This is Juan's way of getting attention, especially when it nears his dinner time.

This male gray catbird has returned to my yard as a harbinger of summer for the last three years. I know him by his bands, which I believe were placed on his legs by the USGS, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center not too far from where I live. Catbirds are my favorite summer residents: they're friendly, talkative, and inquisitive.

I am lucky to have a wonderful Higan cherry tree in my front yard that is healthy and an abundant bloomer. It's about 20 years old now and takes up most of the front yard. When I got the sapling, I brought it home in the front seat of my (then) Honda Accord! I hope it stays around for many more years.

....with one BIG cookie.

The day had been sweltering, and remained so even after 8pm when I took this photograph. I processed the raw file to add a feeling of oppressive heat and humidity.

Macro photograph of an ambush bug. Note the dagger-like proboscis this predator uses to suck the life out of its victims.

Informal HDR photograph of a living room.

Ken (and his mother, Mary) run Ken's Homemade Candies in Catonsville, Maryland (USA).

One of the many beautiful houses in Catonsville, Maryland taken an early spring morning.

One of the neighborhood cats, a big black male named Midnight, visits (from behind the glass door, Lupe, Juan, and Lola.

I had originally intended on adopting two, not three, cats, and those two were Juan and Lola. Second thoughts and the urging of a relative convinced me to take all three, and it was one of the best things I ever did. Lupe is the sweetest cat in the world, and a perfect counterpoint to her brother and sister.

For better or worst, wild violets grow everywhere in my gardens. Spring finds them in all their glory, with vibrant colored flowers and rich green foliage.

These three cats were orphaned when they were only a few days old. The Baltimore County Humane Society cared for them until I adopted in October 2010. Here they are looking out through a glass door at me.

Here's a photograph of a beautiful ipe (aka Brazilian Walnut) porch floor from a house in Catonsville (Maryland). This floor was originally installed over a decade ago and recent refinished. Ipe is a dense, oily wood - like teak - that shines in a rich reddish brown, with accents of greens, tans, and even some bluish hues. With proper care and maintenance, this floor will retain its rich beauty for a long time to come.

Every now and then you get this response when taking a photograph. Cute.

Impatiens apensis

Polites origenes

This beautiful Rose-breasted grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) has stopped by my feeder the past two years, or at least I believe it is the same individual. I like the painterly feeling that the bokeh produce in this image.