|
"Family of Aspens" Ouray, Colorado |
|
I grew up in New England and love the birches. What a joy to discover the aspens out West and to learn that they propagate by sending runners under the earth and thus all come from one mother tree. It literally is a "family of aspens."
|
"Artist-in-Residence" Mourning Dove Tucson, Arizona |
|
When the wind blew a
dove’s eggs from its flimsy nest on the rafters, the owner of a
Southwestern bed and breakfast set out decorative pots there to discourage
her from rebuilding. The creative mother dove, though, decided instead
that one pot was meant just for her and chose this ‘womb with a view.’
|
"The Good Fairy" Milkweed pod Gila National Forest, New Mexico |
|
Just as the milkweed pod burst and tiny seeds began to fly out, the wind stopped, and everything was still! For a moment, the feathered seed seemed to hover in the air like a hummingbird, and I could see the rainbow on its wings.
|
"Love Story" (Ardea herodias) A rookery in Florida |
|
With their necks fluffed, these Great Blue Herons are clearly paired! Adorned in their special breeding colors, the male is especially notable for the coloration of his legs. He has devotedly brought sticks during their cooperative nestbuilding; now, much to her surprise, he shows his affection by making contact with his bill.
"Conversations" During the breeding season, puffins live
in community on this small island off the coast of Maine. What could be
going on in this picture? A puffin powwow? A Meeting of the Board? A family
therapy session? What is your interpretation?
Atlantic Puffins
(Fratercula arctica)
Machias Seal Island
|
"Earth Tones" Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah |
 |
In the midst of the snow, the sun brings out the warmth of the many-splendored colors of the earth, as portrayed in the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon’s "Fairyland." The interesting shapes create an atmosphere of fantasy and wonder.
|
"Hummingbird Heaven" Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) Alpine, Arizona |
 |
In July and August, many rufous hummingbirds migrate south along the Continental Divide, in concert with the blooming of the wildflowers. At an altitude of 8,000 feet, the flower-filled alpine meadows in the town named for them, are a glorious sight--and to the eye of the hummingbird searching for nectar, must be pure heaven.
|
"French Cat" "Chat Provençal" Venasque, France |
 |
In the small French village of Venasque, a window reflects an old narrow street, portraying texture and mirroring the tone colors of a cat named "Croqus". This ancient village perché lies above the beautiful countryside of Provence, an abundant source of inspiration to many artists.
|
"Image of Hope" Cathedral Rock Sedona, Arizona |
 |
Cathedral Rock is a treasured natural formation named for its shape. Here, as if by magic, a double rainbow arcs above it, lighting up the earth and sky, creating an image of hope. In the desert landscape, even the rainbow must await the rain.
|
"Hummer Lady" Broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) Coronado National Forest, Arizona |
 |
This female broad-billed hummingbird took advantage of a dead tree limb and nested under its sheltering arms. The nest was only about four feet above the ground and exceptionally well camouflaged. What more beautiful example of the living earth could there be?