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Frank's Gallery

2009 Choke Canyon MSF Photos

Nov 14, 2009

Photos: 7

Rusty Blackbirds Bear Creek Park Jan 25th 09

Saw small groups of 6, 8 & 12 at the Pond off Fox Ln. from 2:30 to 4p.m. today. Then saw 60+ Rusty's join a much larger flock of Red-winged Blackbirds feeding on the ground at Drusendorf and Fox. Red-shouldered hawk and Cedar Waxwings also pictured. Pardon the fuzzy pictures...my SLR is being repaired.

Jan 25, 2009

Photos: 16

EMBERIZIDS

Jan 23, 2009

Photos: 125

Katy Prairie Jan 21st, 2009

Hebert and Pattison Roads 4-6 p.m.

Jan 21, 2009

Photos: 46

Kleb Woods 1/21/09

Morning Bird Walk and a bit more afternoon.

Jan 21, 2009

Photos: 50

RustysBCP

We found 8 Rusty Blackbirds at a small wooded pond in Bear Creek Park on Sunday afternoon, Jan 18th, 2009.

Jan 18, 2009

Photos: 20

TOS Bay City Jan 2009

Pictures from Oyster Lake-Thurs., Baer Ranch & Big Boggy WMA-Fri., and the Mad Island Nature Conservancy Preserve on Saturday.

Jan 17, 2009

Photos: 181

Mad Island Nature Conservancy Preserve

Pictures from tout at TOS Bay City Jan 17th 2009

Jan 17, 2009

Photos: 92

Brazos Bend State Park

Jan 11, 2009

Photos: 39

Attwater PC NWR

Jan 11, 2009

Photos: 31

CyCreekKatyPrairieCBC09

Jan 1, 2009

Photos: 26

Short-eared Owl

Short-eared Owls at sunset on Morrison Road. They cruised by right over our heads just after Margaret noticed a mouse in the ditch. Harriers were also working the fields. We tracked the owls in the sunset glow just above the horizon as they worked back toward Pattison moving West. Our last look this good was at the Justin Hurst WMA for the CBC in 07 at sunset with Victor Emmanual in the middle of the marsh.

Dec 7, 2008

Photos: 23

OG Monthly Trip Nov. 2008

Nov 15, 2008

Photos: 20

Cypress Top Historical Park

The Grand Opening was held Nov 10, 2008. Remarks were made by Fred Collins, Park Director and Gene Zaboroski, grandson of E.F. Juergen. Steve Dorman of Precinct Three presided. Harris County Commisioner of Precinct 3, Steve Radack, gave the Dedication Speech and graciously extended thanks for the countless efforts expended by Precinct 3 staff and employees, the amazing volunteers, and acknowledged the huge generosity exhibited to the community by the Zaboroskis. Diane Neff presented awards and plaques. Her efforts to reach this day were beyond any accolades that could be verbalized.

Nov 10, 2008

Photos: 117

Quintana Kelp Gull

Nov 9, 2008

Photos: 15

Katy Prairie Oct 2008

Hebert Road, Nelson Farms, Paul Rushing Park

Oct 21, 2008

Photos: 40

Kleb Woods NP

Oct 1, 2008

Photos: 31

Red-shouldered Hawk

bad day for the frog!

Oct 1, 2008

Photos: 1

Arkansas - Petit Jean State Park

Jul 29, 2008

Photos: 31

Arkansas July 2008

We toured through Arkansas on our way to St. Louis to visit Frank & Meredith. We visited he Blackland Prairie at The Grandview Prairie Wildlife management Area, Old Historic Washington National Park, Hot Springs, and spent the night at Petit Jean State Park in a restored lodge built in the 30's by the CCC. We then drove Arkasas Scenic Highway 7 all the way North through the state passing through the Ouichiota and Ozark National Forests with an overnight stay in Eureka Springs.

Jul 29, 2008

Photos: 80

Kleb Woods Today

Herp, Insects, and Peaches

Jul 9, 2008

Photos: 12

Bear Creek Park Birding

I found some Red-headed Woodpeckers at Bear Creek Park. We went on the 4th of July morning to enjoy being outdoors for the holiday and so Margaret could see the Woodpeckers. There were also lots of Bluebirds. She did not get to see the Hairy WP but did find us a Pileated, though I missed getting a photo. We also did see Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, as well as Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. Chickadees, Titmice, Cardinals, White-eyed Vireos, and Pine Warblers are abundant and with progeny. It was hot, humid, and wonderful! The clouds and some rain clouds came up about 12:30 so we went home to rest up for the fireworks and fried chicken tonight.

Jul 4, 2008

Photos: 31

Brazos Bend State Park

Jun 3, 2008

Photos: 25

San Jacinto Monument and Photo Exhibit

We spent a hot Sunday afternoon in the cool air conditioning looking at the Texas history in the San Jacinto Monument, a wonderful photo exhibit of Historical Houston, watched the new San Jacinto Battle film in the refurbished theater and even went to the top of the monument to the viewing deck, which we had not done in years. Texas history is fascinating and rich as is the history of Houston. We ended with a wonderful but all too short ride on the ferry crossing the ship channel we had seen from atop the Monument.

Jun 1, 2008

Photos: 67

Attawater national Wildlife Refuge

I visited Attwater National Wildlife Refuge just South of Sealy, TX last Thursday morning and I got pictures with my macro lens of an interesting Moth- for now I'm calling it The Durante Moth- and a wonderful little pitcher plant that I've shown with a butterfly, a fly , and a grasshopper to give it perspective.

May 29, 2008

Photos: 9

Attwater NWR Sunday- Dickcissel heaven

Attwater is only 40 minutes from our house, just South of Sealy, Texas. Real Coastal Prairie! We were the only visitors on this glorious day. We met two young college student interns who are spending the summer there doing research living on the property- one young lady from Michigan, the other a young man from New York state.

May 18, 2008

Photos: 52

Mother's Day

Church, Cleburne's Cafeteria, and the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit at the Science Museum with the 'kiddos'. Then a visit to see the birds, flowers and gardens at the Bellaire Nature Discovery Center & Russ Pittman Park.

May 11, 2008

Photos: 17

West Texas & TOS Trip

MaryMeade Ranch near Hunt, So. Llano River State Park, Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Christmas Mountains Oasis, Davis Mountains State Park & McDonald Observatory, Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy Trails, and back to So Llano River SP on the way home! The TOS trips and meetings were started and held in Alpine, Tx Everything was outstanding!

May 9, 2008

Photos: 212

Sabine Woods & The Willows

North winds and lots of birds!

Apr 28, 2008

Photos: 61

Quintana Marsh, Beach-Jetties, and Refuge

Apr 22, 2008

Photos: 38

The Willows

We went down to Sabine Pass today because a front came through this morning and we were hoping that the North winds would be trapping the spring migrants on the coast. We were at "The Willows" from 1 to 8 p.m. It was really something to see!

Apr 18, 2008

Photos: 44

Kleb Field Trip to Quintana & San Bernard NWR

Bright Blues of Indigos and Grosbeaks are lit up from using flash. I'm trying to learn how to get a natural look and yet get light and therefore color for those beautiful feathers to 'light" them up. I'm still learnin'! As you all know, feather colors are largely a function of reflected light...as is all photography. The blue is real and not Photoshop...it is just the light of the flash reflecting back at the camera. I have cropped liberally and sharpened. I was chagrined at forgetting my polarizing lens which I tried to reproduce in Lightshop in only 2 pictures- the one looking down the end of the Jetties at Quintana and the one of the LNG Carrier. BTW, Florence got a great shot of the least Bittern...she opened her window and had a 300 mm lens. We saw 2 Least Bitterns, immediately after Fred told Jim it was too early to see them...so I pass these 2 shots along since we ended our wonderful day with this and then the Sora. What a great way to while away a day! Frank

Apr 16, 2008

Photos: 71

Birds Bugs Plants ETC

Mar 27, 2008

Photos: 83

Bayou Bend in Bloom March 13th, 2008

Inspired by the beautiful weather and the blooms in my yard and neighborhood, as well as my new Macro lens-I visited the Bayou Bend gardens, the first time in at least 15 years. Do visit these garden while the Camellias and Azaleas are still blooming -WOW! Inspired by my good friend, Professor Kelly, a great Nature Photographer, I also enjoyed the Robins in these formal gardens. $3 to visit the gardens....The house is full of treasured antiques, wait to visit that next Winter or in the heat of Summer. The gardens and setting are absolutely spectacular and right in our back yards. Birds are everywhere. The bayou runs along the gardens and they are immense and varied. I hope to return soon.... p.s. for my photo-techie friends...these pictures are all shot handheld with my then 3 days old new 100mm f/2.8 macro lens. I like it!

Mar 13, 2008

Photos: 50

Yard March 12th 08

Sunset on a beautiful evening, flowers and insects in the garden....

Mar 12, 2008

Photos: 24

Sabine Pass Kleb Nature Center Field Trip March 5, 2008

83 species seen and a beautiful day enjoyed!

Mar 5, 2008

Photos: 44

KlebBanding

Bird Banding at Bird Biology Class- Kleb Woods Nature Center

Feb 22, 2008

Photos: 54

RRKleb

The RoadRunner was seen at kleb today in the morning and afternoon near the parking lot cut on on the Draper rd. side of the park. I have a theory that this bird is 'unseeable' if you are looking for it, and appears nonchalantly when you least expect it! This is my first sighting in 08.

Feb 20, 2008

Photos: 10

Hermann Park with Jim and BeaAnn p.m. Feb 19th, 2008

another idyllic afternoon at Hermann Park with good friends taking pictures of beautiful wild ducks....

Feb 19, 2008

Photos: 95

Attwater NWR OG Group Sat Feb 16, 2008

4 brave soles showed up for the Monthly OG Trip at Attwater NWR Saturday, Feb 16, 08. We were rewarded with minimal weather impact though misty, windy and dark the rain was sparse and intermittent. We ended up birding until 4:30 and had an enjoyable day. Highlights for me were the booming Attwater's Prairie Chickens- we saw 13, the Lark Buntings, chasing the LeConte's (you have to earn this bird!), the Grasshopper, Lincoln's, and Vesper Sparrows. We saw Caracara chasing White-tailed hawks and the Cinnamon tail are stunning. Our Fish & Wildlife guide was an enthusiastic, energetic, patient, knowledgeable and delightful guy. Birders should show up like golfers do...you just never know 'cause this day the weather men just had it wrong!

Feb 16, 2008

Photos: 38

Kleb Wed Bird Walk & Field Trip to Kellie's

Quoting BeaAnn: "Our big thrill of the day was seeing two soaring bald eagles. We also had a delightful family from Calif. visiting grandparents from Katy. The three girls were such good spotters and so knowledgable (the oldest, 9 yr. old, Evelyn even knew the Latin names of the birds). Her sisters, Clementine (about 8 y.o.) and Greta (maybe 3-4 y.o.) had such sharp eyes and truly enjoy nature. Greta pointed to a raccoon in a hole about 15 ft. up a tree that none of us noticed. Good food at Mike's Grill, but the onion rings don't compare to Tailgaters. Kelly's yard is a miniature nature park. Got quite a few photos and hopefully some good ones."

Feb 13, 2008

Photos: 52

Red-shouldered Hawk in Yard

It had just started raining. We were headed to our friends Jim & BeaAnn's house to go see Kathy Adams Clark speak at their Woodlands Photo Club. Kathy Clark's husband is Gary Clark who writes the Naturalist/Birding articles in the Chronicle featuring her photos. I ran back into the house and followed the bird around in the rain. I forgot to get out my new flash unit. Some of Kathy's nature photography themes were be ready and seize on opportunities, use fill flash, shoot in the rain, circle the subject to get a better angle on the shot, and get to know your subject. She was preachin' to the choir! see www.kathyadamsclark.com

Feb 11, 2008

Photos: 13

Bolivar Flats Feb 10, 2008

Feb 10, 2008

Photos: 103

Galveston, Pelican Island, & the Bolivar Ferry

On the way to Bolivar Flats on Sunday, I enjoyed everyday birds, places, and the wonderful sunny day. The pelicans, gulls, sandpipers and the thrill of being on the ferry were all it took on this photo day!

Feb 10, 2008

Photos: 101

Bear Creek Park Trails 12:30 to 2:30 pm Jan 31 08

Took a break from the computer today when the front came through. The wind was howling at 25-30, but back in the deep woods at the park it was serene and beautiful. I had my mud boots on as it was very wet and muddy, which properly attired did not bother me a bit. I had my camo parka on, and did also see a Hermit Thrush, Pileated, Red-bellied & Downy woodpeckers, kinglets, chickadees, and yellow rumped warblers. My prize was this spectacular Barred Owl. I chased him for a while, even slipping on a log crossing a creek getting a bit muddy, but then success and we stared at each other for a while. The view in my binoculars was amazing. I did remember to snap a picture....for the memories!

Jan 31, 2008

Photos: 26

Pyrrhuloxia

(Updated with new pictures from Dec 31, Jan 12th and 20th, 2008) As described well on many recent txbird reports, this bird was just east of Bear Creek on Longenbaugh. It was nearing sunset so some of the rosy glow is from the time of day reflecting a bit more yellow than normally exhibited...my favorite light for pictures!

Dec 20, 2007

Photos: 53

Longenbaugh/Porter Roads UTC98 Birding Sun Nov 4th

8-9:30 a.m.

Nov 4, 2007

Photos: 12

Brazos Bend State Park 3-7 p.m. Nov 2, 2007

Nov 2, 2007

Photos: 60

Baytown Nature Center & San Jacinto State Park

I spent the morning at these two parks, enjoying the beautiful weather, the Bay, the picturesque San Jacinto Monument & Hartman Bridge, the marshes, the birds, and riding the Lynchburg Ferry-twice! Oh, and I did enjoy looking through my binoculars and my camera at all of the above....

Oct 27, 2007

Photos: 59

Katy Prarie Birding Day

We visited UTC 98-100, Hegar Road, Jack Road and had lunch in Bellville, ending up up back at Longenbough at sunset. The North winds felt good and our winter residents are arriving.