A few more recent photos...getting down the last ones.

[Maestro]

These next few are from the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas.

River otter




This guy was just adorable!

Of course we saw dolphins there as well.

We saw them below water...


We saw them above water...







And in the water.





Heck we even saw them in the wild near Copano Bay, Fulton, Texas.


We also ran into two alligators. This one was trying to hide.



This one decided to come on out to sun. I headed off soon after this pic.


And of course, the real reason I like to observe wildlife is so that I can teach my kids to value all life!

I titled this one, Wonderment. I'm not sure if it is a word, but I like it. I think the dolphin is wondering just as much as my son. ;)

[sazemisery]

1. The one of your son is priceless.

[Maestro]

6. Thank you so much.

When I first saw what I had captured and just stared at it, the longer I looked, tears came to my eyes. I know, some might think that is beyond hokey and way over-the-top sensitive, but I really think that, at least for a moment, my son and that dolphin made a connection, one I wish more would make with wildlife and Mother Earth in general.

[Quakerfriend]

2. Just beautiful, especially the last one of your son and friend.

The connection btw nature and man is undeniable.

[Maestro]

8. Thank you

Check out post #6 of mine. It explains what I felt about this pic as well. Thanks again.

[TZ]

3. I love your pix as usual

Come to look forward to seeing your threads! The one with your son is fantastic, but I love the detail with the otters, the water droplets caught in the fur--you really do capture the animal's spirit with your lens

[Maestro]

11. What a compliment!

I sincerely appreciate that. The spirit is definitely what I would like to capture along with the inherent beauty of the animal. :hug:

[stuntcat]

4. omg thank you!

The dolphin is totally checking out your son!!! I LOVE the otter, he is just adorable..

I needed to see this good stuff right now, TY!

[Maestro]

12. I'm glad I could help.

And I am glad you liked the photos. :hi:

[yurbud]

5. how did you get the kid to stand still under water?

[Maestro]

15. I weighted him down a bit and told him to hold his breath

a while. ;)

[YDogg]

7. Those are beautiful!

Thanks for posting them.

[Maestro]

16. Absolutely no problem.

I love sharing. :hi:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

9. I look for your name every time I sign on ...

You post the best threads on DU :loveya:

shh...

the people in GD that make the greatest page every day make take offense:yoiks:

[Maestro]

19. Well I have been known to mix it up in GD.

I've even had a few on the greatest page, not many though. I do genuinely appreciate you so very kind comments though. :hug:

[Haole Girl]

10. Those are fantastic!!

And, yes, wonderment is a perfect word for it! What a great expression that dolphin had while looking at your son!! lol I love it!!! :D

[Maestro]

20. Thanks so much KC2

I really did like that expression on the dolphin's face too. Take care. :hug:

[SPKrazy]

13. River Otters ROCK!!!!

and all of your pics do too!

:woohoo:
thanks

:hi:

[Maestro]

21. Thanks Southpawkicker

I had lots of fun taking them. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[yellowdogintexas]

14. those are really lovely ! nt

[Maestro]

22. Thanks yellowdogintexas.

Texas has many redeeming qualities. Its wildlife, captive and wild, is just one thing.

[Inchworm]

17. WoW! I love the last one especially!

You've done it again

:yourock:

[Maestro]

23. Thanks so much inchworm

I have a few more to go. Next up...Pelicans!

[BuelahWitch]

18. Beautiful photos!

[Maestro]

28. Thanks Classicfilmfan

I appreciate it. BTW, what has happened to AMC? It used to actually show classic films or am I so old now that what I think what isn't "classic" now is? ;)

[BuelahWitch]

31. It's the "American Movie Channel" now

(I only know this because I work for the local cable company). I think they changed their name some time ago, however...

Sorry for the late response. It's finals week at my school...

[Maestro]

32. I used to like watching the old

Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, etc...films. I really thought they were funny.

[momto3]

24. Great pictures.

Thanks for sharing. How close did you have to get to the alligator to get that picture? I think I would have been afraid. :scared:

[Maestro]

25. I was a few feet away.

It had come up on shore. It was lazily taking in the sun. Truth be told though, I was sitting on the hood of my car. This marsh area was along a driving route at the national wildlife refuge where I took the picture. :)

[ceile]

26. Wow!

How was the aquarium? Did you think it was worth the trip? I go down to Port A a couple of times a year and have thought about stopping in CC to check it out.

[Maestro]

29. Hey Ceile

It's nothing spectacular. It's small, but expanding. I'd stop by. The dolphins are well presented and the coral reef exhibit is very nice. There is also a "petting" station where you can pet sharks and rays. That was really neat.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

27. My dear Maestro!

Your pictures have always been good...

But these are outstanding...

Every one of them shows a mastery of your craft that leaves me breathless!

And the one of your son?

Oh. My. God.

This should be on a calendar, or in a huge, glossy coffee table book, or something like that!

It is brilliant!

Keep 'em coming!

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[Maestro]

30. Well let it be known from this point forward that I left CaliforniaPeggy

breathless! :evilgrin:

In all seriousness, thank you so much for the comments. I'm astounded at the response but very much appreciative. I do love that one of my son.

[mwdem]

33. Wonderful pictures, Maestro!

"Wonderment" is fantastic and beautiful.

[Maestro]

34. Thanks mwdem

That one is getting the most attention. It's funny when you take pics, you are not sure what will be most appealing. After I processed the photos, I knew this one was a keeper. Thanks again for the comments.