Palo Duro Canyon - Texas

Having the good fortune to travel to Texas twice in a six month period, the difference between years of drought and abundant rain is evident in the following pictures.  These photos were taken in December, 2014 and then again in June, 2015.  The landscape was transformed with wildflowers and green spaces.  Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the USA. This little piece of it is at the far north end near Canyon, TX just south of Amarillo.  

All photos are copyrighted by Amy Beste. Prints are available for purchase and pricing, while reasonable, is dependent upon size and shipping costs. 

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Flower Power

Floral study in sepia or black & white. 

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Orchid in Sepia

Tulip in Sepia

Mums in Sepia

Clematis in Sepia

Centauria in the breeze - B&W

Garlic Chive Flower in B&W

Lily in B&W

Rose of Sharon in B&W

White-breasted Nuthatch

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Trying to keep warm on a frigid winter's day. 

Taking a minute to "mug" for the camera.

Bracing against the high winds and negative wind chills.

The perfect fall day.

Plenty to eat on the perfect fall day.

All photos are copyright Amy Beste 2016 and prints are available for purchase.

Sweet Magnolias

When love rejects and friends forsake,

A parent, though their heart may break,

From that fond heart will never tear

The child, whose last retreat is there.

                                                                    Ellen Fitzarthur.”

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Magnolia

Magnolia's heart

Magnolia's center

Magnolia in Bloom

Magnolias in full bloom

Magnolia in Sepia

Magnolia in Black & White

Single Magnolia

Magnolias in full bloom - Black & White

Eastern Bluebirds

Eastern Bluebirds lakeside

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Enjoying the warmth of the sun 

Watching me watch him

Holding on in the wind

A new sunny spot to enjoy

Male Eastern Bluebird

Grumpy face

Grumpy face alert to children nearby 

Grumpy face scoping out food on the ground

Riding the branch in the wind

All photos are copyrighted ~ Amy Beste. Prints available upon request.  

Eastern Gray Squirrels

Often called "rats with a fluffy tail" squirrels are a member of the rodent family. They live in trees year-round and have a lifespan of about 5 years. They mate in winter which is why I usually see them chasing each other from tree to tree in my backyard.  I call the treeline the "Ninja Squirrel Highway". 

 They have two litters a year ~ with 2 to 3 young per litter. The second litter born late summer will winter with their mother. They rarely fall from trees, but I have witnessed some close calls.

 That fluffy tail is not just for balance, but can be used as a blanket, an umbrella and, a rudder when swimming.  Eastern Gray Squirrels are pretty good swimmers. 

Have you ever wondered how a flower or tree found it's way into your garden when it wasn't there before and you didn't plant it?  Well Eastern Gray Squirrels will dig up flower bulbs and steal garden vegetables when they aren't eating from your bird feeder. They will gather and bury acorns and other seeds for food through the winter. They bury it close to the surface so they can smell it when they wish to dig it up. Sometimes they don't collect all of it. Thus the single tulip in my front garden. 

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Sleepy Squirrel warming himself in the sun.

Before his nap, he ate snow to quench his thirst.
The evidence is all over his face.

Raiding the bird feeder during a snowstorm in 2015.

Back again, raiding the bird feeder during the Blizzard of 2016.

Going out on a limb for a little sunshine.

Waiting for his turn at the bird feeders.

Taking time to smell the Mexican roses.

All photos are Copyright Amy Beste and are available for sale.