Description: Life On The Edge of Hot Springs In Yellowstone by Debra Martz The billions of colorful microorganisms lining the hot springs' runoff channels are called extremophiles because they live in conditions that were once thought to be too extreme to host life. Extremophiles that live in hot springs are called thermophiles, heat-loving microorganisms. ("thermo" for heat, "phile" for lover) These microbes contain colorful pigments that allow them to make energy from sunlight and thrive in the harsh conditions of hot springs. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "U S National Park"
Description: Sunflowers Galore by Debra Martz One of those pleasant surprises when you round the corner while driving the back roads of Texas and see such massive amounts of sunflowers that they seem to go on forever! Sunflowers galore and luckily a shoulder on this road large enough to stop the car and get out to admire and photograph! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 202220130704En.dng
Description: White-Lined Sphinx Moth by Debra Martz The White-Lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) are often referred to as the hummingbird moth beacause of the bird-like size, 2.5 - 3.5 inch wingspan, and flight patterns. It behaves like a hummingbird as it can fly extremely fast and instantly swing from side to side while hovering . It is a species of Hawk Moth, therefore, another name is White-Lined Hawk Moth. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: White Coneflower Macro by Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. And not as easy to get was a photograph without insects... ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Flora" 20220626-DSC_6438.NEF
Description: Double Skippers on PowWow Coneflower by Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. There were Skippers everywhere. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: Nature's Treasures Flora 20220626-DSC_6453.NEF
Description: The door to the old LaVeta Pass train depot on Uptop, Colorado at elevation of 9,382 feet. "From the Mouth of the pass to the summit is, Measured in Miles - Fourteen Miles; Measure in Houses - Three Hours; Measured in Sensations - The Length of a Dream" Said of Veta Pass by Helen Hunt Jackson 1878. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Black and White Bee Photobombed by a Skipper by Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. I wanted just the bee, which I believe is a Leafcutter Bee, but the Skipper wanted to be in the background :-) Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Nature's Treasures" "Flora" 20220626-DSC_6450.NEF
Description: Common Whitetail Dragonfly by Debra Martz The Common Whitetail dragonfly is seen across much of North America, with a striking and unusual appearance. The male's chunky white body (about 2 inches long), combined with the brownish-black bands on its translucent wings, give it a checkered look. The white on the abdomen, found only in mature males, is displayed to other males as a territorial threat. I saw several different dragonflies this day while actually out bird watching along the Eagle Roost Trail in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Reserve in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210622-DSC_4038-dng
Description: Eye to Eye With A Skipper Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. There were Skippers everywhere and this one didn't mind staring into my lens. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Great Kiskadee Departs The Nest - Painterly While walking the main trail at Bentsen - Rio Valley Grande State Park I spotted a pair of Kiskadees working very hard to build their nest. When one would leave the other would be right there with its next materials for the nest. This state park is located at the border of TX/MX with the south side bordering the Rio Grande. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: "Feathered Friends 3" "Digital Art" 20220415-DSC_2914-Edit.tif
Description: Magdalene Woods Walk - Contemplative Walk - UpTop by Debra Martz South of the peace pole located between the historic UpTop Chapel and Depot, is a Contemplative Walk. Information in the chapel explained, "it is a place for Mementos, especially red ones are welcome, as are bells Please enjoy ringing the bells as you walk through these woods." A sign on the first tree to the right as I was entering this meditative forest walk read "Magdelene Woods Walk" which was not noted in the chapel description but I included in my title. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Wooden Vaneless Windmill by Debra Martz We were driving scenic highway 12 between La Veta and Cuchara Colorado when I spotted this windmill. It is one of the most beautiful windmills I've ever seen so of course, it was a "turn the truck around" moment. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square in New Orleans by Debra Martz In May we spent 3-1/2 days in New Orleans walking walking walking and riding street cars to see the sights. Most days there was a threat of rain so we had disposable panchos and umbrellas which, luckily, we never had to use. The rains came, but in the middle of the night. "The St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans' most notable landmarks. This venerable building, its triple steeples towering above its historic neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere - looks down benignly on the green of the Square and General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and on the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their lacy ironwork galleries. Truly, this is the heart of old New Orlean...
Description: While hiking the trails in Meridian State Park in Texas, I spotted this bobber floating on the river with the fishing line tangled in the tree limbs. I looked for a way to remove it but I could not get close to it. Though it might look like it was at arms reach, it was not. I shot this at 600mm on a cropped frame Nikon camera making my focal length 900mm. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20160322-DSC_3595
Description: While hiking the trails in Meridian State Park in Texas, I spotted this bobber floating on the river with the fishing line tangled in the tree limbs. I looked for a way to remove it but I could not get close to it. Though it might look like it was at arms reach, it was not. I shot this at 600mm on a cropped frame Nikon camera making my focal length 900mm. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20160322-DSC_3595
Description: Bee on Wild Berry Coneflower by Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. The Skippers were the most numerous followed by the Hairstreak Butterflies and Honey Bees. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Sand Creek Bay Bird Blind by Debra Martz I've spent many many hours in this bird blind since discovering it after our move to northern Oklahoma in 2019. There are a few ducks out there this morning. BUT fall migration is spectactular when thousands upon thousands of Sandhill Cranes, Geese and Ducks of many varities and shore birds arrive to spend some time here before moving on south for the winter. Located in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge along the Eagle Roost Trail. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Oklahoma" 20220131-IMG_8944 Bird Blind-Edit.tif
Description: Whitetail Dragonfly by Debra Martz The Common Whitetail dragonfly is seen across much of North America, with a striking and unusual appearance. The male's chunky white body (about 2 inches long), combined with the brownish-black bands on its translucent wings, give it a checkered look. The white on the abdomen, found only in mature males, is displayed to other males as a territorial threat. I saw several varites of dragonflies this day while actually out bird watching along the Eagle Roost Trail in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Reserve in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210622-DSC_4036
Description: I love walking around the Taos Plaza and surrounding area. It’s full of shops, places to eat and every summer it is bright and cheerfully filled with colorful, beautiful flowers in gardens and hanging baskets! It’s so delightful to me!! Copyright Debra Martz In my Gallery/Collection: “Flora” 20210718-2021-07-19 Taos Sunflower
Description: Stately Trees at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park Louisiana by Debra Martz Large Oak trees with Spanish moss seen across the grounds of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and the historic Chalmette Battlefield. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: New Orleans Louisiana 20220512-IMG_0183
Description: Old Wooden Wheels Left Behind on a Trail by Debra Martz While walking this trail and trying to find something of interest to add to the sunset I came upon these old wooden wheels; possibly from some type of wagon or cart from years ago. Taken in the high desert of New Mexico outside of El Prado toward the Taos bridge. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collections: #New Mexico" 202220210906-2021-09-06-IMG_5342
Description: I was out hiking the Eagle Roost trail in search of birds but the dragonflies were more abundant at the beginning of the trail. Being a bird watcher more than a dragonfly watcher, I struggle with IDs but always try and find the correct one or at least hope to get close. With the use of several ID apps and online insect websites, my conclusion is this is a Great Blue Skimmer, immature. Please feel free to correct or suggest another ID in the comments. Thank you. Image captured at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210622-DSC_4028.dng
Description: Gray Hairstreak Butterfly on Wild Berry Coneflower by Debra Martz Coneflowers attract a large variety of insects and birds. My backyard patch was so busy that I decided to take some macro images of the insects on them. The Skippers were the most numerous followed by the Hairstreak Butterflies. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Blue Doors and Adobe Walls, Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico by Debra Martz If you go exploring around Taos, New Mexico, you will find many blue doors, shutters and window frames. When paired with adobe it makes a striking contrast. There are as many theories as there are hues of blue as to why they paint them blue. From keeping evil spirits at bay to stopping insects from flying into the home and everything in between such as peace, royalty, the blue sky and shimmering sea are some examples associated with the blue doors. This example is in the historic plaza Ranchos de Taos located by the famous and historic San Francisco de Asis Church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 2021-20200701-DSC_1088
Description: Over The Top on the High Roller In Las Vegas by Debra Martz What an experience to take the 30 minute ride and see all of Las Vegas and beyond! Will have to do this again if I return, but for a sunset ride. High Roller is a 550-foot tall, 520-foot diameter giant Ferris wheel on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States of America. Each of the enclosed capsules will hold 40 people. It was our lucky day as we had a capsule all to ourselves! Great timing on our arrival because the wheel does not stop to load passengers. The door opens and you walk on as it continues to move. It is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment Corporation. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Bellagio Kabuki and Crane by Debra Martz The Bellagio Horticulture and Engineering teams transform the 14,000-square-foot Conservatory and Botanical Gardens into a showcase of inspiring sights, sounds, scents and colors. When the seasons change so do the displays. This was a main part of a Spring display in which a 35 foot tall Kabuki figure comprised of 5,000 flowers, holds a 25-foot-tall Samurai sword, symbolizing power and protection, in one hand, and a 4-foot-wide white pearl, symbolizing prosperity and beauty, in the other. Two 4 foot cranes are visible from every vantage point; however, I've only included one in this composition. The Bellagio Hotel is located on the Strip of Las Vegas, Nevada. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Rese...
Description: I found it rather odd to see this Double-crested Cormorant drying its wings while in the flowing water over the spillway. More commonly, this would be done on a rock, dock, shoreline or such. But this one seemed perfectly content in this location for wing drying. High winds churn up the dirts of the shallow lake bottom and even brought some heavy streaking flowing over from the upper tier of the spillway. Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends 2" 20210622-DSC_3863
Description: I enjoy visiting northern New Mexico and any time those visits include the Taos, New Mexico area, it is a must that I go to Rancho de Taos to admire this beautiful church. It was build between 1772 and 1816 and is a well-preserved adobe building in the heart of the community at the center plaza of the Ranchos de Taos Historic District. It remains an important center of community life and the citizens ensure it stays in good condition. They along with other visitors/volunteers gather for two weeks each June to re-mud the exterior of the adobe church with a mixture of mud and straw. The church is a favorite subject for artists. Ansel Adams photographed the church for his Taos Pueblo art book and Georgia O'Keeffe painted a series of pe...
