Pixel This - Wildlife Photography Rob Zabroky

I have no idea

2011-11-23T20:49:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

But the color contrasts are Pura Vida!

Gray Iguana

2011-11-23T20:47:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

High in the tree tops, a Gray Iguana finds warmth in the early morning sun after an evening of cool rain.

Costa Rican candid

2011-11-23T20:39:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

A young howler monkey candid

2011-11-23T20:37:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

On the forest floor

2011-11-23T20:35:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

One of many shades of color in the Costa Rican forest

Howlers Monkeys

2011-11-23T20:33:00.001-06:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Up high in a Guanacaste tree in the Costa Rican rain forest.

2011-02-12T09:30:00.001-06:00

, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Padre Island National Seashore Sunrise

2010-11-28T12:21:00.002-06:00

The Tropical skies of the Western Gulf of Mexico. One of the many dawn patrol mornings spent checking waves along Padre Island. This was one of those special sunrise mornings...only viewable by those who can get out of bed well before sunrise LOL!

South Texas Juice LOL!

2010-11-28T11:54:00.002-06:00

Cold air, warm water with clean little South Texas waves. Yup this is me riding one of dozens of these little clean waves. I started surfing back in Surfside Texas in 1972 and never gave it up. My friend David grabbed my camera and snapped a few shots of me during a rest. If it wasn't for David....I probably wouldn't have any recent surf photos LOL!

Endless Summer

2010-11-28T11:28:00.002-06:00

October......sunrise.....an early morning "dawn patrol" surf session. It's 44 degrees with a stiff North wind...the first coastal blast of the year. The water temp is 76 degress, warm below and cold up top.....a late fall surf scene in South Texas.

Low Tide

2010-11-26T20:00:00.002-06:00

That fine line between water and air.

Padre Island National Seashore - Texas

2010-11-26T19:58:00.002-06:00

Miles upon miles of coastal grasslands - Padre Island National Seashore Texas.

Early Winter

2010-11-26T19:56:00.002-06:00

An early winter scene near home.

Split G2 Dually

2010-10-11T23:04:00.002-05:00

I've watched this buck for 4 years now...he's simply getting better each year.

Doe with Fawn

2010-10-11T23:03:00.002-05:00

A late summer scene 2010.

A Wonderful Drop Tine

2010-10-11T23:02:00.002-05:00

Just a wonderful buck!

Padre Island National Seashore

2010-10-11T23:01:00.002-05:00

Gulf of Mexico - Mustang Island Texas

Bob Hall Pier - Hurricane Alex

2010-07-27T11:31:00.002-05:00

Using the pier as a reference......the Gulf of Mexico surf line churns large.

The Morning After

2010-07-27T11:27:00.002-05:00

The Padre Island National Seashore, south Texas, the morning after Hurricane Alex landfall in Mexico.

On The Prowl

2010-07-27T11:26:00.004-05:00

This young Little Blue Heron is wading hard for dinner.

Caspian Tern Madness

2010-07-27T11:26:00.003-05:00

Caspian Tern Madness, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Just another coastal scene - a gaggle of Caspian Terns doing nothing but resting and taking in the morning's sunshine.

Roseate Spoonbill with a Little Blue Heron

2010-07-27T11:23:00.002-05:00

A slightly pink Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja), Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) with a pair of gulls wade the shallows.

Da BoyZ

2010-07-01T19:33:00.001-05:00

Da BoyZ, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Bachelor bucks feeding together along an open field edge.

Old Boy in Velvet

2010-07-01T19:01:00.002-05:00

This old buck and I go back several years now. He's an old boy now, fat, swayed back with equal size....shoulders to rump.

The spring rains have come and gone with the long grass now showing signs of early drought.

Young Twins

2010-06-15T14:51:00.002-05:00

Watched a pair of whitetail fawns this evening.

Nature's Baby

2010-06-10T10:52:00.002-05:00

Just a wonderful animal.....a young whitetail fawn strolling in the sunlight.

Cool Drink

2010-06-10T10:49:00.002-05:00

Water dripping from her lips...this mature whitetail doe enjoys a late afternoon drink.

Fawn with Velvet Buck

2010-06-10T10:46:00.002-05:00

Vivid red summer coats...a young fawn and new velvet growth whitetail buck feed beneath the oak tree canopy.

Wild Gobbler

2010-05-25T13:41:00.002-05:00

This old boy simply gobbled at everything. I don't know what his deal was but gobbling and staring for ladies was his routine before moving on.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus)

2010-05-19T10:14:00.002-05:00

This young Blacktail jackrabbit blends into his surrounding very well. These rabbits are very fast with the largest reaching speeds of 40-45mph with leaps covering 19ft per bound. Life with the coyote.....survival.

Booming Sunset

2010-05-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

Nothing better than a booming thunderstorm at sunset!

Bachelor Group Jump Up

2010-05-14T10:35:00.002-05:00

Well the boys are now roaming in small groups, growing new bone and working hard at doing nothing. This group of bucks are resting in the shade with one raising up to stand.

Note the last remnants of this bucks winter coat near his neck. Shedding that winter coat is nearly complete.

Chicken Turtle (Deirochelys reticularia)

2010-05-13T15:58:00.002-05:00

Caught this Chicken Turtle working her way into a nice cool swim. Their name references the taste of their meat, which years ago, popular in Southern markets. This particular turtle is a female...I'm working from her size more than anything making this comment. Male Chicken Turtles are typically smaller and this old girl was very large and mature. They live roughly 20-25 years and my thought is she is well into old age now. Note the circular round dark marks along the yellow section of her shell...very intricate and unique.

Hollering in the Hills

2010-05-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

Spotted a pair of gobblers working along the Guadalupe River valley near home yesterday afternoon. This old boy belted out a healthy GOBBLE after I gave him a few quick hen clucks. I've spent so much time with wild turkeys....I don't need a turkey call to work them up LOL!

Still At It

2010-05-11T16:53:00.002-05:00

A wild turkey gobbler still thinks it's the spring time good time. Several hens are feeding slowy nearby and in tow, this young gobbler struts and drums.

Pregnant Whitetail Doe

2010-05-11T16:51:00.002-05:00

This mature whitetail doe is days away from giving birth to her fawn. Her winter coat is nearly gone, fur showing signs of new summer growth. Healthy and fit, she feeds on new spring growth for her and her offspring.

Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus)

2010-05-07T11:55:00.003-05:00

Cruising along a lonely rural backroad this morning I noticed a small blur zipping across the road. Closer investigation....well well...its a Texas Spiny lizard!

Native to Texas and Northern Mexico, Spiny lizards live off the ground preferring trees, fence posts or log piles. They have excellent climbing skills, utilizing their sharp hooked claws to dig into the tree's bark. Diet consists entirely of insects. The females lay eggs, males are territorial and they are fairly common here in the Texas Hill Country.

New Velvet!

2010-05-06T23:46:00.004-05:00

I've been out of touch with the whitetail lately....so today I ventured out to reconnect. I knew the old boys would more than likely have fresh velvet but I was unable to locate new baby fawns. Many of the does are extremely pregnant now and it's only a matter of days before many of them give birth to one of the cutest babies on earth.

I'm certainly looking forward to watching this seasons whitetail activities. Each year I learn something new about these animals...most of it centers around native habitat, diet and social interactions between the various family groups.

Drink Wild Turkey

2010-05-05T15:03:00.003-05:00

A pair of Rio Grande wild turkey gobblers find a cool natural spring fed drink.

Hill Top at Sunset

2010-05-05T14:56:00.002-05:00

Just a bit to the northwest of Hunt Texas.....a place to unwind with room to spare.

Black Eyed Susan - Fields of Yellow

2010-05-05T14:55:00.006-05:00

The last real blooming flower of the Texas Hill Country spring, the Black Eyed Susan. These flowers certainly give the Texas Bluebonnet a serious visual run for the money.

Probably one of the best Spring wildflower seasons I've ever experienced this year. A mild wet winter contributed to this year's awesome wildflower display.

Death Along a Flooded River

2010-05-05T14:55:00.005-05:00

Last night (April 15) the Upper reaches of the Guadalupe River flooded in a classic flash flood event. This scene is near Hunt Texas, a dead crawfish laying along the roadway. The river crested last night around 1 am, 13.5ft above normal. Last night's flood line was roughly 10ft over the dead crawfish's body. if you look closely at the river's other side, a pickup truck sits standed along the west bank, unable to cross till the water subsides. Last night's flash flood hit the distant trucks mark at flood peak.

Several miles to the North of this spot, near Hunt, 3 people were swept into the River as they attempted to cross low water crossings at night in their vehicles. Two women were rescued, one clinging to a tree for literally an hour before the White Water Rescue Team pulled her free. The other woman was swept off into the River in her car and somehow managed to swim to shore saving her life. The third person, a male, was swept off into the river in his vehicle....his body has yet been recovered.

The Texas Hill Country river system is very dangerous...most particularly after sunset when river crossing conditions are not easily read by motorists who think they can cross.

This region has experienced constant rain this year, ground saturation levels beyond spring time conditions. Last night's flash flood followed 3 days of non-stop rain with heavy Thunderstorms working the Upper reaches of the Guadalupe River Valley right around sundown.

Guadalupe River - Fall Color

2010-05-05T14:53:00.005-05:00

Shot this past fall.....the Guadalupe River at Schumacher Crossing Texas.

On The Prowl

2010-05-05T14:53:00.004-05:00

With excellent vision, this wild Rio Grande gobbler slowly scans for insects and seed. Turkeys eat various seed, berries, grass and insects..which includes ticks. The eye sight necessary to see ticks buried in the grass gives insight into how strong their vision really is.

Resting Pair

2010-05-05T14:52:00.002-05:00

Late evening roost over the Guadalupe River, a pair of turkey buzzards rest. The entire Guadalupe River valley is covered with black vultures and turkey buzzards right now. The recent flash flood killed a lot of animals along the river's path.....the vultures are roosting over the bodies. Below this scene, another dead animal lays along the banks of the river.

Forest Falls

2010-05-05T14:51:00.002-05:00

The Guadalupe River at Schumacher Crossing.

Strut Mr. Jake Strut!

2010-05-05T14:49:00.002-05:00

Here's a young gobbler....a Jake....strutting like mad. Off in the distance is one lone female hen. She's not interested...probably has a clutch of eggs nearby...her breeding season done. But Mr. Jake doesn't know this and considering he's a very young gobbler, well into his first year of Wild Turkey breeding.....he's not about to give it up just yet.

Young Jakes typically get no respect from their older Gobbler counterparts. Hot hens are typically courted by the dominant males....this guy is certainly not one of them. He's a big bird though....as most Rio Grande gobblers are.

Strutting Rio

2010-04-22T10:01:00.002-05:00

The wild turkey spring mating season continues! I think the Rio Grande turkey is the most colorful bird of North America's 4 species. They certainly are the largest turkeys...this old boy is probably around 25+ pounds.

Bluebonnets

2010-04-14T13:52:00.001-05:00

Bluebonnets, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

A field of Bluebonnets along the Texas Hill Country Escarpment (Edwards Plateau) near San Antonio.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

2010-04-14T13:50:00.002-05:00

White-winged dove.....deep in South Texas the white-wing fly by the thousands during that last hour of sunlight. Native to the American Southwest and Northern Mexico.

A Sea of Colors

2010-04-06T10:08:00.001-05:00

A Sea of Colors, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Along the coastal plains of South Texas....spring has sprung for miles and miles!

Ally

2010-03-26T09:33:00.002-05:00

Ally loves the South Padre Island dunes.

Photo captured 14 Mar 10

Floating the River

2010-03-26T09:32:00.002-05:00

Sunset this evening on the Guadalupe River. Celebrated St Patrick's day chasing green fish from the kayak.

Enjoying the beautiful early spring weather..... hawks and buzzards soaring thermals overhead, fish popping the river's surface, whitetail feeding along the river's banks.....the upper Guadalupe River valley.

Photo captured 17 Mar 10

Spring Wildflowers

2010-03-26T09:31:00.002-05:00

This year's spring colors are folding in with vibrant gusto!

I'm out of here!

2010-03-26T09:29:00.002-05:00

Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia) bracing together against a strong Northwest wind along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline - Padre Island National Seashore Texas.

Surfs Up!

2010-03-26T09:26:00.005-05:00

After a 2 day onshore blow, Saturday's mid-day cold front shaped the surf nicely along Padre Island National Seashore. Enjoyed a few hours of surf today...in spite of a cold brisk NW wind, the Gulf waters were nice and warm.

Photo captured 20 Mar 10

North American Raven (Corvus corax)

2010-03-26T09:26:00.004-05:00

Much larger than the American crow, the Raven is more angular with a hooked beak. The average wing span of the American crow averages 2.5ft where as the Raven averages 4ft and weighs nearly 4 times more.

Ravens are predators and are very adaptive, preferring sheep carrion, a livestock industry alive and well in the Texas Hill Country.

Chilly Guadalupe River Morning

2010-03-26T09:24:00.002-05:00

Forty degrees this morning.....the Guadalupe River steaming at sunrise.

Working the Fenceline

2010-03-09T21:50:00.002-06:00

I caught this old boy working the new spring sprouts along a fenceline. He was cautious, majestic and simply beautiful! From a quick whitetaiil review, from someone who spends hours afield watching these animals, he is about as healthy as a whitetail buck in post winter conditions can get! Note his extra weight, belt busting fat, near his loins. This old boy is literally carrying a small pouch of fat...telling me he has done well through our recent winter "open range" conditions.

Two thumbs up folks!!!!

The Right Strut

2010-03-08T22:35:00.002-06:00

Well today , the wild turkey kingdom finally kicked off! Caught a group of hens feeding in this freshly clear cut timber edge. I started panning around and sure enough, a pair of wild Rio Grande gobblers were strutting their stuff! This is what drives me..so many hours afield for moments like this. Who needs TV? :)

Turkey Vulture - Buzzard

2010-03-05T19:44:00.002-06:00

An overcast day.....I suppose running into this guy simply fits the mood of the day. Even Mr. Buzzard looks a little blue. Come on Spring!

Arizona Desert - Redoux

2010-03-04T00:02:00.003-06:00

Out deep in the Eastern Arizona desert. I rolled around some small sendero (small path) and caught the sunset.

Approaching Front - Seek Shelter

2010-02-23T22:58:00.002-06:00

Clear to the South and absolutely nasty to the North......time to GO!

Wintertime Flock

2010-02-23T21:43:00.002-06:00

Well I found the local fellas along their favorite stream. Today's weather was snow and cold blustery winds. Here they are, gathered together contemplating their next move....crossing the stream.

Gobbler Candid

2010-02-23T21:40:00.002-06:00

Finally on the other side of the stream. This wild turkey pair are slowly working over to their favorite nightly roost, high up in the upper branches of an old oak tree. It snowed today, much of it melted but the temps are still chillingly cold and damp.

A Natural Blonde

2010-02-22T13:27:00.002-06:00

A Natural Blonde, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

Dark eyes and blonde hair....hmmmmm? :)

Showers on the High Plains

2010-02-22T13:24:00.003-06:00

Fill-Er Up - Cluck!

2010-02-22T13:23:00.003-06:00

Nothing like hitting the gas station and dodging livestock. Just another scene from Texas near home.

Vanity

2010-02-22T13:21:00.002-06:00

Some girls simply think they are beyond the others.

Texas Snow

2010-02-22T13:20:00.002-06:00

Texas Snow, originally uploaded by Rob Zabroky.

It doesn't happen often down here....kinda glad too!

Feeling Good!

2010-02-16T22:02:00.002-06:00

A cool winter evening stroll...these wild Rio Grande Gobblers are slowly working toward their nightly roost. They roost near a spring fed stream, high in several old oak trees. These turkeys are now getting vocal, mating season is right around the corner, they feel spring's calling.

In Roughly One Month

2010-02-11T13:31:00.005-06:00

These wild Rio Grande gobblers will kick-off their yearly spring mating rituals. They will become vocal, dramatic, visible and extremely CRAZY in pursuit of their female hens. I will cover this year's wild turkey scene as well as I can.....it's always a joy to watch them!

I caught this group edging along a fenceline enroute to a spring fed stream. Once they realized I had them covered with my lens, they simply held here never attempting to fly across the stream. Darn the luck.....I had hoped to catch a few in-flight as they winged over. Tough shots to pull off...these old boys are cautious and have excellent hearing and vision. Maybe next time.

High Plains

2010-02-11T13:31:00.004-06:00

The high plains of New Mexico....miles and miles of prime grazing country!

Well Hello Young Fella!

2010-01-26T23:03:00.002-06:00

After an active fall - early winter rut, this young whitetail buck is healthy and fit. I mosied out into my favorite whitetail scene this evening, many does feeding throughout the open fields but the bucks simply didn't show. I finally picked this young buck up working into the field edge. He's cautious and keenly watched me at distance before moving on.

As it is during late winter, the scene is literally all brown, overcast skies didn't pop much color. Never the less, I always enjoy these encounters....many of them never even allowing me a shot with the lens. Ghosts...they simply drift in.

Elk at Sunset

2010-01-22T09:56:00.002-06:00

Mr. Majestic on his feed along a small lake edge.

Busted up Elk

2010-01-22T09:55:00.002-06:00

A young North American bull elk. At one time, they roamed the entire lower 48 States of the United States. Due to land fragmentation, hunting pressure during the 1700 - 1800s and cattle operation expansion, they have now been reduced to the western quadrant of the country. In spite of this.....they are thriving within their respective regions due to well managed Federal & State Wildlife Management programs.

The Guadualape River on Roar

2010-01-22T09:49:00.002-06:00

After a long day, the loud roar of the Guadalupe River simply soothes the soul.

During the Depression

2010-01-22T09:48:00.002-06:00

My Grandmother sewed with this old Singer sewing machine. Well over 80 years old now.

Killing Fields

2010-01-19T08:43:00.003-06:00

The sad result of oak wilt. Oak wilt is a fungal disease, originating in Eastern Russia, spreading to North America via human trade. The number one tree disease in North America. Infected trees block their cambial tissues (the vascular core) in a defensive measure to control further spread throughout it's tree system. The blocking move cuts off nutrients and water, eventually killing the tree from the top, working down through the trunk into it's root system.

Rapa Nui - Easter Island - The Texas Hill Country?!?!?!?

2010-01-19T08:41:00.002-06:00

The artist "Al Shepperd's" work near Hunt Texas USA. Just a touch of life out here near home.....far away from urbanization, chaos, politics, fast food....well you get where I'm coming from.

Y'all don't need a flight to some far off place to enjoy living.....just drop on in to the Lone Star State sometime and tool the backroads will Ya - SON! :)

The Brush Country

2010-01-11T23:26:00.002-06:00

Full of thorns, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and big whitetail....heaven! :)

Señor Javelina

2010-01-11T23:25:00.005-06:00

A javelina cruising through the brush - South Texas

South Texas Cardinal

2010-01-11T23:25:00.004-06:00

Vibrant colors in the brush country.

Green Jay

2010-01-11T23:24:00.002-06:00

In the South Texas, Northern Mexico region. Beautiful colored birds....I do believe they handily beat the BlueJay down in spades!

Jump Buck Jump!

2010-01-11T23:23:00.002-06:00

I caught this young buck leaping a fence in South Texas.

Endangered Species - Peyote Cactus

2010-01-11T23:22:00.003-06:00

I found a pile of peyote cactus growing wild in the brush country of South Texas. I photographed several specimens and found one that was un-earth and growing side-ways. Very resilient plants, from a completely uneducated observation, but to survive with a lot of it's root system exposed....tough plants.

Classified an endangered species here in Texas, left them undisturbed as found.

South Texas Sunset

2010-01-11T23:19:00.002-06:00

Photographed near the Texas/Mexico border deep in the South Texas brush country.

The Morning Paper

2010-01-06T21:23:00.002-06:00

Same routine - new medium.....as the clock ticks forward.

Home From Work

2010-01-06T21:22:00.005-06:00

The Southwestern skies over the Texas Hill Country near my home.......solitude, peace and reflection, I hate urbanization.

Good Morning!

2010-01-06T21:22:00.004-06:00

24 degrees.....just a beautiful cool Texas Hill Country morning!

Him & Her on a wintery Hill Country mesa

2010-01-06T21:20:00.002-06:00

Wintertime Whitetail

2010-01-06T21:19:00.002-06:00

This young buck is an offspring of an old majestic buck I've named High Hat. High Hat was no where to be seen but his son's ghosted out of the mountain junipers paralleling their fathers habit.

Feliz Navidad from San Antonio's Riverwalk

2009-12-07T20:05:00.005-06:00

Beth

2009-12-07T20:04:00.002-06:00

Loves her chicken!

Fish On!

2009-12-07T20:02:00.003-06:00

Padre Island National Seashore....one of the many surf fishing safaris.

All Ok Left

2009-12-02T15:00:00.007-06:00

All Ok Right

2009-12-02T15:00:00.006-06:00

Got Wet Hen?

2009-12-02T14:59:00.003-06:00

A cold rainy Hill Country afternoon, the ladies opt to linger under the cedar canopy out of the rain.

Mature Texas Whitetail at Sunset

2009-11-10T21:53:00.002-06:00

His girlfriend is peeking in the top left corner. I was simply blown away during this encounter. I didn't expect to have him ghost out so close to my scene. I've spent literally 3 straight weeks trying to get this close. Tonight I finally got caught him red handed LOL! Whitetail simply drive me crazy..it's a game of chess trying to narrow the distance....even with a telephoto....it's a challenge! FINALLY OLD BOY!!!!

The Whitetail Courtship

2009-11-10T08:50:00.007-06:00