Description: “Village of Seydisfjordur Iceland” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, with a population of about 700. It is a very tidy town with colorful homes, businesses, and of course, the Blue Church. I enhanced my original photograph for a painterly style using digital paintbrushes and an overlay of soft texture. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250222_8519 AI Alt Text: A serene village scene features multi-colored houses nestled by a calm body of water, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The landscape is enriched by the presence of a church steeple, providing a focal point amid the lush greenery. Photo painting by Debra Martz
Description: “Seydisfjordur Iceland Mountainside Waterfall” The quaint town of Seydisfjordur lies at the innermost point of the fjord bearing the same name, and surrounded by high mountains. The more we looked at our surroundings, the more waterfalls we saw, obviously from snow melt, as this was late May. The one seen in this image is Budareyrarfoss, named after the river it flows on. It is fed by meltwater from Mt. Strandartindur, which looms over the eastern side of town. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Europe” 20250522-DSC_1696
Description: Cruising In the Seydisfjordur Fjord in Iceland It was 6:38 a.m., and I could tell it was going to be a great day when I woke to this view! The anticipation of the ship making port, dropping anchor, and visiting the small town, with the same name as the fjord, was building. The quaint town and the nature surrounding did not disappoint! Pano stitching several images. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” "Digital Art Photography" 20250522_8495 AI Alt Text: Majestic mountains rise above a serene body of water, reflecting the clear blue sky. Snow-capped peaks and lush green slopes create a breathtaking landscape. Image by Debra Martz
Description: “Seydisfjordur Iceland Shoreline” It was 6:42 a.m., and I could tell it was going to be a great day when I woke to this view! The anticipation of the ship dropping anchor and going to visit the small town, with the same name as the fjord, was building. And the town and the nature surrounding did not disappoint! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522_8499 Photo painting using digital brushes on my original photograph.
Description: “Arriving Seydisfjordur Iceland” The small town of Seydisfjordur is located in the Eastern Region of Iceland, at the innermost point of the fjord with the same name. It was a beautiful early morning with sunshine and calm waters as our cruise ship arrived at the port. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery: “Iceland” 20250522-DSC_1663 AI Alt Text: A tranquil fjord scene features calm blue waters reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and green hills. Small buildings and boats dot the shoreline under a clear blue sky. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Great Timing For The Tricolored Heron” I had been watching this Heron as it worked in the brackish water with some pretty amazing and sometimes amusing moves as it hunted. Those moves of spreading wings to cast shadows worked to its advantage when it came up with this nice catch! Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5105 A heron stands in shallow water, holding a freshly caught fish in its beak. The bird's vibrant plumage contrasts with the muted tones of the rippling water. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Spread Those Wings and Hop Forward” Just one of countless, and fascinating moves that Tricolored Herons make when in search of prey. Such a beautiful display. Did it snag its fish? Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5103 AI Alt Text: A bird with striking plumage extends its wings wide above a rippling body of water. With its legs stretching downward, the bird seems to be either landing or taking off from the water's surface. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Tricolored Heron And Its Showy Plumage” A favorite among the Herons is the Tricolor, not only its colorful plumage but its showy action when in search of prey. Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5093 AI Alt Text: A heron with striking blue and reddish plumage stands gracefully in shallow water. Its long, slender beak points forward as it surveys its surroundings. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Red Telephone Box” A red telephone box, likely a K6 kiosk, located near the harbor in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, still stands a little weathered and worn. From what I understood, it is the last one still standing in Ballycastle. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1585
Description: “Rope Bridge to Carrick-a-Rede Island” Carrick-a-Rede Island in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is accessible from the mainland via a rope bridge suspended above the Atlantic Ocean about 30 meters with a span of 20 meters. The first bridge was erected by salmon fishermen in 1755 to reduce reliance on a boat to reach the island. Today, it is mainly a tourist attraction of The National Trust where they state, “one can sway with the wind as you cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and take in the stunning views of the Causeway Coastal Route.” Be sure to make a reservation if you want to have this exciting opportunity; we did not :-( ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1551
Description: “Northern Ireland Coastal View” A pullout on the Coastal Causeway Road offered views in a number of directions. This is of Rathlin Island in the distance, the northernmost point of Northern Ireland. It is accessible by a six-mile ferry crossing. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Feathered Friends” “United Kingdom” 2025-05-20-DSC_1544 AI Alt Text: Lush greenery borders a vast expanse of calm blue sea, with a distant landmass visible on the horizon under a clear sky speckled with wispy clouds. The scene exudes tranquility and natural beauty, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the serene landscape. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: "Northern Ireland Coastal Highway" What a beautiful drive, but a winding up and down one as well, making it quite the thrilling highway, always wondering what was around the next curve! This was in the Ballintoy area of County Antrim. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "United Kingdom" 20250520-DSC_1541 AI Alt Text: A scenic coastal road runs alongside a lush, green hillside where sheep graze peacefully. The distant view of the sea and a blue sky enhances the serene atmosphere. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: "Silently Roosting" This Yellow-crowned Night Heron and many others were scattered in the dense Mangroves this early morning. All was silent after they had settled in after a night of foraging, ready for some rest. Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20250301-DSC_5080 AI Alt Text: A bird with striking black and white plumage perches among lush green leaves, blending seamlessly with its natural habitat. Its sharp beak and detailed feathers are prominently visible, adding to its majestic appearance. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: "Early Morning Green Heron" I arrived when the entrance to the nature center opened, walked through the butterfly garden, and as I headed to start the boardwalk, a Green Heron stood ready to begin its day. It was in pose with the lifted leg, ready to fish from the water below. Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: "Feathered Friends" 20250301-DSC_5037 AI Alt Text: A bird with striking plumage stands cautiously on a wooden railing, its bright eyes peering forward. The intricate feather patterns contrast with the simple, geometric design of the fence in the background. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “First Rook” The trail I was walking and exploring was all about Northern Ireland’s UNESCO World Heritage site, or was it? I did see 3 new-to-me birds while exploring the Giant’s Causeway, one was this Rook! But who looks for birds when on vacation? Ha, I do. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collections: “Feathered Friends” “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1484 AI Alt Text: A black bird, a Rook, soars gracefully against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and soft, fluffy clouds. The sunlight highlights the bird's outstretched wings as it glides effortlessly. Photography by Debra Martz
Description: “Runkerry Head and The Camel” Another view of Portnaboe along the blue trail was on the return from the causeway, which offers a view of the most famous resident, Humphrey the camel, who is lying asleep. Can you spot him? Humphrey the Camel is below Runkerry Head near the water, an oddly shaped basaltic dyke, which gained its shape as the rapidly cooling lava flow pushed through dense layers of rock. Or as legend has it, it was the powerful camel, the chosen steed of Giant Finn McCool, which later turned to stone. Photographed from the Blue Trail at this Northern Ireland UNESCO World Heritage Site. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1471.NEF
Description: “Port Ganny Path and Black Boulder” With the closest of the basalt columns directly behind me, this gives a view of the path on the far left, which leads back to the Giant’s Causeway visitor center once you pass the headland on the distant right and then the next bay, Portnaboe. The black boulders and rocks are what I believe were referred to as some of the giant’s marbles. Not to be excluded is the greenery of the landscape from the hillside to the headland Photographed from the Blue Trail at this Northern Ireland UNESCO World Heritage Site. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1452.NEF
Description: “Columns of the Giant's Causeway” This is only a small section of the basalt columns that make up the Giant’s Causeway. Beyond this area and closer to the sea, there were huge numbers of tourists climbing all over the top. This UNESCO World Heritage site is along the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, where 40,000 columns jut proudly out of the sea. The columns were formed by volcanic forces or, as legend has it, by the giant Finn McCool, who built it to get to Scotland for a duel with another giant. So, either way, scientific theory or myth, it’s a place to marvel at this World Wonder. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1442
Description: “Early Bird Gets The Webs” The real birds get the worms, but the first person to an area in the morning gets to cut through the spider webs. It was okay since I saw some truly masterful webs that had been spun overnight. Photography at South Padre Island, Texas ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Flora Trees Nature Wildlife” 20250301-DSC_5027
Description: “Happy Dog At The Beach” I enjoy birdwatching, people-watching, and pet-watching at the beach. People and pets are always having so much fun. This was the happiest dog of the day, running, chasing, fetching, and repeating! Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Coastal” “Miscellaneous”
Description: “Laughing Gull Beach Walking” After a full morning of bird watching, it was time for a break at the beach. But I still watch birds and keep my camera at arm's length, even though I’m trying to read my magazine. Photographed at South Padre Island, Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 20230228-DSC_6617
Description: “Port Ganny at Giant's Causeway” The blue trail is a paved path from the visitors’ center and the most direct to the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, first passing the bay area of Portnaboe, then curves around Port Ganny, which brings you to the thousands of basalt columns that create the causeway. The columns were formed by volcanic forces or, as legend has it, by the giant Finn McCool. So, either way, scientific theory or myth, it is a place to marvel at this UNESCO World Wonder. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1415
Description: “Pathway Passing Portnaboe” The blue trail is a paved path that leaves from the visitors’ center and is the most direct to the Giant’s Causeway, first passing the bay area of Portnaboe. Where it appears as if the trail ends at the bottom right, it then curves around Port Ganny, which brings you to the thousands of basalt columns that created the causeway. The columns were formed by volcanic forces or, as legend has it, by the giant Finn McCool. So, whether it is a scientific theory or myth, it is a place to marvel at this UNESCO World Wonder. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1405
Description: “Causeway Road Countryside Northern Ireland” Scene of the rolling hills through the northern countryside near the Giant’s Causeway. The highway was so narrow that at times I thought there was not enough room for two vehicles meeting in opposite directions. But all was just fine. Painterly effects were used to enhance/brighten the overall image. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1401
Description: “Bushmills Clock Tower” The clock tower, in the form of an Irish Round Tower, dates from 1874. It was erected by the local landowners, the Macnaghten family. Visible at the lower part of the tower is a bronze soldier, which is part of the Macnaghten Family War Memorial. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1396
Description: We stopped at the overlook along the Antrim coastal highway to admire the views of Dunluce Castle next to the North Atlantic channel. Dún Libhse, in Irish, is a now-ruined medieval castle that you might have seen in some “Game of Thrones” episodes. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1386-Pano
Description: I like to bird watch along the causeway and under the JFK Bridge in Corpus Christi, TX. It is also a place where there always seem to be many feral cats. This one is so pretty in the green grass, and the small yellow wildflowers by its side. If I weren't allergic to cats, I might be tempted to try to catch one to bring home.
Description: “Dunluce Castle Ruins Northern Ireland” We stopped at the overlook along the Antrim coastal highway to admire the views of Dunluce Castle next to the North Atlantic channel. Dún Libhse, in Irish, is a now-ruined medieval castle that you might have seen in some “Game of Thrones” episodes. I liked the pop of purple wildflowers in this close-up of partial ruins. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1386.NEF
Description: “Dunluce Castle Northern Ireland” We stopped at the overlook along the Antrim coastal highway to admire the views of Dunluce Castle next to the North Atlantic channel. Dún Libhse, in Irish, is a now-ruined medieval castle that you might have seen in some “Game of Thrones” episodes. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250520-DSC_1390
Description: “Somewhere In The English Channel” Barely visible on the horizon are small elevations of the landscape. The English Channel is a narrow 350-mile-long strait, separating England from France. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” “Water Forms” 20250519-DSC_1331
Description: “Late Afternoon At Sea” We left Dover Harbor and cruised into the Strait of Dover, then turned southward into the English Channel. We would be at sea for a day and a half. Time to rest and enjoy the water, beautiful sky, and watch for birds, plus sea life. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “United Kingdom” 20250518-DSC_1321
Description: "Cliffs and Lighthouses Dover England" I couldn't get enough of the many views of the White Cliffs. They are so beautiful against the blue water and sky. On top of the cliffs is the South Foreland Lighthouse, which stands proudly above St Margaret’s Bay, and was the first lighthouse to use electric light. On the breakwater is the Knuckle Lighthouse: Positioned about three-quarters of the way along the breakwater, where it begins to curve northward, the Knuckle Light also dates from the early 20th century. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: "United Kingdom" 20250518-DSC_1294
Description: “The Southern Breakwater at Dover” The port is divided into two main sections: the Eastern Docks, which serve cross-channel ferries, and the Western Docks, which serve as a cruise terminal (my reason for being here), a marina for yachts, and a cargo facility. Southern Breakwater is at the center, with the West Head Lighthouse nearest and the Dover Knuckle at the far end. P&O Ferry is departing to the English Channel with views of the White Cliffs in the background, with South Foreland Lighthouse barely visible just above the distant coastline.
Description: “European Herring Gull Profile” I had been watching this European Herring Gull for quite a bit, and had even been able to get a few in-flight shots of it as it flew close by. Imagine my surprise when it landed on the railing of the upper deck of the cruise ship with a backdrop of the White Cliffs of Dover. It rode along for a while, allowing me and others to get photos of it before it took off back into the sky. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202018-DSC_1317
Description: “Hitching A Ride” I had been watching this European Herring Gull for quite a bit, and had even been able to get a few in-flight shots of it as it flew close by. Imagine my surprise when it landed on the railing of the upper deck of the cruise ship with a backdrop of the White Cliffs of Dover. It posed for a while before departing back to the air. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: “Feathered Friends” 202018-DSC_1310
