Debra Martz The chair may not appear tall but it stands approximately 6' tall. Why it is placed there, I really don't know. Maybe photo op of which I did stand by it and had my picture taken. Didn't see anyone sitting in it though that would have been a cool keepsake picture. Jim Bishop has been constructing this impressive castle for almost 60 years. It is still a work in progress to this day. It is quite difficult to explain this rock and iron structure with all its levels, angles, soaring towers and outside bridges built around the upper levels. It even has a Grand Ballroom and a fire breathing dragon! Best you go see it for yourself! It is located in Colorado on highway 165 abo...
Description: Bishop Castle A Work In Progress by Debra Martz Jim Bishop has been constructing this impressive castle for almost 60 years. It is still a work in progress to this day. It is quite difficult to explain this rock and iron structure with all its levels, angles, soaring towers and outside bridges built around the upper levels. It even has a Grand Ballroom and a fire breathing dragon! Best you go see it for yourself! It is located in Colorado on highway 165 about 24 miles west off I-25 not far from Colorado City and Rye, Colorado. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Cormorant On The Rocks ©Debra Martz A lone juvenile double-crested Cormorant sat quietly and watched the others depart. Captured this image at the Great Salt Plains state park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20220401-DSC_1145.NEF
Description: Morning Flight During Fall Migration ©Debra Martz The early morning light provided a pink cast sky that reflected on water in the foreground. American White Pelicans departing for another area of the lake. What appears as small white dots flying across the lower level of the trees is mainly American Avocets as they migrate here in large numbers, too. October 12th at the Great Salt Plains state park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: Feathered Friends and Oklahoma 20221012-DSC_5845.NEF
