56K Ouch thread! More of my "Take Maestro's mind off of politics" hobby

[Maestro]

There is no rhyme nor reason to these photos. Just take a look and enjoy. They help me relax.

These are just a bunch of unrelated photos....

I'll start with something small.

Up close with a ruby throated hummingbird in a hackberry tree (from the same series from last week but different photo)


A little further out but this perched in a willow tree.


A small scissor tailed flycatcher. These will be migrating south soon, but they are still around.


Continuing with the small theme, look into this toad's eye.

With all the rain we had this summer there are quite a few toads around.

Here is a lizard that doesn't want burn its feet.


A little cooler here


Getting bigger now and back to birds. I have noticed a Cooper's Hawk that, at least temporarily, has taken up residence nearby.

In early morning


In bright sunlight on a horrible perch. I hate it when hawks do this!


Here is an even worse perch and worse shooting conditions; cloudy and drizzly.


Enough of the Cooper's Hawk. He's just frustrating.

Let's go big! How about some bison? These bison are down the road from me at a local ranch. I suppose these guys will end up on someone's dinner table, but they make for nice subjects beforehand. :rolleyes:





And finally lounging around in the mud with cattle egrets.


Now let's end with some color. Butterflies!

Black Swallotail


Common Swallotail


And one more Monarch


Thanks for looking.

[wildhorses]

1. the beauty in this thread

made me cry.

thanks for posting it.

and pay no attention to me. i have been on a crying spell lately. it will pass.

[Maestro]

3. As long as the tears were happy tears I have no problem.

I hope things get better for you and thank you for the comment. :hi:

[Redstone]

2. Good pix; no apology whatsoever needed.

Redstone

[Maestro]

17. Thanks Redstone

I appreciate it. :hi:

[Haole Girl]

4. OMG

Those are great! And, great timing, too.. I was starting to feel a little down. And, they helped me get my mind off my self pity. Thank you! :-)

[Maestro]

14. No need to feel down.

Just take a look at all the beauty Nature has to offer even in the Metroplex. ;) I hope you feel better soon. :hi:

[Beausoir]

5. Really quite lovely. Thank you.

[Maestro]

16. Any time Beausoir

I am glad you enjoyed them.

[mzteris]

6. Amazing pics

just amazing.

You, sir, are an artist with the camera.

[Maestro]

15. Thank you for that comment.

It's humbling especially when I see what these pro wildlife photographers can do. It's a hobby though at which I intend to continue to improve. Thanks again.

[Gormy Cuss]

7. Nice photos, as always.

I like the lizard in the hot sun the best.

[Maestro]

18. He was funny.

I saw him at this park I was visiting. He was sunning himself but when he saw me he started to run off but stopped where you see him partly in shade and out. I actually was pretty far away using my long lens, but he was still quite skittish. The raised feet though really cracked me up when I looked at the photo.

[fizzgig]

8. fantastic pics

i love the butterflies

how's the injury doing?

[Maestro]

11. My injury is still sore, but I am about 80%

now. I was back pulling sunflowers but this time with a pick and shovel. :) Thanks for the nice comments.

[zabet]

9. Great pics!!

You have an eye for compositon. Even the pic #8 of the hawk,
with the bad perch. The perch actually works for this pic, even
though the bird is not centered focally in the pic, the lines
immediately draw your eyes into it.
:thumbsup:

[Maestro]

12. Thank you so much.

I just can't stand the light in that one. I'm glad you like them.

[XemaSab]

10. Awesome.

I have only ever seen one scissor-tail. :(

I need to rectify this next spring in Texas. :)

[Maestro]

13. Definitely!

They are everywhere. I just wish they would perch on something other than utility lines. I was glad to get this one in a tree. The males with their long tails are quite handsome.