A single golden seed head of native East Texas grass bends gently in the warm autumn light, its delicate strands glowing against a blurred field of bronze and amber tones. Captured at Martin Dies Jr. State Park near Lake Steinhagen, this fall photograph highlights texture, depth, and the quiet beauty of nature photography in Southeast Texas. The photo evokes the feeling of late-season calm—golden hour warmth, natural texture, and the transition from summer to fall in Southeast Texas

I thought this was pretty and cool. A golden grass seed head catching the last light of fall at Martin Dies Jr. State Park, Lake Steinhagen, Southeast Texas.

#TextureTuesday #Photography #NaturePhotography #FallPhotography #TexasPhotography #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #LakeSteinhagen

Soft evening light settles over Lake Steinhagen at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in East Texas, where cypress and tupelo trees rise from still blackwater reflecting the forest in perfect symmetry. The warm golden tones capture that fleeting calm before dusk — a tranquil scene of fading sunlight, mirror-like reflections, and the quiet rhythm of a Southeast Texas wetland. This landscape photograph blends light, texture, and mood in the heart of East Texas nature, where the day ends in peaceful reflection.

I took this picture the other day off a little trail in the swamp. I thought it was very pretty.

#BlueSkyArtShow #Evening #NaturePhotography #LakeSteinhagen #MartinDiesStatePark #EastTexas #LandscapePhotography #CypressSwamp #Reflection #TexasNature #Texas #Photography

Delicate native Texas grass seed heads shimmer in the golden light near Lake Steinhagen in East Texas, their fine filaments glowing against the soft blur of water and sky. The photograph captures the rich natural texture and detail of wild bluestem grasses—possibly broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) or splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius)—two native species known for their feathery seed plumes that reflect autumn sunlight. This close-up macro landscape emphasizes texture, depth, and the organic patterns found in East Texas nature photography. A perfect example of Big Thicket serenity and botanical artistry, blending fine art composition with local ecology to highlight the seasonal beauty of native Texas flora.

Picture taken a couple hours ago after being stuck in traffic. I decided I should stop and take some pictures to relax.

#TextureTuesday #EastTexas #LakeSteinhagen #TexasNature #MacroPhotography #Nature #WildTexas #Photography #BotanicalArt #LandscapePhotography #Texas #MartinDiesStatePark

An American alligator lies half-submerged in the still, golden water of a quiet East Texas swamp. Reflections of cypress trunks and Spanish moss ripple across the surface, blending the reptile’s rough, armored skin into the mirrored forest. The warm afternoon light glows over the bayou, capturing the untamed calm of southern wetlands where wildlife thrives unseen. This Texas nature photograph highlights the texture, color, and reflection of the alligator in its natural habitat — a serene moment of swamp life deep in the humid wilds of East Texas.

Absolute unit of a swamp puppy (aka - American Alligator) sunning himself on a cool autumn afternoon.

#Photography #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #Autumn #BlueSkyArtShow #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #Alligator #AmericanAlligator #AbsoluteUnit

Nothing special, I Just thought it was pretty so I took a picture.

#Nature #Photography #NaturePhotography #Texas #EastTexas #VisitTylerCounty #MartinDiesStatePark

Large, curled False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) fungi growing on a decaying log in a forest. The leathery, thin brackets display wavy, layered bands of cream, tan, and deep brown. Some edges are curling and twisting, revealing smooth, poreless undersides. Dry leaves and pine needles surround the fungi, blending into the decomposing wood. This bracket fungus plays a role in woodland decomposition, breaking down organic material in the forest ecosystem.

Do we prefer Funky Fungi or Motley Mushrooms? I love how they’re all disorganized and disheveled.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #SloughtTrail #TexasForestTrail

A decaying log in the forest is covered in fungi, showcasing the beauty of mycology in nature. On the left side, clusters of amber jelly fungus, likely Exidia recisa, glisten in the sunlight, their gelatinous texture contrasting with the rough, decaying wood. Along the top and right, Turkey Tail fungi (Trametes versicolor) form layered, wavy patterns in shades of brown, tan, and cream, blending into the woodland ecosystem. Scattered pine needles rest among the fungi, adding to the organic details of this macro nature scene. The warm sunlight filtering through highlights the intricate fungal growth, emphasizing the essential role of fungi in forest ecosystems.

Been busy, I have not had a chance to do much. So here is another picture of the Amber Jelly and Turkey. Sounds like a Thanksgiving meal.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #TexasForestTrail

A close-up of a decaying log in a forest, covered in various fungi. In the foreground, a glistening amber jelly fungus, likely Amber Jelly Fungus - Exidia recisa or Witches Butter - Tremella mesenterica, appears wet and gelatinous, catching the warm sunlight. Behind it, Turkey Tail fungi (Trametes versicolor) spread across the wood in layered, fan-like formations with earthy brown and orange hues. The log is textured with moss and decay, blending into the woodland environment. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting a golden glow on the fungi and emphasizing the intricate details of their growth. This is a lovely display of biological decomposition is a natural wetland forest ecosystem.

This is unique. No AI trickery here.

Turkey Tails and Amber Jelly Fungus - Perhaps Witches Butter, but too red I think. The red is not due to post processing (mostly)

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) fungi grow in dense, layered clusters on the bark of a decaying tree. The thin, leathery brackets fan out in shades of orange and brown, with smooth upper surfaces and curved, poreless undersides. Sunlight filters through the forest, casting highlights and shadows on the fungi and rough bark. The scene captures both the top and underside views, showing how these saprophytic fungi contribute to woodland decomposition.

This view of the False Turkey Tails gives both perspectives.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

Top view False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) growing in dense, layered clusters on the rough bark of a decaying tree. Their thin, wavy edges display alternating bands of brown, orange, and cream, standing out against the dark, weathered wood. Sunlight filters through the forest, casting highlights and shadows across the fungi. At the base of the tree, dried leaves and pine needles rest on the forest floor, adding to the scene of woodland decomposition. The fungi spread along the trunk, breaking down organic matter and playing a role in the forest ecosystem

Underside view of False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea) fungi growing in layered clusters along the bark of a decaying tree. The thin, leathery brackets curve outward, displaying smooth, pale undersides without visible pores. Their wavy, overlapping structure catches the light, highlighting subtle shades of orange and brown. The blurred background of tree trunks and sky contrasts with the sharply detailed fungi, emphasizing their role in forest decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Brown & Orange, and Gold?

Top view and underside view of False Turkey Tails. It's interesting how different they are depending on your perspective.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

Close-up photograph of Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) growing on a decaying log in a forest. The fungi display vibrant concentric bands of brown, orange, and cream, with a delicate, wavy structure. Dry leaves and pine needles are scattered around, emphasizing the natural woodland setting. The rough, cracked bark contrasts with the smooth texture of the fungi, highlighting the process of forest decay and decomposition. These mushrooms are a common sight in woodland ecosystems, playing a vital role in biodiversity and the breakdown of organic matter.

I know spring is springing, however, brown, orange and yellow still rule the day

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

Close-up of fungi growing on a moss-covered fallen tree in Martin Dies State Park, Texas. The wood decay fungi, possibly from the Trametes or Stereum genus, form layered, cream-colored clusters on the textured bark. Sunlight filters through the East Texas forest, casting highlights on the moss and lichen covering the log. In the background, a swampy hardwood wetland habitat with still water reflects the surrounding trees. This image showcases the biodiversity of fungi, mycology, and woodland ecosystems in Texas

New Day - Same Log and Mushrooms but better picture. I took about a hundred of this log😂

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark #TexasForestTrail

Close-up of Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail Fungus) growing on a moss-covered fallen tree over a forest pond. The fungi are arranged in clusters along the decaying bark, with textured ridges and earthy tones. Sunlight reflects off the water, creating a bokeh effect in the background. The log is partially covered in moss and lichen, highlighting the natural decomposition process a hard-wood wetland ecosystem.

I am not sure the fungi are clear enough on here but I really liked the water in the background.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Moss #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark #Trees

A close-up of a Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) with bright green fronds and dark sori (spore clusters), backlit by sunlight in a woodland habitat. The fern is attached to a moss-covered tree trunk, contrasting against the dark bark. Sunlight filters through the forest canopy, illuminating the delicate leaf structure. The background features softly blurred trees, branches, and natural foliage, creating a sense of depth in this forest ecosystem

What do Y'all think of Ferns and Moss?

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Moss #Fern #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark #MasMoss

A close-up of moss-covered wood with clusters of black-footed polypore fungi, (Polyporus badius) growing along the surface. The mushrooms have dark brown, fan-shaped caps with lighter, ruffled edges. The bright green moss contrasts with the rough, decaying bark. A few pine needles lay across the scene, adding to the forest floor setting. The background is softly blurred, showing more fallen branches, leaves, and undergrowth in a natural woodland environment

I really like the colors

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark #Moss #MasMoss

A close-up of a moss-covered tree root arching over a small hollow in the forest floor. The rough bark is partially covered in green moss, with twigs, pine needles, and decaying wood scattered around. Small mushrooms and orange sporophytes are growing among the moss, adding texture to the woodland scene. The background is slightly blurred, showing more trees, leaves, and undergrowth in a natural forest ecosystem.

I really love these moss covered tree root arches. They are like little portals to other worlds. So Cool

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Moss #MasMoss #Trees #Texas #EastTexas #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

Close-up of Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) growing in a crevice of a fallen tree. The fungi have wavy, layered edges, displaying earthy tones of tan, cream, and gray, blending with patches of vibrant moss. Sunlight filters through, casting highlights on the textured bark, while a dried leaf rests nearby, blending into the earthy tones of the decomposing wood.

Its a little too bright for me but still serene & calming

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

A fallen log covered in Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) and patches of pale green lichen and bright green moss, set against the backdrop of a still swamp. The delicate fungi have layered edges, and hues of tan, cream, and gray, forming intricate patterns along the textured bark. Forest filtered light highlights the rich textures.

Something for Everyone Here: Fungi, Lichen & Moss - The Trifecta.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Mushroom #Forest #Moss #Lichen #MartinDiesStatePark

A close-up of a tree stump covered in Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) and vibrant green moss, set against a forest floor layered with dried oak leaves and needles. The fan-shaped fungi have rings of brown, beige, and white, contrasting with the moss. Pine needles crisscross the scene, adding depth

Mushrooms & Moss - Everyone's Favorites

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Mushroom #Moss #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

A close-up of a tree branch covered in textured, orange fungus most likely Sternum Hirsutum (False Turkey Tail), with two distinct yellow jelly fungi Tremella Mesenterica (Witch's Butter) growing on its surface. On the left, a vibrant, translucent yellow Witch's Butter fungus with delicate, wavy lobes appears moist and fresh. On the right, the Witch's Butter is more compact and wrinkled, taking on a brain-like appearance due to dehydration. The rough, Sternum hirsutum fungus spread across the branch provides a stark contrast to the smooth, gelatinous texture of the yellow Witches’ Butter. The orange, crust-like growth covering the branch is likely a corticioid fungus, such as Stereum hirsutum (False Turkey Tail) or a similar resupinate species. This is important because Tremella mesenterica is a parasitic fungus that grows on Stereum species. This is why you often see them together.

Don't you just love parasites?

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Mushroom #MartinDiesStatePark

A close-up view of a decaying log covered in rich, textured soil, with delicate spiderwebs glistening as they catch droplets of water. The moisture reflects light, creating a shimmering effect among the intricate webbing. In the back of the photo there is a very small species of jelly fungus (possibly Tremella sp.) or a small gilled fungus from the Mycena or Marasmius genera. The mushroom is too small to tell for certain.

Peek A Boo

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Mushroom #MartinDiesStatePark #MacroMonday

Mushrooms, mushrooms everywhere,
But mossy greens are far too rare.
I search and stare, yet all I see—
Fungi where Moss should be!

MAS MOSS!

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #Moss #Forest #Trees

A close-up of a forest scene featuring vibrant green moss growing on a decaying tree stump. A curved, weathered root arches over the moss, creating a natural frame. The background is softly blurred with tones of brown and gold, in a woodland setting. The lighting is warm and natural, casting a gentle glow on the moss and textured wood.

Mushrooms, mushrooms everywhere,
But mossy greens are far too rare.
I search and stare, yet all I see—
Fungi where the moss should be!
So here’s some moss, for you to share

Its a Moss Waterfall !

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Moss #MartinDiesStatePark

A close-up of Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) fungi growing on a mossy log in a forest. They have fan-like layers with wavy edges and have shades of beige and light brown color.

Taken a few hours ago. Got wet and muddy once again. Loved it.

#Photography #Nature #Photography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #FungiFriends #Mushroom #MartinDiesStatePark

Pleurotus dryinus (Veiled Oyster Mushroom) growing in dense clusters on the trunk of a tree. The fungi a pale yellow in color and have thick, textured caps and gills that run down their stems. Smaller fungi are also visible spreading along the bark.

Thems some big mushrooms

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #Mycology #Fungi #FungiFriends #FungiFriday #Forest #MartinDiesStatePark

Close-up of ice-covered grass glistening in the sunlight, with droplets water falling from framed by a wooden post. A picnic table sits in the background under a metal shelter, slightly out of focus, with Steinhagen Reservoir in the background . Taken at Steinhagen Reservoir South East Texas

I thought this was pretty

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Ice #Nature #Outdoor #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark

Bracket fungi, likely Trametes versicolor - Turkey Tails - growing along the surface of a decayed log. A reddish orange fungi runs through the bark, adding contrast. Taken at Martin Dies State Park Texas

Ok so I have no Idea what the red fungus is interspersed between the Turkey Tails. In the light it was bright red. I wish I knew how to make it more life like and wider focus.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Forest #Mycology #Fungi #FungiFriends #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark

Stereum Ostrea - False Turkey Tail fungi layered in tiers along the trunk of a tree. The fungi have distinct concentric rings and rough-textured caps. There is a small branch and dry pine needles woven though. Taken at Martin Dies State Park, Texas

Underside of Stereum Ostrea - False Turkey Tail fungi layered in tiers along the trunk of a tree. Taken at Martin Dies State Park, Texas

Orange False Turkeys

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Forest #Mycology #Fungi #FungiFriends #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark

Brownish orange fungi (Phellinus Robiniae?) growing densely on a decayed tree trunk. The fungi form overlapping tiers highlighted by sunlight.

If we are going to have decay lets at least make it bright!

#Photography #Nature #NaturePhotography #Outdoor #Forest #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mycology

A lone autumn maple leaf, deep brown and weathered, rests on a charred log, framed by two cream Turkey Tail fungi.

The Leaf of Us

#Photography #Mycology #Mushroom #FungiFriends #Fungi #NaturePhotography #Outdoors #Nature #Texas #Forest #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark