Urban hawk

One of several red-tailed hawks that make the green belt along Coleman Creek in Little Rock’s University District their home. This fellow was probably looking for lunch.

KEEPING WATCH — Red-tailed hawk pauses in a sweet gum tree.

LOOKING DOWN — Hawk checks out possible lunch int he brush below.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Nighttime

No exotic locations. No great landmarks.  Just nighttime as seen from our deck tonight through a 30-second exposure.

Looking southeastward from our deck. Little Rock’s city lights are glowing in the distance. Stars sparkling on the right.

And other visions in the night that we liked:

• http://cardinalguzman.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/street-portrait-3361/
• http://elementaryposters.com/2014/09/26/weekly-photo-challenge-nighttime/
• http://teandpaper.com/2014/09/26/weekly-photo-challenge-nighttime/
• http://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/weekly-photo-challenge-night-time/
• http://esengasvoice.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/weekly-photo-challenge-nighttime/

Big and beautiful

This big and beautiful polyphemus moth was fluttering around the parking lot at work on Friday. Of course I had to take his portrait. More detailed shots of this lovely fellow are below.

Big moth — This fellow measured nearly 6 inches from tip to tip.

A tight shot of the beautiful markings on the moth’s wings.

A closeup of the polyphemus’ antennae, which looks like a skeletonized leaf.

At the Capitol

A work project meant spending Thursday morning at the Arkansas state Capitol. The building is beautiful and quite grand, from the shining bronze doors outside to the soft white marble walls that make up its interior.

Under the dome of the Arkansas state Capitol in Little Rock.

Weekly photo challenge: Split-second story

This split-second story comes from the bottom of its hand-lettered heart.

Bald eagle

May is usually a little late for “snow birding” bald eagles, but this late-stayer was a welcome sight nonetheless. He sat atop a tall cypress in the middle of an old Arkansas River oxbow within sight of Little Rock’s skyline. Such a treat!

On the lookout for his next meal. 

Winter vs. Spring. Round 3

And the winner is … Spring!

Arkansas did have one more round of snow on St. Patrick’s Day, with enough ice and snow to cause a 10- to 15-car pileup that shut down I-630 during the morning commute. However, Spring has gotten down to business and has taken the state in its firm grip.

Violets grow on a rocky Ouachita mountain slope.

Beautiful blossoms, but the tree is a mystery.

Mama robin minds her nest in a tulip tree at the office.

 

Winter vs. Spring: Round 2 continued

Winter has its moments of beauty.

STORYBOOK ENDING — Winter has its beauty. When the sun finally broke through, it lit a scene that looked like a storybook illustration.

UP THE ROAD — Ice, sleet, snow make for a beautiful view but a treacherous drive up 30- and 40 degree curving mountain roads.

SNOWFLAKES — individual flakes on an iron railing.

Winter vs. Spring: Round 2

After a few springlike days, winter came roaring back, taking Round 2. The system dropped freezing rain, several inches of sleet and topped it all off with snow. Schools were shut down for days and traffic stopped on I-40 and I-55 in northeastern Arkansas.

The heavy winter layer took all the joy out of the daffodils in back of the office.  So sad.

LOST HIS CROWN — Daffodil loses its rill in the sleet, rain and snow.

DOWN — A storm system that brought freezing rain, a few inches of sleet and snow stomped these daffodils.

Winter vs Spring: Round 1

Winter vs. Spring. The fight is on! Round 1 goes to Spring. Images taken Feb. 27 in Little Rock.

SPRUNG — Patches of daffodils in the woods behind the office are showing signs that spring isn’t going to be bullied by Ol’ Man Winter.
BRIGHT – Bloom on a tulip tree backlit by winter sun.

BEWITCHED — Witchhazel blooms in the office garden.

SPRUNG II — Cluster of daffodils!

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