- We saw a flock of about 100 at a tree near a gas station in ...
- Dolphins in a river? Do tell! Or maybe all I need to do is d...
- You are so right, Amber. I step outside every night, just t...
- Thank you so much, Kay. I want to run outside too! The good ...
- Larry, I'm so glad you are enjoying the series. Thanks for t...
- My congrats to you, too, Zeb! And to everyone, I know the bo...
- I very much enjoyed both words and thoughts! It makes me wa...
- Sneaky bonus questionGlad they weren't snakes with me out th...
- Congrats Zeb! Wow, the bonus question was tougher than I th...
- Jason, Thank you for your thorough reply. I truly appreciate...
New Recurring Feature: What I Love About Nature
January 14th, 2010 | 
Author: I am introducing a new recurring feature because I almost always have more pictures from my nature walks than I have time to write a thoughtful post. So many of my friends and family enjoy my pictures, and the virtual tours through the woods, that I thought I would share the pics regularly. I photograph everything that looks interesting, beautiful, or mysterious, and I thought it would be fun to describe what qualities I saw which prompted me to make these images. These posts will be a quick read and good source for your nature fix if you haven’t been able to get outside lately. Enjoy!
I love the way this sycamore branch is so white and so smooth – unlike any other tree that I have noticed in my part of Texas. It is hard to imagine a squirrel scampering up and down such a smooth surface!
I love the touches of yellow on this Yellow-rumped Warbler, how it looks so pretty against the beautiful blue sky.
~
I love how this very young oak tree still has bright red leaves at a time of year when most oak trees are festooned with dry, brown leaves, if any.
~
I loved watching this little Carolina Chickadee return to this seemingly bare branch, and find a small seed each time!
~
I think this is a Hercules Club tree…and what I love about this (native) tree is its unique knobby-thorny appendages that are randomly dotted all over the trunk.
~
I think this is a Harris’s Sparrow, and I love the way he came out from the dense brush to soak up the fading light of day.
~
I love the drama of these thorn-daggers that make it so easy for me to recognize this as a native Honeylocust tree.
~
I love that I was able to first hear the predatory screech of this Red-tailed Hawk, then turn around and look up to see him, and was able to get a picture before he stopped alerting his prey to his approach.
~
I love wood grain with a lot of “movement,” and this Osage Orange tree sure caught my eye. The word, “striations,” comes to mind.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this first edition of “What I Love About Nature.”
Posted in 
Tags: 
That RT hawk looks fierce! Do you think they make those wild calls to scare the begeezus out of their victims to make them stop cold in their tracks or what?
Yes, awesomely fierce! I bet I could find an answer to your question…I’ve been thinking about it and wonder if it is more of an advertisement to other hawks that, “this territory is taken!” If I learn more, I’ll share.
(Yes on your sparrow ID.)
What a marvelous, heartwarming, delightful series! I think we don’t spend enough time celebrating the little things in nature that bring us great joy. Too often the pedestrian thrills are considered common and unworthy of mention. I love the beauty of brick-capped mushrooms in early morning light. I love the sound of a red-headed woodpecker beating a pecan against a tree trunk. I love the voice of the local red-shouldered hawk female as she demands attention and subservience. I love so many things I probably take for granted. And shame on me for that!
I’m really looking forward to this series, Amber. What a marvelous celebration of nature…
Aw, shucks…thanks, Jason. I’m glad you like this, and I am looking forward to it myself!
Oh, poopy! I looked up the vocalization thing but forgot to mention it in my comment. Sorry.
This is what Birds of North America says about red-tails: “Vocalizations occur most often near nest during breeding season (biased by prevalence of studies associated with breeding) and during aerial territorial displays…”
I giggled at your exclamation! One of my personal favorites, when I’m not sure if the more profane version is appropriate.
Sandy, looks like you have your answer! Thanks, Jason.
I’m thinking your “What I Love About Nature” series is a great idea. As a reader, I love getting a glimpse through the eyes/lens of another person who enjoys and appreciates nature. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the encouragement, Marvin!
What a great idea Amber. You have begun your new feature with a wonderful collection. The Yellow-rump and the Harris’ Sparrow are super shots and I love the action shot of the RT. I can just hear it screaming!
All of your nature shots are interesting but I must say that the close-up of the thorn daggers on the Honeylocust is way cool! I look forward to future renditions.
Aren’t those thorns amazing? And scary-cool. I’m glad you like the series idea – I’m looking forward to it myself.
[...] If this is the first you have heard about this series, please see my introduction in the series debut. I hope you enjoy the pictures and thoughts. I love that I can always find a mockingbird to soothe [...]