Esther's photos

This radiated tortoise at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island had a passion for the flower blossoms that were falling into its enclosure. Radiated tortoises are herbavores that are native to Madagascar. AIMG_1327

The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States and a fitting photograph for Memorial Day, a national holiday in which we honor those who have died in service to the country. The bald eagle's range is throughout most of North America. Its diet consists primarily of fish, which it snatches out of the water with its talons, but it has been known to feed on other creatures if available. This eagle has an injured wing and can not fly. It is cared for at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island AIMG_1330

The side area between my garage and my neighbor's fence used to be a tall weed collection. After staring at it for years, I finally cut it back and planted a small garden composed primarily of variegated hostas, rhododendrons and alzaleas. I planted arborvitae to separate it from my neighbor's weed collection. Immediately after planting the arborvitae, I discovered that I was allergic to them and that they caused hives upon contact. I'll keep my distance in the future. ODT: Backyard AIMG_1316

Buddha with Elsie Lee Azaleas ODT: Inspirational AIMG_1312

Japanese Maple ODT: Backyard AIMG_1302

Golden Chain trees are know for their yellow flowers that hand wysteria-like in pendulous racemes from their branches. Despite their beauty, all parts of the tree are poisonous to humans if ingested, causing include intense sleepiness, vomiting, convulsive movements, coma, slight frothing at the mouth and unequally dilated pupils. However, some butterflies feed off the pollen with no difficulties. AIMG_1307

Pink flowering dogwood tree. The tree is beautiful in all seasons. In the spring, it is covered by pink bracts before the folliiage appears. In the summer, it is covered with green leaves. In the fall, its leaves turn bright red. In the winter, its bark is interesting and it has red berries that attract birds. AIMG_1310

Hellikki Rhododendrons are a newer variety of rhododendron developed for harsh climates at the University of Helsinki in Finland. They are a smaller, denser variety with large, showy fuschia flower trusses. ODT: In the pink AIMG_1291

Hosta after the rain AIMG_1294