Santa Ana's Grooved Ani(s)

The sighting of 5 Ani(s) is the goal of most birders in the Valley. This is a first for us, novice TX birders. They look like blackbirds but have a large thick bill. We saw 2 and heard 3 last week but yesterday 2 were in plain sight by the Pintail Lakes. We went out early 8am in deep fog and 50 degrees. By 11 the sun was out but the wind was blowing hard, I could not keep my camera still at times.

One of the five flew up after a hawk flew over on a very windy day a week later.  We saw all five after an hour of hiking.

The others popped up and joined the first.

Groovy!

Here's looking at you!

Full Moon in Texas

Last night, January 15, was a clear cool night at Estero Lando Grande State Park in Weslaco, TX.  There were not many critters out including moths and other insects. We heard many shore birds such as killdeer, stilts and avocets and also frogs and toads. The only mammal we spotted were two rabbits, but we came upon bobcat scat and tracks. The guide said she has tracked 3 javelinas and 5 bobcats.

Surprises at Sunset

                     You never know what you will see if you stay in the present moment.
                                Check out the last photo, do you see what I see?

                                                                    I love you  too, Sunset!

Super Mid-August Sunset

The photos were taken in Oakwood on a wonderful cool evening.

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                                                                       Good night the sun!

Almost Full Moon

I see the Moon, the moon sees me. God bless the moon, God bless me.

Who knew you could really see the moon's craters with a camera (SX50 Canon)?  What fun!   The first photos are what I normally    see in the sky  The 
last are like looking through a telescope.

Water and Sky at Sunset

 These were taken the same night in June.  It was when Colorado's forests were burning.

Dragonfly by Swimming Pool

I took these photos at my nephew's house by their swimming pool. It was about midday that I saw this dragonfly light on their water plants. It is a very common species in California but very uncommon to me. None of the photographs were enhanced in any way, not even cropped. It was truly serendipity as were other events that last night in California by the hot tub. All good memories!  Thanks to our California hosts.  

Much love to all.

                                 The Flame Skimmer or Fireball Dragonfly