God's Handiwork

Before the heat and humidity zapped my will to live, I was able to spend about an hour at the local arboretum on the 26th of June. With sweat dripping into my eyes and soaking wet clothes, I know I looked a fright. Nearby were a few photographers planning a wedding reception with a bride, and every now and then they looked my way. I must've looked like some crazy lady as I scoured the plants for bugs, inspecting leaves with my readers, groping through tall stalks, kneeling on the pond's edge. Yes, I was ashamed at how awful I looked, but I kept my head down as much as possible, not only to avoid their pitiful stares, but also to at least come away with a few decent shots. Okay, enough babbling. Here is my offering to you today...

All I know is that this is from a magnolia tree. Sadly, I have no idea if it's a bud or a spent bloom.

I love this photo despite the fact that it's not technically correct in many ways,
but because I kept thinking how wonderful it would be if my world was a flower petal
and how lucky this little fella was to have such a wonderful space in which to live and explore.

Some type of beetle I think. I watched him climb from the bottom of the stalk all the way to the top.
I was like, "You GO, little dude!" Not out loud, though. The people there already thought I was not right in the head.

I don't think this creature appreciated me peeking in on him.

Finally! I was able to see two damselflies mating.
I have waited several years to witness this beautiful spectacle.

Uncropped--resized for blog.
When I first noticed this from a distance I thought it was a stick shaped like a heart. Then "it" flew off.
I'm sorry to say I violated the ethical codes of wildlife by stalking these two lovers. They finally got used to my presence
and stayed still on one leaf, so perhaps they weren't too traumatized by the paparazzo! lol

The storm clouds were gathering so I had to leave. I would have fainted eventually anyway.
Saw the arboretum fence and thought I'd better get the shot for Tex's Good Fences meme since I don't know
when I'll be able to get back outside again.

The beauty, diversity and complexity of our world astounds me, always. Yes, I complain frequently about the weather conditions, yet I always come away from these nature outings convinced of a creator, the one true God.

Romans 1:20 (CEV)

God’s eternal power and character cannot be seen. But from the beginning of creation, God has shown what these are like by all he has made...

I wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July in the States! Double D and I will be attending a barbecue at my aunt and uncle's camp on the bayou.

Please click the photo to take you to the link-up and enjoy
fences from around the world.

Also linking with sweet Eileen at

Saturday's Critters!

Come join the fun. :)

Bird Break

Hello. Thought I'd take a break from birds and show you some other things I've been shooting. These were taken at Hilltop Arboretum on April 27, 2014.

Nurturing Nature

Since Tuesday was supposed to be the last of our sunshine for a while, I found myself back at Bluebonnet Swamp hoping to spot the Eastern Towhee I had seen last week. No such luck, but I met a very nice fellow blogger visiting all the way from the UK. Steve, I enjoyed your delightful accent and showing you around the swamp introducing you to our native wildlife. Hope you will visit our wonderful state again sometime!

An abundance of lizards were out in force.

Downy Woodpecker, female

Gray Squirrel munching on a sweet gum ball.

Damselfly

Steve helped me spot this little fella. 

Titmouse

Titmouse with visible tongue getting ready for the suet.

When I returned home the sun was still very bright, so off to the backyard I went where I was dazzled even more!

Look who came to visit my neighbors' Chinese Tallow tree: the Cedar Waxwings!

If only I could get their back wings - the color and spots of red are exquisite.

Some type of sparrow resting on the palm tree.

Yellow-rumped warbler swallowing a crane fly. Good! One less to enter the house.

Participating in these wonderful memes. Please drop by and support them if you have a chance. 

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