We have had a share of rattlesnakes show up around El Maso. Some of them were quite intimidating like this one on the wall. Find out more on the famous South Texas native and remember to watch your step.

Spring is here so take a look at the wonderful birds that turn out in South Texas. I can’t wait to head down there with my new camera. Enjoy.

Mike Leggett, Commentary

Mike Leggett/AMERICAN-STATESMAN

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Whooping it up: A pair of whooping cranes keeps watch on a shoreline at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge north of Rockport. The cranes winter in Texas, where they feed mostly on baby blue crabs..MORE

Sunsets, Deer & Dancing

Spanish Dagger has been in bloom for about 3 weeks in extreme south Texas.  The “pitas”  or yucca blooms come on so early that the season often slips by before I realize it.  This year, I was determined to photograph them and maybe even try a little light painting just after sunset.  Of couse, when I’m not used to doing something,  weaknesses in skill and equipment are glaring.  I needed much stronger lights to get it just right, but I liked a few of the shots.MORE

Spring is Coming

This has been one of the coldest, wettest winters I can remember over the past 21 years.  Spring will be  especially welcomed.  Surely, wildflowers will abound and wild birds will be headed our way.  We are already seeing yuccas in bloom throughout this part of the state in spite of the cold.  I hope to spend a good part of April on South Padre Island to capture as many photos as possible of the many species of songbirds returning from Mexico and Central America.  At the same time, the shorebirds and wading birds will be doing there thing along the Laguna Madre and Gulf shores.  I hope you can join Joe Zinn and me for a few days of shooting.  We set aside April 20-22 for a photography workshop and instructional photo tour.  That week is almost always the peak of the songbird migration and it’s gonna be fun.MORE