Tim Stanley Photography

Trinity Episcopal Church

May 24, 2013 Leave a Comment

Driving around town at night with a few friends can be a lot of fun, especially with cameras and tripods. After a recent zoo shoot, we ventured towards downtown Houston on Main Street and came across the Trinity Episcopal Church. This old church has a more European look than most churches in our area.

I normally like to remove power wires from the sky, but the lines in front of this church are from the Houston Metrorail that runs down Main Street.

Filed under Church, Houston

A Texas Size Rat

May 23, 2013 Leave a Comment

They say everything is bigger in Texas. And after seeing this rodent, I’m likely to believe it. Although this “Nutria” or “Coypu” is a probably closer to a beaver or otter in habits, it sure looks like a big rat.

Nutria are large, web-footed rodents that are more agile in the water than on land. They live in burrows, or nests, never far from the water. Nutria may inhabit a riverbank or lakeshore, or dwell in the midst of wetlands. They are strong swimmers and can remain submerged for as long as five minutes.

Nutria (also called coypu) are varied eaters, most fond of aquatic plants and roots. They also feast on small creatures such as snails or mussels.

Nutria can be rather social animals and sometimes live in large colonies, reproducing prolifically.

This nutria was one of many in McGovern Lake in Hermann Park in Houston. They would swim along the ducks, who weren’t bothered by them at all. Even the large coy fish in the lake didn’t make a fuss when swam by overhead.

Filed under Animals, Houston, Nature

Life Flight

May 22, 2013 Leave a Comment

Strictly from a photography standpoint, today’s photo isn’t any prize winner. However, sometimes you just want to post a photo of things you are thankful for. I’m thankful that Houston has one of the world’s best emergency first responders, including the Life Flight air medical transport. It’s one of those services you are happy to support, but pray you never have to use it.

This is a common scene from Hermann Park, looking south back towards the Houston Medical Center.

You can find the info below and more at http://trauma.memorialhermann.org/life-flight/

Memorial Hermann Life Flight is a CAMTS accredited, critical care, air medical transport service based in Houston, Texas. We serve the community within a 150-mile radius of the Texas Medical Center with helicopters and worldwide using fixed-wing transport.

We are the only hospital-based air ambulance serving Houston and surrounding communities. Founded in 1976 by James “Red” Duke, M.D., who still is medical director, the service operates around the clock – weather permitting – 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. Since its inaugural flight, Memorial Hermann Life Flight has flown more than 120,000 missions. Learn about the program’s history.

Filed under Aviation, Houston

The Tree Tunnel to the Bridge

May 21, 2013 Leave a Comment

Wandering through the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden in Nacogdoches, you come across a tree lined path that leads to a wooden bridge over a waterway. The path returns back to the college campus, away from the quiet solitude of the gardens. These gardens are a great place to stroll and think, especially early in the morning when few are around.

Filed under Nature, Texas

What Are You Looking At?

May 20, 2013 1 Comment

Like many people who visit the zoo, I enjoy watching the big cats. The lions, leopards, and cheetahs are some of my favorites. Most times I visit, they are sleeping out of sight somewhere, but occasionally, you get a glimpse or two.

This cheetah at the Houston Zoo looked up from a nap as if to imply that I might want to move on and go gaze at someone else.

Filed under Animals, Nature

An Orange Flower

May 17, 2013 1 Comment

Several days ago I posted a blue flower from the Houston Zoo. Continuing on this mystery-flower-theme is entry number two. There were many of these orange flowers blooming, so I’m guessing it must be a spring or early summer blooming flower. (I figured that out all on my own).

Most times, I just walk around and enjoy the color and varieties, not caring much about their names. At least, not until I have to sit down and write something about them. Help a guy out and leave a comment if you know the name or anything else about this pretty flower.

Filed under Nature

Up, Up and Away

May 16, 2013 Leave a Comment

Most people never have a chance to ride in a large balloon, but if you ever visit Downtown Disney, they have large balloon that can take you up to 400 feet for a great view of the area.

The Characters in Flight ride takes about ten minutes, but will offer thrills that will last far beyond that day. This iPhone image was taken just as it was returning to its berth on a dock adjacent to the complex.

Filed under Aviation, Florida, iPhone

Bath Time

May 15, 2013 Leave a Comment

Looking your best is important, especially if you have company visiting you all day. Take these two leopards at the Houston Zoo for instance. People come and go all day long and they want to put on a good show.

For most of my zoo trips this year, these guys have been hiding somewhere and I was starting to believe they didn’t exist. But last week they were out, front and center; at least for a little while. It was fun watching one groom the other until he went back up on the rocks, out of sight.

Filed under Animals, Houston

A Blue Flower

May 14, 2013 1 Comment

A botanist I’m not. I can tell a flower from a tree, but don’t ask me what type of flower it is. I can recognize the majors; roses, daisies, sunflowers, tulips and such. But if it’s something unusual, I’m speechless.

Walking through the Houston Zoo, there were several flowers that screamed, “Hey, over here! Forget the mean looking lion and come check me out.” It’s hard to ignore such a pretty flower like this, so I accepted its invitation to admire its beauty and take a quick shot. Feel free to comment if anyone knows what kind it is.

Filed under Nature

I Wondered What Happened Next?

May 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

Sometimes you see a photo and you wonder what happens next. This scene recently played out in front of us at the Houston Zoo.

Here you have a common tree squirrel. He has found his nut and is reveling in the moment, when he looks up and spots a cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal. Both stood there for a few moments, not sure what to do next, but to those of us that were watching, it seemed like hours. Then one of them jumps…

One scenario is that the little guy makes it to the tree and snickers at the big cat. The other scenario is that the survival of the fittest- circle of life thing takes place. You get the idea. Either way, I’m not saying. I’ll let you finish the end of this little story.