Let's Talk
These two female indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) appear to be deep in conversation, perhaps discussing Maybell’s noticeable absence. The cheerful jingle from Hee Haw comes to mind: "We're not ones to go 'round spreadin' rumors."
Discover nature's fleeting moments through my lens—visit my photo gallery to see more.
Peek-a-Blue
This blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) seemed to be playing a game with me, peeking mischievously around the edge of the wooden bird feeder in the middle of my backyard.
If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat! Take a peek:
Eye Contact
In case you think birds don't notice you on the beach, here's a laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) that locked eyes with me yesterday as it flew past while I captured its photo.
"The oldest known Laughing Gull was at least 22 years old when it was killed in Maine in 2009, the same state where it had been banded in 1987." - allaboutbirds.org
Enjoy stunning images of gulls and terns? Check out my photo gallery at:
Dawn's Silent Hunter
An early morning stroll along the beach offers fantastic photo opportunities, and this great blue heron (Ardea herodias) in its tranquil vigil is a perfect example. Its slightly silhouetted form, graceful and still, stands against the softly illuminated ripples of the blue ocean, creating a scene of serene beauty.
Explore a curated collection of heron and egret images in my photo gallery. Take a look!
Good morning, friends. 
31 March 2025
Everything outdoors is turning green—it feels like it's happening all at once. Boom—it's Spring! Do you remember the old electric lawn mowers? Not the modern battery-operated ones, but the kind that relied on a long extension cord. I recall we had one in Spring Valley, California, back in the 1960s. The real challenge was avoiding the cord, which was trickier than it seemed when you were mindlessly walking back and forth—or in circles—across the lawn. I wonder if they still make those. I do have a corded hedge trimmer, so maybe they do. Incidentally, my wife cut the cord the very first time she used it.
"The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month." - Henry Van Dyke
Looking Out on the realm
Northern Mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) are highly territorial. This one perches atop a small pine tree, surveying the landscape below, likely on the lookout for prey.
Step into a world where even the smallest moments—like the glint in a bird's eye—tell their own story.
Good morning. 
30 March 2025
I believe the barometric pressure is on the lower side of normal, which might contribute to the feeling of sleepiness. When the pressure drops, the air becomes less dense, so we inhale less oxygen with each breath. It’s fascinating, though I can’t claim to fully understand it. Many years ago, during college, I took a freshman course in Physical Geography. In that class, I learned about clouds, air currents, ocean currents, weather, rocks, and soil. While I’ve forgotten much of what I learned back then, I do remember why the Atlantic coast waters are warm and the Pacific coast waters are cold. After all these years, it’s amazing how the natural world continues to intrigue and inspire curiosity.
"Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative. - Oscar Wilde 
Cardinal Conversation
Here is a pair of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) that I spotted last summer. Their vibrant plumage and harmonious presence added a touch of brilliance to the landscape.
Explore stunning images of cardinals and other vibrant members of the Cardinalidae family by visiting my photo gallery here:
Dragonfly's Pause
I find this image serenely appealing, though I'm not certain I got the composition just right. Look closely, and you'll see a dragonfly perched on the tip of the dried branch. It's not possible to determine the species of the dragonfly from this photo—only that it is, indeed, a dragonfly.
I don’t upload all the photos I share here to my Pixels gallery. I only post my personal favorites, while some don’t make the cut. I usually give myself a couple of days to decide how I feel about them before uploading.
Feel free to explore my gallery here:
Good morning. 
29 March 2025
Rainy day, just right for running away, or is it lazy day? Is there, in fact, a difference between a rainy and a lazy day? I know for a fact that there is because I have a lot more lazy days than rainy days. As a matter of fact, I'm having a lazy day right now, which just happens to also be a rainy day. Hmmm... if it weren't a rainy day today, it wouldn't be a lazy day because I would mow parts of my lawn. I'll concede that rainy days are conducive to lazy days.
I looked it up—it's actually "Lazy day just right for lovin' away," which are lyrics from Lazy Day by Spanky and Our Gang.
Ooooh nooo!
This image shows a blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata) in the moment of dropping a peanut it had just retrieved from a swing-shaped feeder. The bird's gaze is fixed on the peanut as it tumbles toward the ground.
If you're enchanted by images of blue jays and other captivating corvids, dive into my photo gallery for a visual treat!
Good morning. 
28 March 2025
Back in the early 1960s, at the Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan, there was a park near the seawall that held a special place in our hearts. The centerpiece of the park was the remains of an old airplane, with a slide extending from the back. We affectionately nicknamed it "The Seaplane" and spent countless hours there, letting our imaginations soar. Of course, this makeshift jungle gym would never meet today’s safety standards—sharp edges and all. Yet, despite the potential hazards, we all managed to walk away with just stories to tell and memories to cherish. Remarkably, children would venture to the park on their own, drawn to the charm of The Seaplane by the seawall. It was a different era, full of adventure and freedom.
"In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Pigeons in Black and White
This black and white photograph captures two pigeons in close formation, their wings fully extended in mid-flight. The intricate details of their feathers and their synchronized movement create a sculptural quality, prompting some viewers to liken the image to a finely crafted statue. The harmonious balance of the birds against the minimalist backdrop evokes a sense of elegance and timeless beauty.
I never overlook pigeons in my photographic journey; in fact, I find joy in watching them perform their graceful dance across the sky. Explore my photo gallery at:
A #shahai perfect for a #springtime #sunset / #sunrise (or #autumn for the Aussies, etc.) from Steliana Voicu @steliana_voicu #photo #haiku #senryu #clouds #sky #mountains #poetrylovers #photographylovers #poetry
Rust-Colored Songbird
"This is a brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) perched gracefully on a tree limb. Its vivid yellow eyes stand out, adding an intensity to its watchful expression, while its rich reddish-brown plumage and streaked underparts highlight its striking appearance. Truly a captivating glimpse of this fascinating songbird!
"M-O-O-N"—that spells 'explore my photo gallery' here:
Yellow-Tipped Wonders
I photographed these cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) about 15 minutes ago. They visit this same tree every year—well, maybe not these exact birds, but you get the idea. The tree is located to the west, and they tend to perch high up, making raw photographs appear as silhouettes. To reveal the vibrant colors of the birds, I usually lighten the images a bit.
If you love locking eyes with our feathered friends, flock to my photo gallery at:
Good morning. 
25 March 2025
I'm up extra early this morning, thanks to my dogs—special shout-out to Ben. I know, same old story. Sometimes I joke about tying them to a tree like I’ve seen some people do 
, but honestly, it’s not something I could ever imagine doing. When I look at them, I see them for who they truly are—living, breathing beings with unique personalities. I see their happiness and their sadness. In my heart, when we took them in, I made a promise to be responsible for their lives. It takes patience, but doesn’t every relationship? I can’t fathom how some people can share their lives with dogs and yet treat them with indifference.
"You don't realize how much a dog's presence defines the contours of your home until, in its absence, the walls seem to relocate themselves." - Meghan Daum
Crested Majesty on a Woodland Branch
When I took this photograph, two pileated woodpeckers (Dryocopus pileatus)—a male and a female—were at the edge of the forest. This image features the male. Nearby, a hawk circled in the air. As I observed the woodpeckers, they seemed relatively unconcerned with the presence of the hawk, continuing their foraging undisturbed. However, in this photo, the male woodpecker appears to glance skyward, perhaps keeping an eye on the hawk.
Explore more chic woodpecker photos by visiting my photo gallery.
Nature's Minimalist
The plumage of chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina) provides excellent camouflage. In the original photo of this bird, I had to carefully search to spot it among the bare branches of the tree. At this time of year, these birds are abundant, but in the coming weeks, they will migrate back to the north.
If you enjoy photos of birds and other wildlife, take a look at my photo gallery. Sparrows are never overlooked—they're a valued and important part of my collection. Feel free to explore!
Hunter in the Air
Every year for Thanksgiving, we head east to Georgia, usually stopping midway. For the past couple of years, we’ve stayed at a hotel on the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi. The area is often teeming with various bird species. I spotted this osprey (Pandion haliaetus) there a couple of years ago. Watching them dive into the water and emerge with a fish is truly fascinating. I’ve witnessed it a few times, but I’ve never been close enough to capture a clear, detailed image.
Check out breathtaking photos of magnificent birds of prey, visit my photo gallery here:
