Believe it or not, this image was taken in the middle of a college campus – really! The property is adjacent to a nature preserve in the city, and much of the beauty can be easily seen as you drive or walk between buildings. The deer are plentiful and not at all shy going about their business in the midst of all the traffic. This shot was taken from one of the pedestrian bridges on campus. Three other deer had already crossed the shallow stream, so I had time to catch this one before they all disappeared into the woods on the opposite side.

Many beautiful images may be viewed or purchased from the galleries at:

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It would appear that these steps lead…nowhere! Actually, they lead back to the trail I had been following for some time. The leaves had been falling thick and fast, and had carpeted the entire area. When I turned around, it was difficult to see anything except a heavy blanket of leaves. It reminded me of what it would look like in the winter, all covered with snow. Fortunately, I was able to relocate the trail and safely return to my starting point.

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Black and White” gallery at:

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 I don’t know about you, but I am not ready for winter just yet!

The day started out with blanket of snow several inches deep, and this image was captured this afternoon, after the sun came out and the melt had begun in earnest. Yes, I know it’s only October 10^th, but evidently the powers that be thought it wise to remind us who is in control of the weather! This poor mourning dove looked so cold and forlorn, as though we had pulled a fast one on her. That same look of chilly disbelief was on everyone’s face today. I love the change of seasons, but can’t the snow wait awhile??

Images from all seasons may be viewed or purchased from:

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As blooming plants go, this one has a versatility and history that can’t be beat! Don’t confuse this aquatic perennial with the water-lily. The lotus flower is only found in hues of pink or white, and contains the structure that forms a distinctive circular seed pod. Though rooted firmly in fresh water ponds or streams, the huge bowl-shaped leaves float on and above the surface while the flowers rise even higher on thick stems above the water.

Here in the U.S., the distinctive dried seed heads, which resemble the spouts of watering cans, are used for decorative purposes and dried flower arrangements. While still green, however, the seeds are edible and are considered a seasonal treat by the Cajuns known as “graine a voler”. They are eaten raw, fried, roasted, boiled, or cooked down in soups or stews. In Asia the edible flowers, leaves, stems, seeds, and rhizomes are all used in various ways from garnish to herbal teas and medicines. In China, the dried seeds are even heated to pop like popcorn!

From ancient times, the lotus has been used as a symbol for various virtues and deities in Asian traditions. In the classical written and oral literature of many Asian cultures, the lotus flower represents elegance, beauty, perfection and grace. The lotus flower also appeared in legends originating in ancient Egypt, and played an important part in both religion and art.

These images may be viewed or purchased from the “Trees and Plants” or “In Bloom” galleries at:

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Last fall I went in search of some natural fall color. I could see these blue-purple leaves from some distance, so I went to check it out (and, no, I have no idea what they are!). The combination of blues, green, red and yellow all together in one place was a visual feast. Backlit by the sun, the image was too special to pass up. I wonder what treats I have in store this year….

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Trees and Plants” gallery at:

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Chinese Geese

Hasty Retreat

I had never seen a Chinese Goose before I spotted these two at a state park in Western Iowa. I approached cautiously, and they ignored me until I moved in to get a better shot. Once they decided I was just a little too close, they stepped off the bank and swam quickly away. The second image you see here is their hasty retreat. I find their upturned backsides rather funny, as I am used to seeing Canadian geese. Here is some additional information on these beautiful but odd-looking characters.

Domesticated from the Swan Goose in Central Siberia over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese Goose is the smallest of all domestic geese. Because they eat grasses and weeds these birds are often bred and used for “weeding” purposes. They have also been considered good “watch-dogs”, as they can be quite aggressive and vocal when threatened.

There are two varieties of the Chinese Goose, white and brown (pictured here). They have a brown back and wings, a brown stripe down the back of the neck, and whitish under parts. The black bill is distinctive, with a large knob at the base. Orange legs and feet and a short upward held tail complete the outfit. The female has a smaller body and bill knob.

These images may be viewed or purchased from the “Animals & Insects” gallery at:

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Can you see it? Look closer…now do you see the outline of the fish in the pattern of the ice? The mouth, eye, gills, and fins – they are all there! I found many patterns in the ice that winter day, but this one wasn’t just random ice crystals. If I had come along later in the day, I’m sure my scaled friend would have been long gone. Sometimes nature has the most amazing things to offer us if we would just take a closer look.

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Ice and Snow” gallery at:

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 PS – For my readers who live in Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa: my show entitled “It’s a Wonderful World” is running the entire month of August at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska. More detail may be found here: http://www.hotshopsartcenter.com

In early spring there isn’t much left on the trees from the previous fall and winter. This seedpod caught my eye, hanging there all by itself swinging in the wind. The tenacious little thing wasn’t about to let go and join its’ brothers who already littered the forest floor.

Another reason I like this photo is that it reminds me of a story that my sister told me recently. It seems my mother used to refer to these seedpods as “monkey balls”. Apparently, when it was explained WHY they had such a nickname, my poor mother was mortified! Somehow she had never made the connection…

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Enhanced” gallery at: http://www.michaelcartaimages.com

 PS – For my readers who live in Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa: my show entitled “It’s a Wonderful World” is running the entire month of August at the Hot Shops Art Center in Omaha, Nebraska. More detail may be found here: http://www.hotshopsartcenter.com

This waterfall may be found in the Starved Rock state park along interstate 80 in Illinois. There are many falls in the park, but this one was unique in that I was almost able to get behind the water. I am standing at the edge of the splash pool where it meets the sandstone canyon wall. If the rock had been shaped just a bit differently, I could have slipped in behind the falls and stayed fairly dry. As you can see, the angle is from below and to the side – and that was as close as I could get without getting water droplets all over the lens! The colors you see in the image are natural. The bands of rust colored rock and bright green moss make for a beautiful backdrop that compliments the soothing sound of rushing water. Refreshing!

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “Waterways and Waterfalls” gallery at:

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A little bit of whimsy this week. Nature often caters to my somewhat warped sense of humor, and I couldn’t help but share it with you!

If you have ever watched ducks as they are feeding, then this photo will make perfect sense. These three mallard drakes were busy foraging close to the shore in shallow water, and were ignoring me completely. I always thought they looked funny when diving under to feed; leaving their rear-ends up in the air like buoys on the lake. Now tell me – if you were repeatedly mooned by three drakes at the same time, wouldn’t you get their picture? Unfortunately, they all declined to comment for this article.

This image may be viewed or purchased from the “New Additions” gallery (later from the ‘Just for Fun” gallery) at:

www.michaelcartaimages.com