Description: Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Near Taos New Mexico I've crossed this bridge many times over the years, both by vehicle and by foot. There area sidewalks on both sides of the bridge plus a few lookout points where it widens to allow one to stop and let others pass by safely. The bridge is located approximately 10 miles NW of Taos on hwy 64 offering scenic views across the 1280 feet span. The Rio Grande Gorge is approximately 600 feet deep in this area with the bridge 650' above the gorge. This shot is from the trail located near the visitors center. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "New Mexico" 20210414-DSC_3156
Description: What can I say? There are times that you arrive when the bird departs. I made it to the bottom of the spillway where the Great Salt Plains Lake flows into the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River in N. Oklahoma; a place that many birds like to fish. And though this Snowy Egret flew away, I was happy seeing it and others that had returned from their winter migration to the south. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends2" 20210429-DSC_3623
Description: There is an auto tour drive through a portion of the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge with a number of marshes along the way. Several pullouts allow you to stop and view. Normally are more waterfowl at this area in the winter but today only two American Coots that turned and swam away. This area is located between Intermediate Marsh and Mink Run Marsh. The refuge is located in northern Oklahoma near Jet and Cherokee. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210121-DSC_3319.NEF
Description: This Dove comes to my backyard everyday regardless of weather. This particular morning temps were in the teens and a very light snow was falling. When the weather is cold, birds fluff their feathers in order to stay warm. Scientific name: Zenaida macroura ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Galleries/Collections "Feathered Friends2" "Digital Art Photography"
Description: As if the Sandhill Cranes were not loud enough, from the field beyond the bay arose a very loud Murmuration of Starlings. European Starlings use murmuration to confuse predators and to keep warm. And it could have been either one on this morning as it was 24 degrees when we arrived and while watching mainly the Sandhill Cranes we witnessed about 10 Bald Eagles flying over the water and the grassy areas. Captured along the Eagle Roost Trail from the bird blind at Sandy Bay Creek in the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "Feathered Friends2" 20201210-DSC_2312.NEF
Description: I was walking around the south spillway area of the Great Salt Plains State Park when I noticed a number of Irises. I crossed the parking area to get to the first one and saw that they were growing at a number of the campsites. Created from my origianl photography using Topaz Studio and Impressions. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20210429-DSC_3403.NEF
Description: I was walking around the south spillway area of the Great Salt Plains State Park when I noticed a number of Bearded Irises. I crossed the parking area to get to the first one and saw that they were growing at a number the campsites. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Flora 20210429-DSC_3403.NEF
Description: Reflecting Green Frog on a Log by Debra Martz It was late March and many frogs were out enjoying the sun. However, when approaching the first body of water on the Eagle Roost Trail many of them jumped from the bank with a big splash. Sort of catches you by surprise with the sound when you haven't seen them yet! Yes, I jumped and then I stopped and waited for photo ops! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20200325-DSC_8054.NEF
Description: Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve Welcome Sign by Debra Martz This sign is located a short distance after passing through the gate and is very colorful. But being it represents an era in the 1920s and 1930s I decided to give it a more vintage look. Frank Phillip's 26 room Neo-Classical home was completed in 1909 and located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. It was a prime location for business dealings and hosting elegant parties. In 1925 he built his ranch retreat that he later named Woolaroc, a combination of woods, land and rock. This was the Place he could unwind from the busy business life. ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Signs" 20191120-DSC_7751-Edit-2.tif
Description: Phillips 66 With Ethyl Woolaroc Oklahoma by Debra Martz I had forgotten all about the years of fuel with Ethyl until I saw it on this antique gasoline pump!! A 1927 vintage cottage style station which was built at the Bartlesville, OK airport and in service until 1948, is now located just inside the Woolaroc entrance. Late in 2014 it was moved to the grounds of Woolaroc and a short while later it underwent a full restoration. In 1925 oilman Frank Phillips built a ranch retreat, Woolaroc, on 3,700 acres in the Osage Hills in northern Oklahoma. Today it is a wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic animals and includes a large museum with an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts, Native American ma...
Description: American Bison Woolaroc Oklahoma by Debra Martz Shortly, after entering the Woolaroc Preserve, we came upon a herd of American Bison lazing on the grounds near the road. The Bison were first introduced into Woolaroc in 1926 when a herd of 90 of the animals were brought here from South Dakota. At that time, they were commonly called buffalo. In 1925 oilman Frank Phillips built a ranch retreat, Woolaroc, on 3,700 acres in the Osage Hills in northern Oklahoma. Today it is a wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic animals that freely roam the land and includes a large museum with an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts, Native American material, one of the largest collections of Colt firearms in the...
Description: Pie-billed Grebe On A Sunny Day by Debra Martz Pie-billed Grebes are often referred to as part bird, part submarine as they are expert divers in their habit of rivers, freshewater marshes, lakes and esturaries. And because they are such expert divers, they are often difficult to keep up with as they dive often and you never know where they will surface. This is an example of their non-breeding plumage in January. ©Debra Martz 20190106-DSC_2678.NEF
Description: We enjoy going to the Great Salt Plains State Park and staying a week or two in our RV. We prefer the campground that is right on the water's edge which is great for sunrises and also many birds come and go all the day long. Enhanced with Topaz Impression. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 20201003-DSC_2393-Edit.tif
Description: Grazing American Bison Woolaroc Oklahoma by Debra Martz Shortly, after entering the Woolaroc Preserve, we came upon a herd of American Bison lazing on the grounds near the road but just over the hill was this individual grazing alone. The Bison were first introduced into Woolaroc in 1926 when a herd of 90 of the animals were brought here from South Dakota. At that time, they were commonly called buffalo. In 1925 oilman Frank Phillips built a ranch retreat, Woolaroc, on 3,700 acres in the Osage Hills in northern Oklahoma. Today it is a wildlife preserve, home to many species of native and exotic animals and includes a large museum with an outstanding collection of western art and artifacts, Native American material, one of the larges...
Description: Deer and Nature at Woolaroc by Debra Martz You travel a distance from the entrance of Woolaroc to the lodge and museum on a one-way loop road where you have time to look for the wildlife grazing in the fields and just enjoy the beautiful landscape and lakes. Easily recognizable are the Elk, Bison, Longhorns and other native wildlife. Some of the exotics I was not so sure about and did some searching on the internet. I have narrowed it to be a male North European Fallow Deer possibly. Drop a note in the comments if you think that is right or not. Too bad they don't hand out a list of all the animals in which one might see. In 1925 oilman Frank Phillips built a ranch retreat, Woolaroc, on 3,700 acres in the Osage Hills in norther...
Description: Glowing White Prickly Poppy Wildflower by Debra Martz On a hike in the South Llano River State Park in south/central Texas, I started noticing more and more of these beautiful white wildflowers! I single one out that had the right light to showcase the small but vibrant center of yellow and red. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved 202020140802
Description: Pillar Arch in Potter Canyon New Mexico by Debra Martz I love the finds on backroads and when I was told there was a brochure to some of the more unknown Arches it was game on. We had a full day to explore but discovered that was not enough time but we did find more than half a dozen arches and saw some wonderful countryside scenery. To reach 3 arches in Potter Canyon you take US 550 north of Aztec toward Durango, Co, make a right on NM 173, travel 5.6 miles and turn right on a dirt road. After 1/2 mile, park at a gas well and search out in 3 different directions for 3 arches. We found Pillar and Outcrop arches but could see nor figure out a slight hint of a trail to Alien Arch! ©Debra Martz 20180902-DSC_7458-HDR-ET
Description: North Shore Drive in Moraine State Park of Pennsylvania by Debra Martz There is a short one way loop on North Shore Drive that you can opt to take and I'm so glad we did...not once but three times. With only one pull out close to the beginning, I got out and walked a portion of the drive the third time through this beautiful area of golden glory! ©Debra Martz 20191024-DSC_4300.NEF
Description: Mississippi Kite Juvenile All Alone by Debra Martz This juvenile was all alone and I thought it had been left behind from the flock. Two evenings before a huge flock of these Kites circled overhead for a long period of time and then went to roost at dark. I knew it was about time for them to head out on their migration to South America and the next day was the first that I had not seen nor heard one since arriving in Enid, Oklahoma on August 1st. A couple of afternoons passed and I heard the call, and saw this young one all alone. I was worried for it until later in the evening another flock of Kites did a reapeat of circling like they had two nights priors. Perhaps I am in the migratory flight path of those that are farther nor...
Description: Chinese Goose Deep In Thought by Debra Martz There were 1000s of geese and ducks both in and around the water at Meadowlake Park in Enid, Oklahoma but this one goose found a way to separate itself from the others. Perhaps it needed some quiet time away from all the honking! It looked to me like it was deep in thought. The Chinese Goose is a domesticated goose with its origins from the Swan Goose of Asia. ©Debra Martz 20191223-DSC_6237.NEF
Description: Beautiful Tahr Goat at Woolaroc Oklahoma by Debra Martz I was wowed by the beauty of this goat at first sight but had no idea what type it was. I searched and searched and finally found a goat with this straight hair/mane called a Himalayan Tahr but many of the pictures were with hunters posed by them and though this is a large goat, their images made them appear gigantic. So I doubted that it could be a Tahr and that is when I posted a picture on Instagram asking for ID help and tagged Woolaroc in the post as that is where I saw this gorgeous animal. It wasn't long before Woolaroc commented with the ID, "a Tahr Goat!!" Then their following comment, "They have stayed hidden on the property for years, it's so good to see them on the ...
Description: Autumn Glow in Moraine State Park of Pennsylvania by Debra Martz I spotted this beautiful scene along the North Shore Drive and forturnately there was a pullout close by allowing me the opportunity to stop for some photographs. Lake Arthur is within the state park and this was a small inlet of water by the main drive. Absolutely loved all the yellow, orange and the pop of red from the trees . ©Debra Martz 20191024-DSC_4190-HDR.dng
Description: Autumn Color and Reflections Moraine State Park of Pennsylvania by Debra Martz I spotted this beautiful scene along the North Shore Drive and forturnately there was a pullout close by allowing me the opportunity to stop for some photographs. Lake Arthur is within the state park and this was a small inlet of water by the main drive. Absolutely loved all the yellow, orange and the pop of red from the trees . ©Debra Martz 20191024-DSC_4180-HDR.dng
Description: Clouds Loom Over the Oklahoma Salt Plains by Debra Martz On a second trip to the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, we drove as far as allowed on the marked "road" onto the salt flats. We didn't stay long as the salty, sandy, clay substance is not somewhere you want to be driving if the rains come, even in 4-wheel drive it felt like we could easily get stuck! Located in northern Oklahoma near the towns of Cherokee and Jet. Several digital filters applied to my original photograph for a somewhat painterly effect. ©Debra Martz 20191001-DSC_7340-Edit.tif
Description: Friday 13th Full Moon Harvest Moon According to the Farmers’ Almanac, a full moon on Friday the 13th is a rare occurrence with this one being the the first full moon visible across the U.S. on Friday the 13th since Oct. 13, 2000. The next one isn’t expected to happen again until Aug. 13, 2049. Also called the Harvest Moon as it comes at the peak of harvest season. In addition, this full moon appears about 14% smaller due to its distance from Earth this time of year and gives it another nickname, Micro Moon. Captured in Oklahoma at 8:24pm Central Time ©Debra Martz
Description: Finch At First Light by Debra Martz I can usually count on the House Finches and Dark-eyed Juncos to be the first birds I see in my backyard. This Female House Finch was a very early morning arrival. Some Digital Painting has been applied to my original photograph. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Black Bird, Black Bird, Are You Calling Me by Debra Martz Glossy black males have scarlet-and-yellow shoulder patches they can puff up or hide depending on how confident they feel. This Red-winged Blackbird was feeling very confident and loudly singing his "conk-la-ree" song while showing off those colorful patches during breeding season. Captured along the 3300' boardwalk of South Padre Island Bird and Nature Center. ©Debra Martz
Description: Autumn in Pennsylvania by Debra Martz What's not to love about nature when it shows itself like this. Just after the sun dipped below the horizon, the trees and sky were glowing with color. Digital brushes used to create a painterly effect mainly to the sky. ©Debra Martz 20191022-2019-10-22 PA Autumn-Edit.tif
Description: The Snowy Attitude by Debra Martz A day trip to the Great Salt Plains State Park provided ample opportunities to photograph the Snowy Egrets. After a walk down the side of the multi-tiered spillway, I found additional concrete stairs leading down to the peninsula at the very bottom where there were many of these birds fishing; they were also squabbling at times over what I assumed was the best fishing spot! This one really had some territorial attitude! This lake is near Jet in northern Oklahoma. Scientific name: Egretta thula ©Debra Martz In My Gallery/Collection "Feathered Friends" 20191001-DSC_2469.NEF
