Birds and Butterflies

The past week or so I've gone out with my camera most days but there just isn't much wildlife. I got off on a tangent of insects in flight but then, suddenly, there were almost no insets.

Today, I switched back to birds and went to a park that has had a sprinkling of birds. Today there were a few subjects but they are "the usual suspects". There are about a dozen species of birds in the Cedar Park area and anything outside of that group is extremely rare. And, with the heat, even the usual suspects can't really be found except in the mornings.

So... here are nine shots which I felt were worth sharing. I hope they bring a touch of joy to your life.

Discovered a new bumblebee that I've never seen before ... plus other insects

The typcal bumblebee that I've seen is round. The part behind the head is yellow. And there is just one black band. The new bumblebee is totally different. It is flatter. Has black behind the head. And has multiple stripes. Along with pictures of both of these are some stink bugs, honey bees, wasps, a spider, and a flower.

I'm still trying to get insects in flight. I think I'm getting better.

Enjoy!

Insects in Flight

This is probably only the first post in a new quest: photographing insets in flight. A guy on X has some really spectacular photos. I thought I would try. The first problem this year at least is finding bugs. The local pond supply store that has tons of beautiful flowers but has only a few scattered honey bees. I saw two bumble bees and a few wasps. Out of over 500 images (all of which have been deleted except for 14), I got one keeper of a bee in flight and it isn't really in focus. I did come across a really unique flower.

2025 Central Texas Rain Storm

If you haven't heard, central Texas had a huge rain storm with lots of flooding. Lake Travis rose 17 feet. Buchanan and Travis (combined) are now 69% full having started out less than half full a few days ago. This is some short video clips of Cedar Park area. Nothing dramatic.

Carolina Chickadee Singing

I got this a few days ago but never posted it. Not a good angle but it is still up lifting to me.