Thursday, February 7, 2013

Flora and Fauna, Part I

I thought you might be getting tired of my bird-centric posts, so this is my attempt to mix it up just a bit.
Jane Magnolia at my neighborhood entrance, 2/5/13

Oops, another bird. Sorry. Brenda the Barred Owl, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/1/13

I think this is a swamp oak at Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/1/13

Noticed while on the levee photographing the eagles. The insect is a bonus. 2/5/13

Dried plants at Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13

Not sure what is sprouting from this tree at Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13

Downy Woodpecker, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13

The lizards are in abundance at Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/5/13
I think he's giving me the stink eye.
Rufous Hummingbird, Bluebonnet Swamp, 2/2/13

45 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

love the lizard and the rufous! but LOVE the opening magnolia! whew!

Deanna said...

another round of gorgeousness!! the clarity and beauty of those magnolias are stunning!!

Shug said...

The tulip trees in our area are really beginning to bloom out! They are always so beautiful.
Be sure to capture some pictures of all the parades happening in your area. I find them to be very facinating...
hugs

Janet said...

These are just fantastic! Such a great variety.

hootnonny said...

All seasons look good in your hands! The first one gives me hope that spring will return!

Gone Country said...

That first shot is uh.maze.ing! LOVE it!

And yea, I think you got the stink eye for sure, lol!

Anonymous said...

Oh My Stink Eye is a handsome fella, very cool shot! Same goes for the Hummer! But they're all beautiful captures... I so wanna smell a Magnolia blossom right now, esp since home stinks like skunk this week! LoL! =)

Lynn said...

If the tourism department of the State of Louisiana ever discovers you, you will have a lifetime contract. You sure put out the welcome mat.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Amazing pictures. Don't worry about lots of birds,I love them.

Lisa Gordon said...

You had me at the magnolias, Gail!
Absolutely gorgeous.

Charlotte Wilson said...

Magnolias, this early!? Wasn't Christmas just last week? lOL

Thank you for a beautiful spring preview!

Patrice said...

Love that Japanese magnolia, Gail!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, to see such a glorious magnolia in February! I think you're right about the lizard stink eye. Or maybe, in lizard life, that's a "come hither" look. The Rufous shot is wonderful. By the way, I believe that's another bird. :)

The Cranky said...

Magnolias?!? I know envy is a bad thing but dagnabbit!!! Beautiful way to mix it up Gail; loved these photos even though I'm now muttering about spring not getting here soon enough.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

I love the variety! Thanks for visiting my blog!

eileeninmd said...

I love the flowers and the birds. Lovely photos, Gail! Now, I wish it was Spring already! Hope you have a happy weekend!

Kathy said...

The pink magnolias are in full bloom here in East Texas too. They are early this year. Last year they bloomed the same time as the dogwood and that's still several weeks away.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Wow, another great batch of photos. Perfect focus with excellent detail, and I like how you are using DoF to blur the backgrounds...nice!!!!

Kerry said...

That magnolia makes me pine for the South, where I used to live. And I never tire of your birds! SO glad you snuck a few in! (I see that "snuck" isn't a word...dang.)

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! Fantastic photography of such varied gems of nature ~ a treasure!

Carol of (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Ann said...

that woodpecker looks like he's just relaxing against the tree!!!
your nature photography is spectacular!!
i think the lizard IS giving you the stink eye! he looks like he has a bit of an attitude!

Christine said...

The red seed pods are on a lovely red maple, your red flowers are red maple blooms! I just photographed some a few weeks ago here in Florida.

Jori said...

LOVE the owl! I'm a bit obsessed with them this week. :)

Karen said...

You've done it again...marvellous!

Anonymous said...

Your photos just get better and better! Love the magnolia!

Anonymous said...

I think the hummingbird is giving you the stink-eye, too, but it's a beautiful photo!! I never get tired of your bird photos, but these are gorgeous, too! I hope you have a great weekend! Can't wait to see where you go next!

Kim Stevens said...

Oh the magnolia's are gorgeous!! And I've been seeing the anoles around my house again too!

Evelyn S. said...

Seriously....magnolias are blooming in Louisiana??? Wow!!! (Once again...the fabulous recording of light as well as your wonderful subjects is so inspiring!)

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Another great set of pics- I think you are right- that is the stink eye~!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Magnificent Gail! I especially like the flora shots, each and every one - the first is just amazingly beautiful.

Buttons Thoughts said...

Never get sick of your photos what ever they may be. These are beautiful. B

Hootin Anni said...

I am amazed at your so very artful photo talent!! You have a great eye for composition and color. I especially liked the magnolia and the one of the 'noticed while on the levee and eagles'...that insect would've been totally missed by me if you didn't point it out.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Wow. All we have here are boring browns right now (and white, we got a dusting of snow last night). Love seeing all this vegetation and blooming!

Phil Slade said...

Don't think you need to mix it up for me Bird Nerd, Gail. They are all good shots though and I particulalry like the lizard - you next assignement I guess.

rainfield61 said...

These flowers are so refreshing.

Jackie said...

Oh I'm so jealous you already have hummingbirds. I can't wait.

I love all of the photos but I really love the hummingbird, the magnolia and the dried plants shot.

I am collecting pictures of woodpeckers right now for a bird post. Wow, they are very very shy this year.

Usually they don't mind people at all. I wonder if people have been shooting at them. I hope not. I love them!

Happy weekend Gail and thanks for all of this beauty!

Maria said...

Love the photo of the owl. We have an owl who hoots nearly every night right before 3 a.m.

When we discovered that we had a few mice and looked for solutions, we had to consider that if we used poison, it might end up hurting/killing that owl when he hunted.

So...we did the kinder, gentler way of getting rid of them. Took longer, but we had peace of mind.

Unknown said...

I smiled through the whole set. They are all amazing shots my friend.

Hugs~

renae said...

Gail! I swear your photographic talent is superb!!!!!! Those are all great artistically and esthetically. Fabulous! I am not kidding.

Yes, I am a sparkle girl. Your comments lately make me smile from ear to ear. (Thats big)

Take care and see you on Monday!

renae said...

Gail! You are so nice to me. I LOVE IT!!!

Meant to tell you that I lovelovelove the magnolia photo the most. Thanks for putting it on first. It is so BEAUTIFUL!

Suzan said...

Ohhh Goodnes Gail!
You already have spring around the corner. What you call your Jane magnolia - we call the Star Magnolia and our blooms are still tightly closed!! Your maples are already popping out too! WOW! Your photos continue to amaze me!! So clears, sharp and lovely!

Hilary said...

Spring arrives early there.. and with great beauty. It's a long way off, here. Thanks for your always beautiful photos.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I could never get tired of your bird-centric posts, but I'm also delighted to see the plant life...the magnolia is magnificent! Well, all your photos always are, but that tree is just wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Those unknown sprouts can be found all over my deck each spring from one of our backyard trees!

Great captures, Gail!

Anonymous said...

such beautiful images as always. One of our neighbors has the Jane Magnolias too and they are so pretty! Hope you are doing well my dear Cajun Neighbor...sending big hugs your way, xoxo