Here’s looking at you!

Tortoise making his way up a long hill one spring morning.

Weekly photo challenge: Pure

Late spring and it’s nesting time for the long-eared sunfish. While the water in this urban creek is not strictly pure, it is incredibly clear. From one of the bridges over Coleman Creek, the circular outlines of their nests (last photo below) are visible.

These nesting fish take any intruders very seriously, darting aggressively to chase them away.

At the center of each stone circle is a fish ready to defend its territory.

Panicle

A graceful curve. A gift for birds.

Vineyard love knot

Wild grapes are abundant this year in the Ouachita woodlands. Their vines and tendrils seem to reach everywhere. If drought doesn’t visit this summer, their berries will be blessing for wildlife this fall.

Quiet dignity

Nibbled by bugs, de-petaled by deer, this not-yet-in-full-bloom coneflower still maintains its dignity  in the quiet spotlight that filters through the canopy.

At the pond

Reptilian Romeo