New Pond

      Decades ago, when the land was re-shaped by a man with a bulldozer, several ponds were formed. I had passed by a formidable hole in the ground, every time wondering if ever it had accumulated water. Some mesquite plants grew along the bottom, and sometimes I thought that perhaps it was not intended to be a pond at all. What must have it been like, I pondered, long ago when the land had more rain? Here is my answer. The formidable hole is full now. Reptiles, such as the little snake that followed my around the pond, and the large frog that hopped in the water at my approach.

Milkweed and Bugs

Plains Coreopsis and Bugs

White and Pink Prickly Poppies (and Bees)

Pretty Pond Along the Fence

Busy Spider and Her Web

Splash of Light

One can enjoy endless possibilities for creativity with a blinking ring an an LED lamp.

Light Painting: Balloon in the Garden

    A lantern tethered to a string and MyFriendEllen's gift of a blinking ring provided me with an opportunity for light painting.

Light Painting An Old Gal's Old Cameras

Primrose Buttercup with Ants

Honeybee on a Passionflower

 

Blue Passionflower Fruit

View the Wikipedia article on the passiflora.

The blue passionflower produces a fruit the size of a chicken's egg.

Bug on Thelesperma

Gulf Fritillary on Lantana

Fireflies

     Left, lower corner of the image (perhaps by squinting hard enough), one can see the fireflies that emerge after sunset. 

     For more information about Lightning Bugs, visit the National Geographic page about them.

Bunny and Bluebonnets

     While mowing the other day, MyMrMallory drove around a patch of Bluebonnets and other flowers to ensure that they go to seed for next season.

     What a delight to see the rabbit appear again. I slowly moved to position myself for a pleasing composition, bunny in the foreground and flowers in the background.

Barn Swallows

See the nice website with information and outstanding photography about Barn Swallows at Wildscreen Arkive.

Snuggling Sparrows

Looking contented after a meal provided by their parents, young sparrows snuggle up for a nap. 

View more information about the House Sparrow at the Audubon Guide to North American Birds.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks Resting

   
    Interestingly, Black-bellied Whistling ducks are monogamous and will nest in the cavity of a tree. The young will hop out, and thanks to their fluffy down, will not be injured. The young can immediately feed themselves, and after about eight weeks, fly off on their own.
 
    Typically, this duck is gregarious and social, and not prone to travel long distances.

    These two rested and nibbled for food in front of the Hardin Building at the university.

    More interesting information at Wikipedia and Internet Bird Collection.

   

Larkspur