Description: "Kiskadee Enjoying the Sunshine" It was a beautiful morning for a hike as the sun was rising enough to filter through the trees. This Great Kiskadee seemed to enjoy the warmth it provided as it stared up at the light. Photographed at Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, located in Texas, in the area known as the Rio Grande Valley. Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20260327_DSC1279 AI Text: A small bird with a white and yellow breast sits on a tree branch. The background is a soft focus of green foliage.
Description: "Rio Grande Valley Wild Tom Turkey" In the past few years, wild Turkeys have been plentiful in South Texas, especially when visiting the Bentsen Rio Grande State Park, where I photographed this Gobbler. Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20260327_DSC1264 AI Text: A close-up of a wild turkey showcasing its colorful feathers and textured skin. The vibrant blue and red hues contrast with the earthy feathers.
Description: "Couch's Kingbird on a Bare Branch" Similar to several other Kingbirds, especially the Tropical Kingbird, where its call becomes an important ID...and we did hear it. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park, located in Weslaco, Texas, in the area known as the Rio Grande Valley. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 2026-03-26_DSC1007 AI Text: A striking yellow bird perches on a bare branch against a vivid blue sky. Its feathers are bright and contrast beautifully with the simplicity of the background.
Description: "Shy White-tipped Dove" The White‑tipped Dove has the largest range in the Americas of any dove, spanning from Texas to Argentina. Shy and unobtrusive, it forages on the forest floor among leaf litter; in the U.S., it’s limited to South Texas. Though it looks to be resting, it was gently preening its feathers. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park, located in Weslaco, Texas, in the area known as the Rio Grande Valley. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved I2026-03-25_DSC0936 AI Text: A small bird is seen preening itself in a natural setting with dry leaves scattered around. The bird's feathers show a mix of soft, earthy shades.
Description: "Purple Orchid Tree Bloom" The Orchid tree blooms resemble those of Orchids grown as houseplants. The trees grow in the tropical climate, including South Texas. They get extremely tall, and I've seen three different colors of blooms: purple, pink, and white. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park's tropical zone, located in Weslaco, Texas, in the area known as the Rio Grande Valley. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Flora" 2026-03-25_DSC0910 AI Text: Close-up of a vibrant purple orchid flower with delicate petals. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the flower's intricate details.
Description: "Black-bellied Whistling-Duck" Wader's Trail offers many opportunities for seeing a variety of water birds. This duck was close to the edge of Dowitcher Pond, one of several ponds on this trail. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park, located in Weslaco, Texas, in an area of the state known as the Rio Grande Valley. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325_DSC0886 AI Text: A duck with distinctive plumage stands on a log near a pond. The surrounding grass creates a natural habitat feel.
Description: "Little Blue Heron Perched" Due to drought, the water level of the Dowitcher Pond was quite low. However, there was enough water for some foraging by the birds. This Little Blue landed on this snag as we were walking the trail along the eastern side of the pond. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Welaco, Texas, in late March. Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325_DSC0750 AI Text: A little blue heron stands gracefully on a branch against a blurred background of greenery. Its sleek, dark feathers contrast with the vibrant surroundings.
Description: "Sparrow Singing Its Song" This little Song Sparrow was moving from branch to branch and even a wire, and it continued singing from each perch. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park, located near Jet, Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260225_DSC0658 AI Text: A small sparrow sits gracefully on a slender, gnarled branch. The background is a soft, blurred mix of earthy tones, accentuating the bird's features.
Description: "Lesser Black-backed Gull at the Spillway" This was the 3rd year in a row that I saw this species of Gull in Oklahoma. It was floating on the middle tier of the lake's spillway, which flows into the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260105_DSC0115 AI Text: A lone gull floats peacefully on calm water, its reflection mirrored below. The water appears golden with hints of blue ripples.
Description: "Anhinga Profile Portrait" A walk on the trail along Alligator Lake most often rewards the bird watcher with a variety of birds, and yes, sometimes alligators! This Anhinga was on the edge of a tree limb on the bank. Though the wind was moving leaves and twigs back and forth, I was still able to get some good photos of this beautiful bird. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park, located in Weslaco, Texas, in the area known as the Rio Grande Valley. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325_DSC0787 AI Text: A beautifully photographed bird showcasing its distinctive long neck and sharp beak. The bird's intricate plumage is highlighted against a soft-focus background.
Description: "Little Blue Heron Landing" Due to drought, the water level of the Dowitcher Pond was quite low. However, there was enough water for some foraging by the birds. This Little Blue landed as we were walking the trail along the eastern side of the pond. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Welaco, Texas, in late March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325_DSC0734 AI Text: A heron is seen wading through marshland, surrounded by tall grasses. Its wings are slightly spread, displaying its elegant plumage.
Description: "Ibis Hunting in the Wetlands" This White-faced Ibis was one busy bird, running and hopping with its wings spread as it searched for its prey in the pond. Photographed at the Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas. Part of the area known as the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325-_DSC0704 AI Text: An ibis stands in shallow water with wings spread. Its plumage displays rich iridescent colors as it hunts for food.
Description: "Mottled Duck Reflecting on the Pond" This male Mottled Duck was calmly floating in place on the still pond water. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends: 20260325-_DSC0701 AI Text: A duck glides serenely across a calm pond, surrounded by scattered lily pads. The water reflects its image, creating a mirror-like effect.
Description: "Snowy Egret in Tranquil Waters" Many ponds at Estero Llano Grande attract a large variety of birds. This was taken at the first pond near the visitors' center. The state park is located in Weslaco, Texas, about 5 minutes from the Rio Grande at the Texas/Mexico border. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260325-_DSC0678 AI Text: A white egret stands in shallow water, perfectly reflected on the surface. It is surrounded by a calm, natural setting with green vegetation.
Description: "Backlit Mexican Olive Flowers" Arriving at the state park at opening time, I spotted the light shining through the bloom of the Mexican Olive Tree. Photographed at Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco, Texas, in March. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 2026-03-25-_DSC066 AI Text: Delicate white flowers are beautifully backlit by the sun, highlighting their intricate textures. The soft petals contrast against a blurred background.
Description: "Altamira Oriole Peeking Through the Leaves" The largest of the Orioles in the USA, the Altamira can be found from the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas to Nicaragua. I photographed this one at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which offers many hiking trails through different habitats. I always birdwatch at this refuge every time I'm in the far South of Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260326-_DSC1019 AI Text: A vibrant orange bird with striking black markings perches among dense green foliage. The bird's colorful plumage contrasts with the muted background, creating a vivid scene.
Description: "Face in Rock Formation" Well, AI was pretty much spot on with the title and text with a face in the rock! To me, it has two wide-open eyes and a perplexed expression! Photographed in the Cannonball Concretions area in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 2025-08-06-DSC_2877 AI Text: The image shows a natural rock formation resembling a human face. The pattern of lines and indentations creates a whimsical appearance.
Description: "Looks Like A Bird" Well, it was one more case of pareidolia as I wandered around the Cannonball Concretions area in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The formation on the left looks like a perched bird to me. I wonder if the one of the right appeared as a bird, also. before the majority of it broke away from the cliff face. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2876 AI Text: The image shows a textured rock surface with various shades of beige and tan. Natural erosion has created smooth, curved shapes etched into the cliff face.
Description: "Cannonball Concretion" There were many concretions in this area of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the North Unit. Many were irregular shapes, but this one is a sphere, and it made me understand why this area was named Cannonball Concretion! National Park in North Dakota. I condensed some information I read: As iron carbonate dissolves in groundwater, it forms around a fragment in the rock, such as a leaf, shell, bone, or fossil. The iron compound grows around this nucleus, and a concretion begins. As water and wind erode the calcite-bonded sandstone, concretions appear as spheres, pipes, or irregular shapes that are often harder than the surrounding sedimentary rock. Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: "What Is Inside That Opening" The dark area in the upper middle looked like an open door to me. It would be so cool to check it out, but of course, that would not be appropriate, as climbing on this could easily cause damage. Photographed in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Cannonball Concretion area. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2865 AI Text: The image features impressive rock formations with intricate textures and layers. They are set against a vibrant blue sky with scattered clouds.
Description: "Dramatic Desert Cliffside Walk" Following the trail along the cliffside and admiring all the unique formations, textures, and erosion patterns in the Cannonball Concretion area. Photographed at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the North Unit. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2858 AI Text: The image showcases a striking cliff face under a vibrant blue sky. Lush greenery complements the rugged terrain, where a lone figure walks.
Description: "Concretion Exposed" One of the most unusual landmarks in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is the area called the Cannonball Concretions. For me, it was the most interesting place to spend some extra time to see and learn how on earth concretions grow. I condensed some information I read: As iron carbonate dissolves in groundwater, it forms around a fragment in the rock, such as a leaf, shell, bone, or fossil. The iron compound grows around this nucleus, and a concretion begins. As water and wind erode the calcite-bonded sandstone, the concretions appear in the forms of spheres, pipes, or irregular shapes that are often harder than the surrounding sedimentary rock. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2849 AI Text
Description: "Erosion and Concretions" One of the most unusual landmarks in Theodore Roosevelt National Park's North Unit is the area called the Cannonball Concretions. You’ll encounter mysterious, round stone balls, and some that are rather bizarre forms. Just look at all those orange, hardened shapes on this cliffside. For me, it was the most interesting place to spend time in the North Unit. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2848 AI Text: Layered sedimentary rock formations create a stunning visual under a clear blue sky. Natural erosion shapes unique textures and shapes.
Description: "Rock Formation in Sunny Landscape" This formation struck me as odd. A wall of rock with rivulet erosion smack dab on a hillside of greenery. My questions were how, when, and why this occurred at this particular location. Photographed at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the North Unit. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2832 AI Text: The image captures an interesting rock formation surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight casts vibrant shadows on the natural features.
Description: "Flying Egret in a Clear Sky" I had been watching several Reddish Egrets, both the dark morph like this one and a white morph, wading in the wetlands at Charlie's Pasture Preserve. This one was finished with the mingling and took flight over the boardwalk I was walking. Photographed in Port Aransas, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20251018-DSC_9267 AI Text: A Reddish Egret gracefully soars through a clear blue sky, its wings spread wide. The sunlight highlights the bird's detailed plumage.
Description: "Ring-billed Gulls at the Spillway" I go to the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma often. My main reason is for birdwatching, and normally, I make my first stop at the spillway. Why? Because there will almost always be some birds standing on one of the tiers where the water flows over and down to the river below. The morning light gives the water a nice color and provides reflections as well. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 2026-02-25-_DSC0607 AI Text: Two seagulls glide gracefully over the reflective surface of the water. Their wings are captured mid-motion, creating a sense of lively movement.
Description: These are the gulls you're most likely to see far away from coastal areas. In fact, most Ring-billed Gulls nest in the interior of the continent, near freshwater. This one was flying over the spillway at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260225_DSC0588 AI Text: A seagull flies gracefully against a clear blue sky, showcasing its impressive wingspan. The bird's feathers are illuminated by natural light.
Description: "Eroded Cliffside and Rock Formations" Erosion is the main shaping force of the badlands of North Dakota. On this cliffside, harder layers create rust-colored shelves that, in turn, help protect the softer gray sediments beneath. Desert-like plants such as Sagebrush and Junipers grow in several areas on the hillside and at the base along the trail. And in the Cannonball Concretions area, you will see unique, hardened shapes known as concretions, which first form inside layers of sedimentary rock, often around something like a small rock, leaf, or shell. As more mineral-rich water flows through the area, the sediments bind together like glue, becoming larger and larger over time. An example of a concretion lies in the lelft light gray area
Description: "Badlands Differential Erosion" Differential erosion is the main shaping force of the badlands of North Dakota. Harder layers create shelves that, in turn, help protect the softer gray sediments beneath. Desert-like plants such as Sagebrush grow in several areas on the hillside and at the base along the trail. Photographed in the Cannonball Concretions area of the north unit in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2844 AI Text: A striking view of layered rock formations under a vibrant blue sky. The arid terrain is marked by subtle earth tones and sparse vegetation.
Description: "Rocky Badlands Landscape" With desert-like scrub and layers of texture, I decided to convert it to black and white to bring out all of the geological detail. Image captured in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 2025-08-06-DSC_2835 AI Text: An expansive black-and-white landscape showcases rugged rocky formations. The sky appears clear, adding to the stark contrast between the rocks and the horizon.
Description: "Otherworldly Rock Formations" Not far into the drive, I called out to stop the truck. These formations were right along the side of the road, but no pullout anywhere near. Approaching these eroded rocks, I thought it looked like a lineup of people, then thought of a choir standing, or were they spooky goblins? None of those descriptions were anywhere in the brochure; actually, this sight was not even mentioned or shown on the map we were given at the entrance. Such was the beginning of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park that I knew we had a good day of scenic adventures ahead. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2963 AI Text: Natural erosion has sculpted unique formations in the rock face. Sunlight highl
Description: "Rocky Embrace" Since I was young, I would always watch the clouds to find shapes and faces. As time went on, I would see things in all forms of nature. Here I see two rock figures standing next to each other, and they appear to have arms around each other's shoulders, giving me the title of "Rocky Embrace" for this image. Pareidolia, they call it...can you see it? This was found in the Cannonball Concretions area of the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It was a favorite stop of mine in this unit, walking the trail near so many unusual rock formations. I could have stayed in this area for hours, if only time had allowed. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20250806-DSC_2839
Description: "Are We Staying In Oklahoma Or Heading North" It looks as if they are having a meeting of the minds! The yellow plate is growing on top of their beak, a characteristic change during breeding season. While most go north to their breeding grounds, it looks like this group might just stay in Oklahoma for the season. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260225_DSC0556 (Camera picture control set to vivid for vibrant high-impact of colors) AI Text: A flock of majestic white pelicans floats gracefully on a serene body of water. The vibrant orange of their bills contrasts with the deep blue of the water.
Description: "Dramatic Sunrise on the Gulf" A beautiful blessing to watch this sunrise as it evolved from rays shining upward in soft, almost pastel colors to this blazing beauty. Captured from the beach in Port Aransas, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved AI Text: A vibrant sunrise casts an orange glow over the ocean, with gentle waves lapping against the shore. Dark clouds add contrast, enhancing the scene's drama.
Description: "Rays of Colors at Dawn" While visiting Port Aransas, Texas, for a week, I went to the beach early every morning for sunrise. Sometimes it was dawn that gave me the best rays of light and colors. One thing is for sure: it was different and beautiful each day. A small crescent moon, a bright star, and a portion of Caldwell Pier are also visible. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Coastal" 20251018-DSC_3620 AI Text: The sky is painted in hues of orange and blue as the sun rises above the ocean. Clouds and a crescent moon create a stunning silhouette against the light.
Description: "Not Showing My Face Today" This young American Herring Gull was lifting off from the spillway with its wings covering its face. Photographed at the Great Salt Plains State Park in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20260225-_DSC0561 AI Text: A seagull gracefully skims the water's surface, leaving ripples in its wake. The sunlight catches the bird's wings, highlighting its delicate feathers.
