Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 22:52

I'm calling this the front porch edition. All of these pictures were taken from my front porch.

We had a beautiful full moon earlier this month. I was hoping to share pictures of the moon along with the planet mars with you, but on the prime nights for viewing mars we were shrouded in clouds making viewing impossible.

Birds are a constant source of amazement, and JOY for me. We're all used to seeing them perched on tree branches, but my flycatchers seem to prefer dead stalks instead. It's a keen reminder of just how light our feathered friends really are!

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Western Kingbird

I've been trying to catch these beautiful birds in flight. They are so fast! This is my best shot yet - I've got a long way to go!

It's always a treat to see the rock squirrels, they don't come around very often. Here's one sitting on his namesake.

Rock Squirrel

With the warmer weather that inevitably comes as the calendar approaches mid-year we're seeing a lot more lizards around.

Texas Spiny Lizard

We had quite a bit of hummer traffic last week. I'm also working on capturing these beauties in flight. This was my favorite out of the hundreds of shots I took. Again, I've got a long way to go.

I often have help when I'm out shooting the birds. Technically this shot wasn't taken from my porch, but from atop a large rock in my front yard. Selfie with me and Kitty.

I think Mr. & Mrs. Wren have finally decided to use the nest they built in this birdhouse. I hope so, I can't imagine anything cuter than baby wrens!

Carolina Wren

The mockingbird couple have built a nest in our cottonwood tree. These birds are completely nuts. They stand guard over their nest, and anything within a 100 yard radius, with a fierce tenacity. The poor srub jay can't even come to feed on the suet cake without being attached. Yesterday, they had him pinned down in the cedar tree for ten minutes before he was able to make a fly for it. The poor guy. He will have to learn not to announce his presence so loudly in the future if he wants a chance at a meal.

Mockingbird

Crepe myrtle blooms speak the language of summer. Steamy days, and deep blue skies.

Lazy afternoon naps, and late nights around the campfire. Finding pictures in the clouds, and chasing butterflies. Days at the beach, or skimming the lake. Sun-baked bodies, and salty ocean mists. Cool forests dripping with dew.

What does summer

have in store for you?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 18:52

We had a crazy week of weather and, tragically, more lives lost to flooding.

We made a very quick trip to Galveston last week, to meet up with some dear friends. The trip didn't produce much in the way of photo ops, or rest, but we did have a great time reconnecting!

The Brown Pelicans were in their breeding plumage, and actually quite pretty. I was surprised to learn that pelicans are actually mentioned in the Bible.

I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. (Psa 102:6)

The Psalmist doesn't paint a very favorable picture here of our brown friends. I admit they are not the most majestic of birds, but as a Finding Nemo fan, I have a bit of a soft spot for the pelican. 

We had enjoyed the tall ship Elissa so much on our first trip, we decided to visit her again since she was in port. If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend a visit to the Texas Seaport Museum where she is docked. Her rigging is beyond comprehension.

Kitty was glad to see me when we returned. At least as glad as any cat will admit.

The squirrel was not happy about our reunion, and let us know exactly how he felt.

Someone has some deep pockets and has been advertising along the 281 corridor these last couple of weeks. Last week it was the gecko, this week was snoopy.

Our sweet dog, Sandy, had to have a bath before she went to the vet last week. She left bunches of her hair behind in the yard, which the birds have been excitedly using to line their nests.

Our Carolina Wrens have been singing their little hearts out! I'm always amazed at the beautiful sound such a little bird can produce!

My pour geraniums were first decimated by the hail storm and then devoured by the deer. Yet, they bloom on!

My red butterfly weed has started blooming, too. I'm hoping for some butterfly chrysalises this year!

I guess the ruby-throated hummingbirds by-passed us this year. There have been hordes over at my mom's place. I've only seen one. This little green gem is our black-chinned hummingbird. In some parts of TX they are here year-round.

Beautiful, isn't he? Yet, fierce!

“Can miles truly separate you from friends... 

If you want to be with someone you love, 

aren't you already there?” ― Richard Bach

***

What are you seeing through

your lens this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 10:52

Waking up to the rain this morning was truly a blessing. We need it so badly here in south Texas. It should also help clear some of this pollen out of the air, saving me from death-by-sneezing.

The rain comes in perfect timing after the gorgeous weather we had last week. My back tolerated an hour or so cleaning out the flower beds, making room for the new growth that has already begun to sprout.

Butterfly Weed

All the discomfort of being on my knees was worth it to have a visit from this sweet lady.

American Lady Butterfly

My Dreamer was just as busy, mowing and clearing out old growth from around the trees.

I thought this was a neat picture of the old Tico 2 engine my Dreamer rescued from the Randau Oil Lease in Web-county, Texas. Everybody thinks it's a canon.

It was lovely to take a rest after working in the soil, and be serenaded by this sweet voice.

I do love to listen to my house finches!  All is peaceful, until the clowns of the bird-world swoop in and make their presence known.

I took my walk a little later than normal one day, and was able to sneak up on the last few winter hold-outs. It's so much easier to spot them in the green grass. 

Soon, all the Western Meadowlarks will be returning north. You can see an animated map of their annual migration here, if you're interested.

I like this shot because it shows their markings, both back, and a hint of the front, so well. Such a contrast! From the back, you'd never guess the front of this bird was so lovely!

I'll miss the meadowlarks when they go. But their departure means that the hummingbirds and scissor-tail flycatchers will be arriving soon. I wonder how many babies we'll have this year?!

The seasons change, the birds come and go, but I can always count on Kitty to be waiting for me when I get back from my walk.

What are you seeing

through your lens this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:

Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,

Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, 

Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday, 

Community Global, Photo Friday, Small Wonders

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 02:52

I can't believe it's been three months since I've shared #LTTL! 

October is always a blur with #write31days and then November and December were filled with gratitude and anticipation!

This edition of #LTTL is in keeping with my new theme this year. All the images were developed in Lightroom. Whereas I've worked exclusively in Photoshop before, I've finally taken the Leap into Lightroom! And I'm so glad I did! Starting off the year with my pictures organized - that in itself is awesome - but Lightroom offers so much more!

If you're interested in getting your feet wet, Kim Klasson offers a online course. Just click on Leap into Lightroom above, and it will take you there.

So these are my first attempts at editing in Lightroom, after only three lessons, so bear with me as I learn.

*******

The gold-fronted woodpeckers are always a great source of amusement. Doesn't it look like he got into a box of melted crayons?

There are still some plants blooming around here. Mistletoe for one. I know it's a parasite, and we have to be careful that it doesn't overwhelm the tree, but it sure is beautiful!

A few leaves are still hanging on. I love the way the afternoon light makes them glow!

I looked out my window the other day and saw this:

Why drink out of the bowl of fresh water that mommy puts out when you can get  your stretches in by drinking out of the birdbath. Cats!

I have to say, editing and cataloging these in LR was a lot of fun. But it was the export process that really blew my mind! LR is the master when it comes to workflow. Check it out.

What are you seeing

through your lens

this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Sweet Shot Tuesday, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global

Inspired by . . . a smile

 

Some days I feel like I can’t do anything right.

I said the wrong thing, or forgot to say what was right. I dropped it, burned it, spilled it, broke it, lost it - usually my patience or my mind.

You get the idea.

Some days are just terrible, horrible, no good and very bad!

Some days, you just need a smile. . .

 

Sandy

 

. . . from a friend . . .

. . . or two.

 

“I am smiling.”

 

And maybe a hug.

{{{   }}}

. . .  from me, to you.

 

Blessings,

 

 

Sharing inspiration here: