Description: "Underneath Horace Caldwell Pier" I was wishing for some large rolling waves to crash on the pilings of the pier, but it was a beautiful and calm day. But I did get a Pigeon top in the center that I had not counted on, so all was good. This pier is located on the Port Aransas beach in Southern Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Coastal" 20252016-1909
Description: "Laughing Gull Deep In Thought" It was so deep in thought while looking at the water just below that it didn't move the slightest as I approached it on the boardwalk. Captured in the early morning along the boardwalk at Leonabelle in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20251013-DSC_8253
Description: "Pelican Gliding on Tranquil Water" As autumn migration progressed, numerous birds were making their way to South Texas. I observed a variety of shorebirds, diverse waterfowl, and the stunning American White Pelicans as they settled into this freshwater wetland region. Captured along the boardwalk at Leonabelle in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 2025-10-13-DSC_8241
Description: "Just Before Sunrise" The birds were arriving at the beach, and ships were awaiting entry to the ship channel that would take them to the Corpus Christi Port. It was just minutes before the sun would reach the horizon at Port Aransas, Texas. The colors and clouds made for a beautiful, dramatic start to a new day. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Coastal" "Sky Sunrise Sunset Clouds" "Texas" 20251014-DSC_3295
Description: “Pelican Gliding on Water” As autumn migration progressed, numerous birds were making their way to South Texas. I observed a variety of shorebirds, diverse waterfowl, and the stunning American White Pelicans as they settled into this freshwater wetland region. Captured along the boardwalk at Leonabelle in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 2025-10-13-DSC_8236
Description: "Grackle Perched on a Rail" This female Great-tailed Grackle appeared to be deep in thought as it gazed out across the marsh from the railing on the boardwalk. It was 30 minutes after sunrise, and I was still seeing the effects of the golden morning light. Captured from the boardwalk at Leonabelle in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20251013-DSC_8216
Description: "Pair of Black-Necked Stilts in Flight" From a boardwalk over the wetlands, I watched as the early morning birds flew in to begin their morning feeding rituals. Captured along the Nature Trail in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20251013-DSC_8185
Description: “Egret Wading in Golden Water” The birds were busy searching for morning food, like this Reddish Egret that had just dunked its bills underwater. Less than 15 minutes after sunrise, the water was glowing with some golden tones between the ripples. Captured along the Nature Trail in Port Aransas, Texas, mid-autumn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20251013-DSC_8170
Description: "Sparrow on a Wire Fence" When birdwatching at the wildlife refuge, I most always enter from a gravel road that first passes a private farm. The fence along its border often rewards me with some birds; today it was this little Lark Sparrow. Photographed near the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_7289
Description: "Great Blue Heron in Early Morning" It was just before sunrise, and the birds were out and positioning themselves for their morning feeding. Captured from the nature trail in Port Aransas, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20251013-DSC_8115
Description: "Kirkjufell Mountain on a Cloudy Day" Kirkjufell is a 463-meter (1,519-feet) tall mountain on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its name means "Church Mountain" in Icelandic because its cone shape looks like a church steeple. The mountain stands by itself on the north coast near the fishing town of Grundarfjordur. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2332
Description: "Majestic Mountain with Reflection" Kirkjufell is a 463-meter (1,519-feet) tall mountain on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Its name means "Church Mountain" in Icelandic because its cone shape looks like a church steeple. The mountain stands by itself on the north coast near the fishing town of Grundarfjordur. I used digital brushes to add some artistry to my photograph. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2321
Description: “The Londrangar Cliffs” The Lóndrangar Cliffs, made of dense basalt from ancient lava flows, formed the towering pillars, with the tallest reaching 75 meters. Shaped over thousands of years by erosion, these rugged formations stand as dark sentinels against coastal winds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2288
Description: “Londrangar Rocky Castles” Along the Snaefellsnes Peninsula in Iceland, two impressive sea stacks emerge from the terrain. These are the Lóndrangar formations, ancient volcanic basalt structures that soar up to 75 meters high. Over many millennia, natural forces have shaped these remnants of old lava flows into towering, jagged spires. They are often described as a natural rocky castle along Iceland’s coast. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 202505124-DSC_2281
Description: “Malariff Lighthouse in Iceland” The lighthouse is located a short walk beyond the Snaefellsjokull National Park’s Visitor Center. The park is on the western side of Iceland on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. The original lighthouse was built in 1917 and was replaced by this one, which was constructed in 1946 and stands 66 feet (20.2 meters) tall. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2277
Description: “Malariff Lighthouse and Signpost” Located just beyond the visitor center for the Snaefellsjokull National Park on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula on the western side of Iceland. Well-maintained coastal paths also invite leisurely walks to several sights. The lighthouse was built in 1946, replacing the previous one built in 1917, and stands 66-foot (20 meters) tall. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2275
Description: “Iceland Destination Signpost” After arriving at the Malariff Visitor Center, one of two that serve the Snaefellsjokull National Park, I saw a path and started walking. I soon came to this sign, which points visitors to sights within the park. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2274
Description: “Kittiwake Lands on a Pond” Black-legged Kittiwakes nest in dense colonies on ledges of seaside cliffs, as they were doing here at Arnarstapi, Iceland. During the breeding season, they will forage up to 30 miles from the nest, hunting both over continental shelf waters and deeper waters to feed their chicks. But on this day, they were foraging just inland of the seaside cliffs on some small bodies of water that appeared to me to be freshwater ponds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Feathered Friends” 20250524-DSC_2252
Description: “Harbor of Arnarstapi Iceland” The small Arnarstapi dock is an important harbor for small boats with limited fishing permission and a popular destination for recreational boats. This area is on the southern coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, which is on the Western side of Iceland. The azure waters of northern Faxa Bay can be calm and transparent or have violent, crashing waves from the wild North Atlantic Ocean. It was quite calm on this day, but this harbor is ideal for protection on the wilder ocean days. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2268
Description: “Mount Stapafell Backdrop to Arnarstapi Iceland” Located on the south side of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and rising just inland from Arnarstapi, Mount Stapafell stands at an elevation of 526 meters (1,726 feet). It is a dormant volcanic cone, with slopes covered in a mix of moss, volcanic rock, and seasonally, snow. Its pyramid profile makes it a recognizable landmark on the peninsula on the West side of Iceland. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Iceland” “Water Forms” 20250524-DSC_2250
Description: “Pumpa Ravine at Arnarstapi” Pumpa is a triangular-shaped inlet in Arnarstapi, where, in addition to colonies of seabirds, you can also see a petrified lion’s head …I did not find it (unless it is the end section jutting out into the bay). But I did see birds, lots and lots of seabirds! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2248
Description: “Incoming Northern Fulmar at Arnarstapi” As we walked farther along the coastal pathway between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, I noticed some birds were flying inland to what appeared like some freshwater ponds. So I took the time to change to better camera settings for birds in flight, just in case I was lucky enough to have one fly in front of or near me. Ay, I was lucky enough, and captured this Northern Fulmar with pink feet down and ready for landing nearby. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250524-DSC_2185.NEF
Description: “The Arch On Arnarstapi Coast” Arnarstapi's beauty is the lava formations surrounding the small hamlet, with the Arch being photographed by many of the tourists. I was wishing for my 600mm lens to get some closer shots of all the birds nesting, but I didn’t travel with it. Some among those nesting were Common Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Kittiwakes, and many more seabirds. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2204
Description: “Rugged Coastline of Arnarstapi Iceland” Arnarstapi's coastline beauty lies in the rugged coastline of lava formations and basalt columns easily viewed from a shoreline hiking trail. This part of the shoreline has been a natural reserve since 1979. During breeding season, the coastline is also home to colonies of seabirds nesting on the formations. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 2025-05-24-DSC_2165.NEF
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Quaint Church Interior” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-8805
Description: “Bardur Stone Statue Arnarstapi” This large statue is of a giant, half-man and half-troll, made from shale stones, a homage to the saga of the giant Bárður Snæfellsás, who lived in the area around the nearby glacier. It was created by Ragnar Kjartansson, one of Iceland's most renowned sculptors. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Europe” 20250524-DSC_2154
Description: “Icelandic Wildflower Artistic” I saw this pretty wildflower while climbing up the sacred mountain, Helgafell, on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Later, with the use of a few wildflower ID searches, I came upon Cuckooflower (sometimes written as Cuckoo Flower), which I believe it to be. It is found throughout Europe and in many other temperate parts of the world, blooming in Iceland mainly in May and June. Cuckooflower, Milkmaids, and Lady's Smock are just three of many common English names given locally to this spring wildflower. With the use of a few digital brushes, I gave the image a bit of a colored pencil effect. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Iceland" 20250524_8800
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Church Iceland” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Digital Art Photography" 20250524-DSC_2126
Description: “Helgafellskirkja Church Iceland” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. Historic cemeteries are on several sides of the church. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2126
Description: “Charming Icelandic Countryside Church ” The country church at Helgafell on the Snæfells peninsula was built in 1903, but the location has been a churchstead since Christianity was adopted in Iceland in the year 1000. I captured this scenic view with the church as I was making my way down from the Sacred Hill, Mount Helgafell. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2110
Description: “Icelandic Horses Trotting Across the Field” Oh, how I wanted to get closer to these beauties as they crossed the valley below Mount Helgafell. I was just in the wrong place to climb down the mountainside and get to where they were headed. But there is still the beauty of their manes blowing in the wind as they trotted across the valley below me. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 2025-05-24-DSC_2101
Description: “View From Mount Helgafell Iceland” Mount Helgafell, the Sacred Hill on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, holds a special place for Icelanders. It is believed that silently climbing to its summit without looking back grants three wishes, but this can only be done on one's first ascent, which many have already completed to secure their desires. I wasn't aware of the tradition of making three wishes before the ascent, and the photo only shows the view where I turned to see what was behind me, so I missed the opportunity. Also, as I'm not Icelandic, it might not have applied to me :-) ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: "Europe" 20250524-DSC_2096
Description: “Cormorant Making A Perfect Landing” There were so many Double-crested Cormorants on this day at the lake and they were diving and resurfacing everywhere. I wanted to get a single one, and that finally happened when I caught this one flying in to join the larger groups. It was in perfect form when it landed with feet forward and wings spread high and wide! Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6937
Description: “Cormorants Popping Up Everywhere” Cormorants can hold their breath for several minutes, allowing them to dive underwater in pursuit of fish. There were so many on this day that it was hard to try and keep track of any given one, so I went for capturing moments of many resurfacing at once. Photographed at Great Salt Plains State Park in Northern Oklahoma. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250501-DSC_6927
