Young Pine Cone

There are at least three dozen different pines all over the United States. Not exactly sure what I found here on the side of an urban road, but the growth of young pine cone fascinated me. Also with the import of foreign species for landscaping purposes I'm not even sure if it would be a domestic US pine or if the "shrubbery" is actually from Asia or from Mexico. As far as I can tell the bundle of needles is two hold together by the sheath.
Not being a biologist I also have no clue, if these are female or male parts. Maybe somebody of the readers could share some insight.

Gulf Fritillary on Pride of Barbados

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae) on blooming Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)

The large grey patches under the wing of the butterfly distinguish it as a Gulf Fritillary, even though it looks very similar to a Monarch. Mostly present in the Southeastern US, reaching as far west as Texas. It is a beautiful sight to see. Caesalpinia pulcherrima or Pride of Barbados with it's common name, attracts a lot of humming birds and butterflies. Other names for this stunning bloomer include Mexican or red Bird of Paradise, flamboyant-de-jardin. Origin is unknown, but it's pretty draught resistant, actually can grow wild. If the plant freezes in winter, try to cap it back as early as February, when it starts to get warmer.

This shot is also featured in my ClickASnap portfolio, and as a blog in Niume

Hesperaloe parviflora Study I

Hesperaloe parviflora, the latin name what is casually called Texas Red Yucca, even though it does not belong into the Yucca family, but into the Aloe family.


It's a very showy native (Texas and some parts of Mexico) succulent, in April/May/June (according to how temperatures are, where you live) it starts to have long tall spikes of these pinkish flowers. The further north you are the longer they bloom, and can actually bloom during the whole summer. In the more southern regions of the Lonestar state, the blooms are normally gone by June, developing into first green se.ed pods, who then harden, turn brown and start spreading small little black seeds.

The plant is xeric, which means very drought resistant and can even take some "very rare" snow, it will just bloom a little bit later after experiencing a really cold winter with freezing temperatures. Hummingbirds & butterflies love the plant.

This shot is also featured in my ClickASnap portfolio, and as a blog in Niume

Squirrel Study I

During a smoke break this tree squirrel showed up, I guess to give me some company.

I got my camera, sat down or even laid flat on my stomach and let the little feller do what he does best. Digging up roots, looking for a nut and checking out the neighbourhood. All these pictures (a study II) will follow were shot during the same break.

Keepin' Balance

Not sure what kinda Dragonfly this is - but hoping that one of the readers may actually be able to help me out here. I tried to find out, but simply googling blue eyes and black/yellow body did not bring any closer information where this Odonata needs to be placed.
Maybe some extra info may help - shot in July of last year (2015), outside of Austin, Texas.

This was originally published in the Photography Sphere of Niume account on September 15th, 2016 - I really love who big the pictures show there.