STUFF: assorted people / bugs / pets / animals / nature scenes / things / what nots / whatevers
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Ant x Four / 2009
Winged male. Taken at my Woodmoor home.
Badd Apples / 2010
A guitarist I work with at times, brought several bags of apples he collected at a small farm he worked at in Montgomery County MD, to a gig, to give to me and the vocalist.
After returning home, my thoughts of having something for healthy munching quickly turned “sour” as I dumped them out. EeeYuk! …
A guitarist I work with at times, brought several bags of apples he collected at a small farm he worked at in Montgomery County MD, to a gig, to give to me and the vocalist.
After returning home, my thoughts of having something for healthy munching quickly turned “sour” as I dumped them out. EeeYuk! …
Baby Bun / 2011
I was cutting the grass on my lawn, which had gotten rather long, when I realized that I had run over a nest of something-or-others. Luckily, because I always ran the blades at the highest level, none of the furry little critters, four in all, were hurt.
I got my camera, and shot a series of photos as the little darlings wandered in a confused state around the exposed nest.
I then called my friend Kelly Wager and told her what happened. Kelly, who has a house full of furry fuzzy wuzzys, knew exactly what to do. “Just cover them back over with grass and twigs. Mom bun is probably nearby, and will return to the nest at nightfall.”
Checking back a few days later, mom and all the baby buns were nowhere to be seen, the only remains being a depression in the ground, and some wisps of fur :)
I was cutting the grass on my lawn, which had gotten rather long, when I realized that I had run over a nest of something-or-others. Luckily, because I always ran the blades at the highest level, none of the furry little critters, four in all, were hurt.
I got my camera, and shot a series of photos as the little darlings wandered in a confused state around the exposed nest.
I then called my friend Kelly Wager and told her what happened. Kelly, who has a house full of furry fuzzy wuzzys, knew exactly what to do. “Just cover them back over with grass and twigs. Mom bun is probably nearby, and will return to the nest at nightfall.”
Checking back a few days later, mom and all the baby buns were nowhere to be seen, the only remains being a depression in the ground, and some wisps of fur :)
Calvert Street 2012
Home of Steve, Tina, and Edison.
Home of Steve, Tina, and Edison.
Deadly Mantis - - - Revisited
(c)2013 G.F. Spicka
In 1957, Hollywood spawned “The Deadly Mantis,” part of a series of tedious science fiction movies hoping to cash in on the popularity of the 1954 giant ant movie, “Them,” which was nominated for a special effects Oscar.
This “Big Bad Bug” was spotted scrambling up the side of our porch, perhaps in hope of discovering a tasty morsel residing in the plants at the top.
With a little imagination, one can see it as being on the side of a skyscraper.
GOOD GRIEF !!!
(c)2014 G.F. Spicka
This is a shot of the grand piano at River Bend Country Club in Great Falls Virginia, that I took in 2007 while playing a gig there. It's bad enough that these instruments costing thousands of dollars are often mucho out of tune, as you see, this one has critical keys that are stuck ...
(c)2014 G.F. Spicka
This is a shot of the grand piano at River Bend Country Club in Great Falls Virginia, that I took in 2007 while playing a gig there. It's bad enough that these instruments costing thousands of dollars are often mucho out of tune, as you see, this one has critical keys that are stuck ...
Guardian of the Light
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
Throughout the summer months at my home in Woodmoor, nightfall would bring out several orb spiders that would dutifully build webs on the side porch, around and across the entrance doorway, in hope of ensnaring a winged meal drawn in by the light.
Since this was my way in and out, it was always an interesting adventure the times I returned home from a gig, only to discover I’d forgotten to turn the porch light on ::::)
Taken August 19, 2011
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
Throughout the summer months at my home in Woodmoor, nightfall would bring out several orb spiders that would dutifully build webs on the side porch, around and across the entrance doorway, in hope of ensnaring a winged meal drawn in by the light.
Since this was my way in and out, it was always an interesting adventure the times I returned home from a gig, only to discover I’d forgotten to turn the porch light on ::::)
Taken August 19, 2011
Shady
(c)2007 G.F. Spicka
Shady Boy was the second pitbull that Jane and I owned.
He loooooooved his tummy rubs :)
This shot was taken at my mother’s place in Homosassa Florida.
(c)2007 G.F. Spicka
Shady Boy was the second pitbull that Jane and I owned.
He loooooooved his tummy rubs :)
This shot was taken at my mother’s place in Homosassa Florida.
Total Eclipse of the Sky
(photo)
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
The question is, is this midnight, or is it noon?
(photo)
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
The question is, is this midnight, or is it noon?
Uncle Sam - 2007
Taken at Homosassa Wildlife Park
I was just strolling by this Bald Eagle's pen, when he hopped on and walked to the top of the log, and took up pose after pose.
Taken at Homosassa Wildlife Park
I was just strolling by this Bald Eagle's pen, when he hopped on and walked to the top of the log, and took up pose after pose.
Up Close …
... and Personal
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
I can just imagine this Assateague Island pony saying, “Hey bub. This close enough for ya?” Taken while on vacation in O.C.
... and Personal
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
I can just imagine this Assateague Island pony saying, “Hey bub. This close enough for ya?” Taken while on vacation in O.C.
Winter 2011
The backyard of my house in Woodmoor.
After I moved out, all the trees on this side were taken down by a bulldozer.
The backyard of my house in Woodmoor.
After I moved out, all the trees on this side were taken down by a bulldozer.
Nova I ~ Nova II Taken 2007, Delaware Costal Highway.
"Blackie"
Beverly and I found her tied to a tree at Diamond Ridge Park in Baltimore County, She'd recently had pups. What a sweet disposition :) We kept her a couple of days, then took her to a shelter.
Beverly and I found her tied to a tree at Diamond Ridge Park in Baltimore County, She'd recently had pups. What a sweet disposition :) We kept her a couple of days, then took her to a shelter.
The Eensey Weensy Spider
This critter was hanging out on the siding of Beverly's house on Easter day, 2011.
When finances allow, I'll purchase a lens that will allow me to shoot better close ups.
This critter was hanging out on the siding of Beverly's house on Easter day, 2011.
When finances allow, I'll purchase a lens that will allow me to shoot better close ups.
DIESEL
(c)2008 G.F. Spicka
Diesel, a rescue dog, was my third pit bull terrier. True to form, he was an energetic, furry love nugget.
When I left my home in Woodmoor, I took him to the Baltimore Humane Society, a no kill shelter, because my new community only allowed small dogs. For me, it was a very sad day.
ASPCA link - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls
(c)2008 G.F. Spicka
Diesel, a rescue dog, was my third pit bull terrier. True to form, he was an energetic, furry love nugget.
When I left my home in Woodmoor, I took him to the Baltimore Humane Society, a no kill shelter, because my new community only allowed small dogs. For me, it was a very sad day.
ASPCA link - http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/truth-about-pit-bulls
Detente
Taken Spring of 2012. The two wasps, a hornet and a yellow jacket, were in the tree that grew next to the side steps of my home in Woodmoor Maryland.
(c)2012 G.F. Spicka
Taken Spring of 2012. The two wasps, a hornet and a yellow jacket, were in the tree that grew next to the side steps of my home in Woodmoor Maryland.
(c)2012 G.F. Spicka
Lillian Grace
Checking out that fella with the camera -
Christmas 2011
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
Checking out that fella with the camera -
Christmas 2011
(c)2011 G.F. Spicka
Sky Bug - 2008
Taken on Memorial Day at my Brother-in-law's place.
Taken on Memorial Day at my Brother-in-law's place.
Visitation
(c)2012 g.f.spicka
Sometimes a glitch works ...
(c)2012 g.f.spicka
Sometimes a glitch works ...
Family Gathering
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
This was taken across the field, from the road leading in & out of Beverly Dean Scieszka's development, off of Eastern Blvd.
Not too bad for a cheap Kodak Easy Share camera.
I immediately thought of Roger Aldridge and his tune, "Buzzards In Love."
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
This was taken across the field, from the road leading in & out of Beverly Dean Scieszka's development, off of Eastern Blvd.
Not too bad for a cheap Kodak Easy Share camera.
I immediately thought of Roger Aldridge and his tune, "Buzzards In Love."
Remember Them, We Shall
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
Taken this past Memorial Day at Charleston Retirement Community, on my way to a gig there.
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
Taken this past Memorial Day at Charleston Retirement Community, on my way to a gig there.
Toad in a Box
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
This little guy was hoppin' around outside our place after Bev and I got back Wednesday night from seeing Carl Filipiak at Costas Inn. As the kid in me took over, I caught it, brought it in, and put it in a large glass jar. Next morning, before turning it loose on the world (think Toadzilla), I took some mug shots ...
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
This little guy was hoppin' around outside our place after Bev and I got back Wednesday night from seeing Carl Filipiak at Costas Inn. As the kid in me took over, I caught it, brought it in, and put it in a large glass jar. Next morning, before turning it loose on the world (think Toadzilla), I took some mug shots ...
Of Rats and Rods
(c)2014 G.F.Spicka
A 30's Chevy "rat rod" panel truck and an un-restored 1950 Hudson sedan, were just two of the vehicles that showed up at the "Family Day Car Show," held outside of Baltimore at Eastpoint Mall, 05-31-2014. The open trunk of my '69 Chevy Caprice can be seen just beyond the hot rod in the Hudson photo.
(c)2014 G.F.Spicka
A 30's Chevy "rat rod" panel truck and an un-restored 1950 Hudson sedan, were just two of the vehicles that showed up at the "Family Day Car Show," held outside of Baltimore at Eastpoint Mall, 05-31-2014. The open trunk of my '69 Chevy Caprice can be seen just beyond the hot rod in the Hudson photo.
Mr. Bumble
(c)2014 G.F. Spicka Bev came in after walking the dog and said, "You might want to get your camera. There's a large bee on the porch. She was right! Thanks to Steve Estes, I found out that Mr. Bumble here is actually a carpenter bee. The giveaway is the shiny abdomen and the black spot on the thorax. |
Storm Clouds over Biscayne Bay June 13, 2014 Middle River, MD
Ribbit
I shot this leopard frog outside the house where the Powerhouse Big Band gathering was held last night.
There seems to be an insect leg hanging out of the side of its mouth.
I've been seeing toads and frogs all over the place lately, a sign of a healthy environment.
Gibson Island: Anne Arundel County, MD
These were used in my art video: Gibson Island (Maryland Suite - #1)
http://www.georgefspicka.com/gibson-island---maryland-suite-no1.html
These were used in my art video: Gibson Island (Maryland Suite - #1)
http://www.georgefspicka.com/gibson-island---maryland-suite-no1.html
Blue Sphere and Socks
(c) 2010 g.f.spicka
Memorial Day, 2011
What a great day! Beverly and I went over to her son's Steve's home. Her friends, Joyce and Butch (Norman) Minnic visited too.
To Lilly's delight and our amusement, Butch played catch and keep away with Lilly for quite some time :)
(c) 2010 g.f.spicka
Memorial Day, 2011
What a great day! Beverly and I went over to her son's Steve's home. Her friends, Joyce and Butch (Norman) Minnic visited too.
To Lilly's delight and our amusement, Butch played catch and keep away with Lilly for quite some time :)
Zinnias and Squash
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
Yesterday, after teaching son Edison Estes and eating a scrumptious meal by husband Steve Estes, these lovely items were given to me by Tina Paquet to take home to Beverly Dean Scieszka :)
posted on FB 7-11-2014
Strawberry Moon: 7-12-2014
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
Village of Biscayne Bay, Chase MD
Looking northeast towards Gunpowder River
(c)2014 g.f.spicka
Village of Biscayne Bay, Chase MD
Looking northeast towards Gunpowder River
Raiders of the Lost Asparagus
aka - Indiana Jones as a Balloon
(c)2007 g.f.spicka
Taken in my mother's kitchen, Homosassa FL
Now and Then (c)2014 g.f.spicka
The fossil is a brachiopod that dates from roughly 350 million years ago.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie - 2014
Study in Contrasts: (c)2014 G.F. Spicka / All Rights Reserved
Looking north from Biscayne Bay towards Marshy Point Park / October 18, 2014 / 5:30 pm
Looking north from Biscayne Bay towards Marshy Point Park / October 18, 2014 / 5:30 pm
The Exhibitionist
October, 2014 |
Glove 1 & 2
2008 |
The other day, the moon lost its way over Baltimore County's Marshy Point Park, and needed an escort ... 1/2/2015
Sunrise over Chase. 2015 - 01 - 19
I took this from our porch earlier in the week, facing northeast towards the Dundee Natural Environment Area.
I took this from our porch earlier in the week, facing northeast towards the Dundee Natural Environment Area.
Same Porch, Same Direction, Different Morning / January 25, 2015
Sun Block / Same Porch, Same Direction, Different Morning / February 16, 2015
Just Visiting 2/10/2016
American Toad 5/30/2016 (Memorial Day) You can see just how teeny this young American Toad is. Full grown adults resemble a computer mouse sized beanbag.
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Blue-Eyed Alien Life Form 3/16/2016
A great, great granddaughter ...
This Green Tree Frog was snuggled behind the porch light. It looks as if a flying insect is trying to stare it down, while thinking. "Go ahead! Eat me! I just dare you ..."
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The Bee (2016)
I shot this early in the summer. This guy wasn't exactly sitting still and posing. I'm surprised the shot came out this well ...
I shot this early in the summer. This guy wasn't exactly sitting still and posing. I'm surprised the shot came out this well ...
One night, the green tree frog was snuggled in his usual spot behind the porch light. However, down below, there was this smaller green tree frog, slowly inching his way up towards the light. (2016)
On The Hunt
This dragonfly (Epitheca cynosura) had been hanging out back of our house for a couple weeks. One day it finally settled down - actually on the lookout for a meal - for me to get a few shots . It flew off a few times, only to return seconds later to the same stem. Then it happened.
This time when the dragonfly flew off, it returned to a nearby blade of grass instead. As I moved to get a better angle, I saw it had something in its mandibles - a tasty treat for sure ... |
Crow
Unopened Dandelion Seed Pod
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Plantain Flowers
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Both taken in front of the porch steps
Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly (Erythemis simplicicollis) - shot this beauty behind the house the other day.
View of Franklin Square Hospital, taken from Essex Community College
Remains of hail after a thunderstorm passed through the Baltimore area, 2017-08-02
More hail shots, modified with Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 filters.
Wasp Works: A couple weeks ago, this paper wasp (Polistes metricus) was hanging out on the top level of the metal stand on our porch. It just walked around and around aimlessly, so I'm guessing it had a good "buzz" on ...
Tough Bird (January 2018)
I can imagine this cardinal saying, "Hey! ... Hey YOU! ... Hey YOU with the ATTITUDE! ... Wipe that smile off yer face!!!"
I can imagine this cardinal saying, "Hey! ... Hey YOU! ... Hey YOU with the ATTITUDE! ... Wipe that smile off yer face!!!"
Who Goes There? ...
Returned from rehearsal last night and found this thumb-sized Wolf Spider on the basement steps. I took a few shots,
then left her to resume her nightly hunt ... (May 2018 / Glen Burnie, MD)
Returned from rehearsal last night and found this thumb-sized Wolf Spider on the basement steps. I took a few shots,
then left her to resume her nightly hunt ... (May 2018 / Glen Burnie, MD)
Latest Critter Capture from the Angus residence: This medium sized toad was hanging out at the top of the basement steps, during a rain shower, when I got in late one night. Not wanting to get the camera wet, I brought her in (no thumb pads) took some shots, then let her spend the night in a stationary tub. Next day, I turned her loose in a wooded area. 2018/05/18
Image taken the other day at Piney Orchard Nature Preserve, in Anne Arundel County. I'm sure it's an Eastern Mud Turtle. At the initial distance, I couldn't tell which direction the head was pointing. I'd take a shot, take a step, take a shot, etc., until it raised its head, which was pointed towards me, and plunged into the water. |
This Baby Mantis (technically, a nymph) flew onto my camera lens, while I was at my friend John Turners house on July 4, 2021. Not being able to use my good camera to get some shots, I took out my Motorola G7 Power, which while good as a phone, was lacking on the photo side. However, the forces-that-be must have been smiling down, because I managed to capture several clear closeups :)