I’m still browsing through my archives and I have come up with one that is really a self-portrait. I remembered this image when reading Katies Camera Blog. She had an amazing dog portrait there. This is of me many years ago with Spike, my best friend. Now deceased. Picture quality not great, but it doesn’t take away the special sense of love I had for him.
"A man and his dog"
And speaking of portraits, check out Photos by Holly. Her latest post shows that she is really an excellent portrait photographer. I have been following and admiring her photographic exploits since she first got started, not too long ago.
Lynda, over at her Life-on-the-Farmlet blog commented that she liked that I was pulling my flying hawk images from my archives. Well, here’s another one for you.
Red-tailed Hawk in flight
I love photographing hawks of all types, and when I can catch one in flight, I am the most happiest.
This photo below was taken several months ago at Spring Creek Park near Lake Nasworthy. While driving through, Ann and I spotted this young Great Horned Owl in a tree. I had published one image of the owlet back then, but I found this one that I think is a bit sharper.
Young Great Horned Owl
In yesterday’s post I talked about Luckenbach, Texas. My good friend Ross McSwain corrected me on one point. It was really Waylon Jennings, who wrote and sang it, that made the song famous, and by association, the village(?) of Luckenbach. Of course, Willie Nelson, also helped in the cause as it is one of his favorite songs.
For those who have never been to Luckenbach, it is a tiny place to be sure. It has the post office/trading post, a dance hall, and a couple of houses, and that’s about it. It is located about 12 miles southeast of Fredricksburg, Texas.
Ross McSwain, by the way, is a local author, columnist, and a historian, in my view His Out Yonder columns for the San Angelo Standard-Times are full of stories and facts about west Texas. I am proud that he chose my photography for the cover of his book, See No Evil, Speak No Evil.
I hope you enjoyed this post and the pictures. Click on any of them to see enlargements.
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
What a sweet photo of you and Spike – the detail that really caught my eye when I looked at the larger format was his adorable back paws 🙂 Makes me think of my cat that I cherished growing up; she was my “best friend” and never left my side when I was at home. My parents used to say she would be heartbroken when I went to college … and maybe she was because she died just before I started my freshman year. Those bonds with our 4-legged family members are so special!
Thank you for that, Shelly. I think I get along with animals better than I do with most humans (present blogger company not includedd). I guess that I am so passionate about animals and wildlife.
I did enjoy this post! The photo of you and your dog is adorable! You never forget a great friend. I have a similar picture of Teddy and me, from when Teddy was a puppy. And how I would LOVE to get a photo of an owl; it seems so very elusive due to their nocturnal nature. I do occasionally hear them around here in the night.
Spike was a real cutie. A Llaso Apso.
I, surprisingly, photographed my first owl in the daytime. Now that I know what to look for, it seems easier to pick them out of the trees. I have photographed dozens since that first one.
Thanks for the comment, Karen. 🙂
Bob, when I look at old pictures of myself, it is like I am looking at a stranger. I have changed so much over the years. I feel like I have lived in several different bodies. We sure go thru changes.
I hear what you are saying, Dave. I couldn’t agree with you more. 🙂
Thanks for the shout out, Bob! I love the photo of you and Spike. Such a natural moment, just full of love, and both of you look so happy. Nothing better than photos like that. 🙂 And I jumped in my seat with the photo of the Great Horned Owl! I love them, and have been known to get up in the middle of the night just to follow them around town when I hear their lonely call. 🙂 Thanks so much for everything, Bob. You do great work.
Thank you ever so much, Katie. I appreciate everything you said. 🙂
Thanks Bob! The hawk photo is beautiful, and your little dog was darling! I love that his little black paw was perfectly outlined by his fur. Just precious. ~ Lynda
You’re welcome, Lynda. I thought you’d like it. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
amazing hawk shot…..
Thanks a lot, A.M.
Thanks for the “shout-out”, Bob, I appreciate it!! 🙂 Your hawk image is spectacular – I could only hope to catch something in motion and have it come out as sharp as that! Someday…. practice, practice, practice, right?? 🙂
Hey, my pleasure, Holly. I like to give credit where credit is due:-)
About the hawk photo, I’m sure you could do it too. 🙂 Thanks.
Bob, great images I have come to expect from you. The hawk in flight is an amazing image! 🙂
Thanks so much, Sheila. I must get back to posting more bird images than I have in the past few weeks. I appreciate you reading my blog. 🙂
Bob, I love your hawk photos, too. (I love all of your photos, actually!) Thanks for reading my blog. Cheers, Denise
Hi Denise
Thanks for the great comment. I have subscribed to your blog and read it for info on future trips to your city. Very informative. 🙂
Great photos..dogs are special people..bird photos are wonderful..
Thanks you very much, Syl. As always, your comments are appreciated. 🙂
Great shots, Bob! And I know what you mean about a man and his dog. A very special bond that can’t be broken even in death. A great memory, thanks for sharing it. 🙂
Thank you very much, Ted, for all of those kind words. 🙂
Bob..you are The Man! Way to go!
Thanks a bunch, Toby. 🙂
Thanks, H.J.
Happy Columbus Day Bob!