A sharp macro photograph taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve. A single, vibrant crimson leaf with dark, weathered splotches is cradled horizontally between several thin, vertical green stalks of river cane. The leaf’s deep red hue provides a stark, dramatic contrast against the soft, out-of-focus green foliage of the forest background. The delicate way the leaf is suspended in the undergrowth, captures a quiet, singular moment on the forest floor.

“A child said What is the grass? fetching it to me with full hands;
How could I answer the child? I do not know what it is any more than he.
I guess it must be the flag of my disposition, out of hopeful green stuff woven.”
— Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

#BigThicket #NaturePhotography #Photography

A wide-angle macro photograph showing a row of fan-shaped bracket fungi, likely False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea), growing along a mossy fallen log. The mushrooms feature detailed concentric rings of tan, ochre, and cream. Captured in the Big Thicket National Preserve, with a soft-focus green forest background.

#Sunday sun worshipping fungi.

#Fungi #FungiFriends #Mycology #NaturePhotography #BigThicket #TexasNature #Texas #EastTexas #Mushrooms #Photography

Standing tall at 6'6" with Hardin County roots. My kin didn't raise me to take kindly to bullies!be they gov or corporate Apathy is the enemy; empathy is for all. I’m doing the right thing and existing loudly, no matter who tries to malign it 🦆🦁🌻
#TransRights #USNVeteran #Texas #BigThicket #Equality

A high-contrast black and white photograph taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Several clusters of bald cypress trees with delicate, bare branches stand in perfectly still water, creating near-flawless vertical reflections. The background is a dense, ethereal white mist that isolates the trees and the small silhouettes of birds perched in the upper canopy.

Bald Cypress in the morning mists at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Behold the quiet, ancient, and primal energy of the Big Thicket.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #BigThicket #MartinDiesJrStatePark #Texas #EastTexas #Scape #ForestFriday #EastCoastKin #ClassicMono #Monochrome #Nature #Forest #Foggy

A detailed macro photograph taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve. An upright mushroom with a pale, dome-shaped cap features natural dark markings that uncannily resemble a "sad face" or a theatrical mask. A second, dark-red, withered mushroom sits in the foreground among twigs and leaf litter on the forest floor.

Found this deep in the Big Thicket. Humm.. Looks suspicious and creepy to me. Fungi crime scene?

#Fungi #FungiFriends #Photography #NaturePhotography #BigThicket #Pareidolia #FungiSky #NatureSky #Texas #EastTexas

A macro profile view of a single Yellow Trout Lily in the Big Thicket National Preserve. The sunlight captures the translucency of the vibrant yellow petals and the reddish-brown vertical stripes on their underside. The flower's long green stem and yellow-tipped anthers are in sharp focus against a soft, blurred background of fallen forest debris. Found in Martin Dies Jr. State Park / Big Thicket National Preserve.

A close-up, low-angle shot of three Yellow Trout Lilies blooming among fallen brown leaves in the Big Thicket National Preserve. The bright yellow petals curve elegantly backward, revealing delicate orange-yellow stamens. The foreground shows the distinctive green leaves with mottled, trout-like brown spots. In the background, a pinecone sits among the leaf litter, grounding the scene in a diverse forest floor. Found in Martin Dies Jr. State Park / Big Thicket National Preserve.

Stumbled upon an ancient colony of Yellow Trout Lilies - Erythronium Americanum. There were hundreds packed into a tiny 100 sq. ft. area. Due to their very slow spread, this patch may be older than me

#BigThicket #SpringEphemerals #TexasWildflowers #Texas #EastTexas #NaturePhotography #Photography

A detailed macro photograph taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve featuring a small, fuzzy, vibrant pink flower bud on a slender woody stem. Fine, glistening spiderwebs are delicately draped over the bud and a small, translucent, amber-colored dried leaf. The background is a soft, out-of-focus mottled green.

Nature’s fine details. Found this vibrant little bud wrapped in silk and a bit of history. Behold the beautiful natural textures of the Big Thicket. 🌸🕸️

#BigThicket #MacroPhotography #Nature #TexasNature #Spring #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesJrStatePark

Location: Big Thicket National Preserve / Martin Dies, Jr. State Park A high-detail macro photograph of a bumblebee heavily dusted in bright yellow pollen. The bee is perched on a vibrant purple and white thistle, its fuzzy black body and delicate wing textures in sharp focus. The surrounding thistle spikes frame the bee against a soft, creamy green background, highlighting the industrious nature of local pollinators in the Big Thicket.

This bumblebee 🐝 was so intent on the thistle that it didn't mind me getting close for a portrait. Look at the amount of pollen. A very busy bee.

#BigThicket #MacroPhotography #NaturePhotography #Bumblebee #TexasNature #Pollinators #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesJrStatePark

A detailed macro photograph of bright orange Teloschistes lichen (Golden Hair Lichen) growing on a weathered, light-colored tree branch. The lichen features a complex, tangled structure of thin orange filaments topped with numerous small, flat, orange disc-shaped fruiting bodies. The branch is covered in pale crustose lichen with tiny reddish-brown dots. The background is a soft, out-of-focus green foliage. This specimen was photographed near the Dogwood Trail in the Big Thicket National Preserve, close to Martin Dies Jr. State Park.

Golden Crown of the Big Thicket:

Found this beautiful Golden Hair Lichen exploring the Dogwood Trail. I love the colors and structure. I think it’s very beautiful. 🍄🌿

#Mycology #Lichen #NaturePhotography #BigThicket #TexasNature #Macro #FungiFriends #MacroPhotography #Texas #EastTexas

A quiet wooden footbridge leads forward through a winter forest, framed by tall trees draped with Spanish moss. Soft afternoon light falls across the weathered planks, drawing the eye toward the shaded path beyond. Bare branches and patches of evergreen foliage create layered textures, with subtle hints of rust-colored leaves lingering in the understory. Location: Martin Dies Junior State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve, East Texas.

Just a cool little bridge leading into the forest. It’s kind of busy, but I liked it and I’m trying to get better at taking pictures of things other than mushrooms😀

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Forest #Nature #Bridges #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Scape #LandscapePhotography

A black-and-white photograph of a quiet forest floor with a fallen, hollow log stretching diagonally from the foreground into the scene, guiding the eye toward a cluster of cypress knees rising from the damp soil. Tall tree trunks frame the image, their textured bark and exposed roots creating layers of depth, while tangled branches and soft light recede into the background, giving the scene a calm, grounded, and slightly timeless atmosphere. Location: Martin Dies, Jr., State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve.

Since it’s Monday, I decided I would do some monochrome. This photo is very busy so black-and-white seemed a perfect fit.

#BlackAndWhite #Nature #Forest #Swamp #BWNature #BlackAndWhitePhotography #Monochrome #BlackAndWhiteNature #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket

A close-up view of small golden-yellow mushrooms growing in clusters along the rough, gray bark of a fallen log. The mushrooms have soft, folded, trumpet-like shapes and emerge at different angles, creating a repeating pattern across the wood. Patches of green moss cling to the bark, and the background fades gently into a soft forest blur. Photographed at Martin Dies Jr. State Park within the Big Thicket National Preserve in East Texas.

I don’t know how people have time for everything. It’s hard enough just to take pictures right? but the editing, my goodness. This picture could be better but I just don’t have the time; so here it is.

#MacroMonday #Photography #NaturePhotography #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Fungi

A close-up photograph of a slender tree trunk in a forest, its pale gray and white bark streaked with a vertical band of warm rust-orange lichen or staining. Dark, irregular fungal patches cling to the bark like ink blots, while soft green moss gathers at the edges. The background fades into a softly blurred woodland of muted greens and browns, emphasizing texture, age, and quiet natural decay. Location: Martin Dies Jr. State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve.

While walking through the forest the other day, these beautiful colors caught my eye.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #ForestFriday #BigThicket #Texas #EastTexas #Forest #Nature #TexasNature

A slender branch with a few vivid red leaves clings to life beside a quiet, reflective forest pool. Soft gray water and blurred autumn leaves fill the background, while moss-covered trunks rise vertically around the scene. The contrast between the muted forest tones and the bright red leaves suggests resilience and stillness in a winter landscape. Photographed at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas.

Holding on into the new year.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Forest #ForestPhotography #Trees #Woodland #NatureLovers #QuietMoments #BigThicket #TexasNature #Texas #EastTexas #NewYear

Close-up macro photograph of small orange mushrooms growing from a dark, decaying log covered in bright green moss. The mushrooms vary in height, with thin stems and softly rounded caps, some showing detailed gills underneath. The shallow depth of field creates a layered, miniature forest effect. Photographed at Martin Dies, Jr., State Park in the Big Thicket National Preserve, Texas.

A miniature mushroom forest rising from moss and decay of the lager forest floor— easy to miss, impossible to forget.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #MacroMonday #Mycology #BigThicket #Mushrooms #ForestFloor #Fungi #Moss #FungiFriends

Close-up photograph of layered fungi growing from a rough tree trunk. The fungi have pale cream surfaces with soft pink edges and form stacked, curved shapes. Darker recessed layers beneath create a sense of depth, while the lighting is muted and diffused, reducing sharp contrast and making the scene feel softened and distant, as if viewed through a filtering medium. Location: Martin Dies State Park, Big Thicket, National Preserve. East Texas.

Sometimes the forest gives you Atlantis instead of mushrooms. Nature is the ultimate shapeshifter—you just have to look close enough to see the ocean through the trees. Have I found Atlantis in East Texas? 😂

#Photography #NaturePhotography #AbstractNature #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Nature

A low, ground-level view of pale tan shelf mushrooms growing in a curved line along a moss-covered fallen log. Small fern-like green plants emerge between the fungi, and darker soil and bark are visible beneath the moss. Soft, filtered sunlight highlights the mushroom caps while the background fades into blurred forest leaves and branches. Location: Big Thicket National Preserve, Martin Dies Jr. State Park.

One more for #ForestFriday
I like this, a miniature forest within the forest — a microcosm within the larger macro-ecosystem of the Big Thicket National Preserve. Awesome

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Forest #Moss #Mosstodon #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Fungi #FungiFriday #FungiFriends

Cluster of pale beige mushrooms growing in overlapping, fan-shaped layers from the base of a rough tree trunk. The delicate gills are visible beneath each cap, stacked one above another, surrounded by fallen leaves and forest debris. Soft, diffused forest light creates a calm, muted atmosphere. Location: Big Thicket National Preserve , East Texas.”

A little something for #ForestFriday. This picture, like most of my pictures, was taken in the Big Thicket National Preserve one of the most biodiverse places on earth.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Mushrooms #Fungi

A vertical, close-up nature shot looking up at tree branches against a bright, clear blue sky. A massive, thick curtain of silvery-grey Spanish moss dominates the right side of the frame, hanging down in tangled, stringy textures like natural tinsel. On the left, branches of a holly-like tree are visible, featuring small, vibrant green leaves and clusters of bright red berries that contrast sharply with the pale moss and blue sky. The lighting is sunny and crisp.

Mother nature has her holiday decorations up. Her sublime taste is on full display with that beautiful tinsel and those vibrant red ornaments.

#TextureTuesday #Photography #NaturePhotography #Festive #BloomScrolling #SpanishMoss #HolidayVibes #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket

A close-up photograph of a small, pale cream-colored mushroom growing from a narrow crack in a tree trunk. The mushroom has a smooth, rounded cap and delicate white gills that fan downward into the crevice. The surrounding bark is dark, rough, and deeply textured, contrasting with the soft mushroom. The background fades into a softly blurred mix of green and muted forest tones, creating a calm, quiet woodland atmosphere.

Quiet Persistence

A subtle way to start your Monday - Survival without spectacle.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Fungi #FungiFriends #Mushrooms #Forest #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket

A close, low-angle photograph of small tan and orange mushrooms growing from the side of a decaying log. The largest mushroom shows detailed gills glowing softly in filtered forest light, while smaller mushrooms and green moss surround it in the damp wood.

Last one for Forest Friday. More Moss!

#Photography #NaturePhotography #FungiFriday #Fungi #FungiFriends #ForestFriday #Texture #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Mosstodon

Mossy moss that goes unnoticed most of the time.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #ForestFriday #Moss #Forest #Nature #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Mosstodon

A close, low-angle photograph of a pale yellow shelf mushroom growing from the side of a dark, fallen tree trunk. The camera is positioned underneath the mushroom, showing the underside covered in thousands of tiny, evenly spaced pores that form a fine, sponge-like texture. The mushroom curves outward like a shallow fan, with a thin, slightly darker rim along its edge. The tree bark beneath it is rough and cracked, with patches of moss. In the background, the forest is out of focus, filled with soft circles of green, gold, and blue light created by sunlight filtering through leaves.

I think this scene is beautiful. Layered textures, zigzag patterns, and subtle color shifts mesmerize me. It calms me—hopefully you feel it too. Mother Nature’s emotional balm.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #ForestFriday #Fungi #FungiFriends #FungiFriday #Texture #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket

A tall cypress tree stands in a quiet East Texas swamp, its bare winter branches draped with long strands of pale green Spanish moss that hang like soft fabric. Surrounding it are more leafless cypress trees fading into the background, their moss catching the muted winter light. The ground is a shallow mix of standing water and brown-green marsh grass, creating a calm reflection of the central tree. The sky above is overcast, giving the whole scene a subdued, peaceful winter atmosphere.

The cypress trees are wearing their Spanish moss winter outfits. May seem kind of bland for those who live down here, however, it might be interesting for those stuck in the snow

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Scape #Nature #Forest #Swamp

Close-up vertical photo of two tree trunks standing tightly together with a deep, dark hollow running between them. Both trunks are covered in stacked shelf fungi—thin, wavy layers in browns, grays, and soft cream colors that ripple across the bark. Near the lower center of the image, a small cluster of bright golden-yellow mushrooms grows from the edge of the hollow, standing out as the most vivid detail. The bark around them is rough and textured, contrasting with the smooth caps of the yellow mushrooms. In the upper background, blurred green leaves add a soft frame, but the focus remains on the detailed fungi, the rough bark, and the shadowed vertical split between the trunks. The mood of the scene is quiet, earthy, and contemplative.

One last visit with my own giving tree. With each photo I tried to show it's unique presence. This is the last photo I’ll share from it for a while, the one I’m proudest of. I love the lines

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #TextureTuesday #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #Fungi #FungiFriends

Vertical photograph of two adjoining tree trunks in a Southeast Texas forest. The left trunk is covered in hundreds of small, thin brown bracket fungi, stacked tightly in overlapping layers that form a long vertical line up the bark. Their colors range from warm tan to deeper caramel and their edges curve gently outward. Near the bottom of the frame, a different species appears: several large, pale peach-colored mushrooms with broad, silky caps and soft ripples along the edges. Their smooth surfaces contrast with the rough bark and the dense cluster of brown shelves above them. The right trunk is bare and darker, creating a strong contrast that highlights the texture and color of the fungi.

Same tree, same mushrooms, different angle. The tree that keeps on giving (thank you tree). I have a couple more coming soon.

#photography #naturephotography #nature #forest #fungi #fungifriends #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #mycology

Wide photograph of a tree trunk in soft daylight, covered with clusters of warm brown bracket fungi. The fungi range from pale tan at the thin edges to deeper caramel brown toward the centers, forming layered semicircles stacked up the trunk like shingles. The bark is dark gray and rough, mottled with patches of pale green lichen. Wisps of silvery-gray Spanish moss hang on the left side, adding fine, wiry texture. On the right edge of the frame, blurred green leaves create a soft, bright contrast against the earthy browns of the mushrooms and bark.

Cool little bunch of False Turkey Tails with some Spanish moss for flair. Hopefully the exposure isn't too dark for BlueSky (happens to me a lot)

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Nature #Forest #Fungi #FungiFriends #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #TexasNature #Mycology #Mushrooms

A close-up photograph of a large golden-orange shelf mushroom growing high on the side of a tree in the Big Thicket. The mushroom’s broad cap curves outward, revealing layered gills with deep, warm color. Smaller brown bracket fungi scatter across the bark in the background, adding texture without overwhelming the main subject. A thin green vine climbs downward beside the mushroom, giving a vertical contrast to the horizontal folds of the fungus. The bark is gray and rough, creating a strong textural backdrop to the soft, rippled shapes of the mushroom.

"Moving on up to that deluxe apartment in the sky"

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Fungi #Mushrooms #FungiFriends #BigThicket #EastTexas #Texas #ForestPhotography #MacroNature #Nature #Forest

A close-up vertical photo of a tree trunk covered in bright green moss with many small, pale cream-colored bracket fungi growing outward in thin, shelf-like layers. The fungi are arranged in uneven rows up the trunk, each one about the size of a fingertip. The moss is dense and vibrant, filling the spaces between the brackets. The lighting is soft and even, highlighting the textures of both the moss and the fungi while the background fades into a gentle blur.

Further down the forest path from my friends place, I see a brand new development: little white houses with perfectly manicured green moss lawns. Not so sure about this forest gentrification😂

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Fungi #FungiFriday #Mosstodon #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #ForestFriday

Three rust-colored mushrooms growing from a decaying log in a damp forest setting. The largest mushroom sits in the foreground with a wide, rippled cap and visible gills underneath. Behind it, a medium mushroom leans forward, partially shaded by the larger one. A smaller third mushroom stands slightly farther back, its cap just peeking into view. All three have thick, textured stems emerging from the wood. The backdrop is a dark, almost charcoal-black log with scattered green moss and soft bokeh, giving depth and a cool contrast to the warm tones of the mushrooms. The scene feels intimate and close to the forest floor, highlighting the small, hidden details of the woodland environment.

Visited some old friends in the forest today. They’ve grown a bit since last time and showed up in new outfits. Good-looking bunch, and always a joy to photograph.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Fungi #FungiFriends #FungiFriday #Texas #EastTexas #BigThicket #ForestFriday #MacroPhotography