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Thursday, March 6th, 2008
Mockingbird mating flight ritual – 10 x 10 inches study in graphite, eraser, paper
Last night it was especially noticeable that the Mockingbirds have started their mating season. Pronouncing himself at the highest peak on a rooftop, the male mocks other birds’ calls, repeating each 3-4 times before changing to another call. Then in a ritual flight dance he flies up a short distance and does graceful flip in the air, flashing the white wing stripes, back to the perch and repeats the pattern over and over.
After listening to them quite a bit, there are some that have a larger repertoire of calls and a louder, determined, clearer song…I’m guessing that those are the most mature and attractive.
Snow
Tuesday, March 4th, 2008
75*F a couple of days ago, and snow last night. Spring temps here in northern Texas go from one extreme to the other.
Great White Egret and Mayfly
Saturday, March 1st, 2008
Great White Egret at Andy Brown Jr. Park, Coppell, Texas. Early morning melting frost, still slightly foggy, enough sun to make the water and dew in the grass sparkle, with a Mayfly appearing at exactly the right moment!
The photo was digitally changed to black and white and the contrast was clarified.
Perennial Friends
Friday, February 29th, 2008
The Grape Hyacinth started blooming this week…next the Iris, and I can’t wait to see the Ornamental Onions again.
6:49 p.m.
Thursday, February 28th, 2008
Amazing sunset tonight.
Mockingbird
Wednesday, February 27th, 2008
This week mating season has started for Mockingbirds in northeast Texas. Mockingbirds mimic over 120 bird calls, and I’m guessing there are a couple of frog calls in the mix too. Really interesting, and a sound I love hearing when outside doing yardwork.
February Yawn
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008
Even the trees are bored with winter!
Lizard Love
Friday, January 25th, 2008
The Fort Worth Zoo has the best amphibian displays. Visiting a zoo or botanical park can do wonders to lift the Winter Blues!
Frozen
Saturday, January 19th, 2008
1st image: a deteriorating moth captured in ice
Awe
Wednesday, January 16th, 2008
2 p.m. Afternoon sky casting a bright, silvery light, with the cloud formations echoing the tall grasses in the foreground.