Bubba McCool
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Bubba McCool
@bubbamccool.bsky.social
2.7K followers 2.3K following 850 posts
Father of Five, Husband, Amateur Flower & Nature Photography, Loves Cats, Hotelier
Founder: Artful Commons 501 (c)(3)
www.artfulcommons.org
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bubbamccool.bsky.social
A little something for fungi Friday. It’s interesting if nothing else.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Mushrooms #FungiFriday #TurkeyTail #ForestPhotography #Texas #EastTexas #TexasNature #MartinDiesJrStatePark #LakeSteinhagen #BigThicket
Bracket fungi cluster along the curved trunk of a fallen tree in the East Texas woods, photographed near Martin Dies Jr. State Park at Lake Steinhagen. Layers of turkey tail–like shelves (Trametes versicolor or false turkey tail) create rippled patterns of tan, cream, and brown across the bark, each one showing the delicate banding and texture that come with slow forest decay. The mossy bark and overlapping fungi catch the soft light of the Big Thicket ecosystem, while the background fades into gentle woodland bokeh of logs, leaves, and muted fall tones. The scene captures East Texas nature photography at its most detailed — forest floor textures, woodland fungi, natural decomposition, and the quiet architecture of life returning to the earth.
November 14, 2025 at 2:59 PM
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Just a cool looking stump, I saw the other day. Taken in the waning afternoon light.

#EastTexas #Texas #Nature
#MartinDiesJrStatePark #LakeSteinhagen
#NaturePhotography #ForestPhotography #Photography #BigThicket
Weathered tree stump in the East Texas woods, photographed at Martin Dies Jr. State Park near Lake Steinhagen. The decaying wood shows deep textures, splintered bark, natural forest decomposition, and rich detail from years of rot, fungus activity, and forest life. Soft green background bokeh of the Big Thicket ecosystem, early fall forest colors, and natural woodland textures. Nature photography, East Texas landscape, forest floor details, woodland decay, texture photography.
November 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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Not really sure about this picture but decided to post it anyway. Sometimes I like it and others not so much.

#Photography #NaturePhotography #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesJrStatePark #LakeSteinhagen #Nature #Fall #Bokeh #PlantPhotography
November 13, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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I like this turkey tail because it looked like a flower. I thought it was very pretty striking colors and light.

#Texas #EastTexas #TylerCounty #FungiFriends #Mushrooms #Photography #NaturePhotography #Mycology
Clusters of wild turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor), or possibly false turkey tails (Stereum ostrea), growing on a decaying log in the piney woods of Tyler County, Texas. The layered bands of brown, tan, and ivory create striking textures across the forest floor, showcasing natural patterns of decay and renewal in the East Texas woods. Detailed macro nature photography capturing the quiet beauty of forest fungi and woodland life in Southeast Texas.
November 12, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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Yeah, I didn’t know about that caption. I’m both somewhat happy and sympathetic to your plight. Happy because at least it was somewhat memorable and sympathetic because I feel sorry that wiggling earworm. And since you long for cuddly swamp puppies,here are a couple more pictures for you.😂
November 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
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I thought this was pretty and cool. A golden grass seed head catching the last light of fall at Martin Dies Jr. State Park, Lake Steinhagen, Southeast Texas.

#TextureTuesday #Photography #NaturePhotography #FallPhotography #TexasPhotography #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #LakeSteinhagen
A single golden seed head of native East Texas grass bends gently in the warm autumn light, its delicate strands glowing against a blurred field of bronze and amber tones. Captured at Martin Dies Jr. State Park near Lake Steinhagen, this fall photograph highlights texture, depth, and the quiet beauty of nature photography in Southeast Texas. The photo evokes the feeling of late-season calm—golden hour warmth, natural texture, and the transition from summer to fall in Southeast Texas
November 11, 2025 at 12:43 PM
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Relative Reflection - I just thought it was cool. It’s so nice to just walk around in nature, experience its beauty while partaking in its serene gifts.

#BlueSkyArtShow #Evening #Reflection #LakeSteinhagen #MartinDiesJrStatePark #EastTexas #NaturePhotography #Texas #LandscapePhotography
A mirrored reflection of cypress and hardwood trees over still blackwater at Lake Steinhagen in Martin Dies Jr. State Park, East Texas. The water’s surface blurs the line between forest and sky — trees, grass, and floating leaves merge into a painterly illusion where reflection and reality trade places. This nature photograph captures the quiet mystery of the East Texas wetlands, where light, texture, and perception twist together in golden evening calm.
November 8, 2025 at 9:22 PM
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This is the little path and bridge I was on when I took the previously posted picture. It reminds me of a little hobbit path or something. If you turn around to the left you would see beautiful cypress trees, and their reflections upon the dark water

#BlueSkyArtShow #Evening #Photography
A narrow wooden footbridge winds through the cypress and hardwood forest of Lake Steinhagen at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in East Texas. Dappled evening light filters through the canopy, illuminating fallen leaves scattered along the boardwalk. The scene captures the peaceful rhythm of a Southeast Texas wetland, where the path, framed in soft gold and green, invites quiet reflection. A serene glimpse into the Big Thicket region, blending nature, texture, and the warmth of fading daylight.
November 8, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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I took this picture the other day off a little trail in the swamp. I thought it was very pretty.

#BlueSkyArtShow #Evening #NaturePhotography #LakeSteinhagen #MartinDiesStatePark #EastTexas #LandscapePhotography #CypressSwamp #Reflection #TexasNature #Texas #Photography
Soft evening light settles over Lake Steinhagen at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in East Texas, where cypress and tupelo trees rise from still blackwater reflecting the forest in perfect symmetry. The warm golden tones capture that fleeting calm before dusk — a tranquil scene of fading sunlight, mirror-like reflections, and the quiet rhythm of a Southeast Texas wetland. This landscape photograph blends light, texture, and mood in the heart of East Texas nature, where the day ends in peaceful reflection.
November 8, 2025 at 4:25 PM
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Another picture I took the other day after being stuck in traffic. I thought it was very pretty and serene. Perfect spot for afternoon relaxation & meditation. The colors.

#Photography #LandscapePhotography #Nature #Texas #EastTexas
A late afternoon landscape photograph taken at Lake Steinhagen in Martin Dies Jr. State Park, East Texas, showing a tranquil lakeside scene. A rustic wooden dock extends into the calm, reflective waters of the lake, surrounded by vibrant autumn cypress trees in shades of orange and green. The scene captures the natural beauty of East Texas in the fall, with the lake reflecting the clear blue sky and the warm afternoon sunlight. This image highlights the serene atmosphere of a popular Texas state park during the fall season, ideal for nature photography and landscape enthusiasts.
November 6, 2025 at 10:28 PM
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View from my morning drive to work. Sometimes rural life is boring however, this makes it all worth it - Natures Majestic Raw Beauty.

#Sunrise #Nature #NaturePhotography #LandscapePhotography #Photography #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesJrStatePark #TexasNature #CypressTrees
Early morning scene at Lake Steinhagen in Martin Dies Jr. State Park, East Texas. The image shows calm lake waters reflecting the pastel colors of sunrise, with cypress trees emerging from the water. Overhanging branches frame the top of the image, adding a natural border. A guardrail in the foreground hints at a roadside view, emphasizing the peaceful, reflective atmosphere of a morning in East Texas nature. Sunrise at Martin Dies Jr. State Park, overlooking Lake Steinhagen in East Texas. The photo captures the silhouette of trees against the warm, orange glow of the morning sky. A distant stand of cypress trees rises from the misty lake waters, while a guardrail and grassy roadside in the foreground provide context for a scenic, tranquil drive through East Texas nature
November 5, 2025 at 1:06 PM
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Picture taken a couple hours ago after being stuck in traffic. I decided I should stop and take some pictures to relax.

#TextureTuesday #EastTexas #LakeSteinhagen #TexasNature #MacroPhotography #Nature #WildTexas #Photography #BotanicalArt #LandscapePhotography #Texas #MartinDiesStatePark
Delicate native Texas grass seed heads shimmer in the golden light near Lake Steinhagen in East Texas, their fine filaments glowing against the soft blur of water and sky. The photograph captures the rich natural texture and detail of wild bluestem grasses—possibly broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) or splitbeard bluestem (Andropogon ternarius)—two native species known for their feathery seed plumes that reflect autumn sunlight. This close-up macro landscape emphasizes texture, depth, and the organic patterns found in East Texas nature photography. A perfect example of Big Thicket serenity and botanical artistry, blending fine art composition with local ecology to highlight the seasonal beauty of native Texas flora.
November 5, 2025 at 2:18 AM
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Not sure you can see this good in the thumbnail. I thought about not posting it however, I think it’s pretty even if not the most well composed.

#LittleTurkeyCreek #WoodvilleTexas #TylerCounty #EastTexas #TexasNature #Pineywoods #LandscapePhotography #NaturePhotography #Photography #Forest #Nature
A shallow, amber-tinted stream known as Little Turkey Creek flows gently through the forest near Woodville, Texas, in Tyler County. The clear water reveals rippled sand patterns beneath the surface as it winds around a narrow sandbar framed by dense undergrowth and tall hardwood trees. Sunlight filters through the forest canopy, scattering golden reflections across the creek and lighting up the layered greens of the East Texas Pineywoods. Elephant ears, vines, and native vegetation edge the banks, capturing the calm, natural beauty of a woodland creek ecosystem in Southeast Texas.
November 4, 2025 at 9:35 PM
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I took this couple months back in Denver. I love these little flowers. Every time I go I try to get a picture of them. This one actually turned out decent.

#Colorado #PrairieSmoke
#Flower #Wildflower #NaturePhotography #MacroPhotography #Wildflowers #NativePlants #Bokeh #Photography #Nature
Morning light spills softly across the Colorado foothills, illuminating the feathery seed heads of prairie smoke (Geum triflorum) near Denver. Each filament glows in the early sun, fine hairs catching the pale gold of the high-plains light like strands of silk. This native wildflower of Colorado’s mountain meadows and prairies transforms after blooming into airy, smoke-like plumes that drift and shimmer with every breeze. In this close-up, the shallow depth of field creates a soft bokeh backdrop of warm tones and blurred texture, emphasizing the fragile architecture of the plant. The composition blends macro nature photography and fine-art sensibility—an intimate portrait of native plants thriving in the dry, wild landscape around Denver, Colorado. It’s a quiet study in light, texture, and the subtle beauty of wildflowers that define the region’s golden morning glow.
November 3, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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Here are a couple of cute serene cows to lighten up your Sunday afternoon

#Photography #Texas #EastTexas #Rural #RuralPhotography #Cow #Cattle #Nature #Serene
A brown-and-white calf stands quietly in the East Texas countryside, framed by sunlit green brush and wild foliage. Soft golden light catches the edges of his ears, showing their reddish glow, while delicate native plants and seed pods surround him. The rural farm scene captures the warmth and texture of East Texas pasture life — where open rangeland, native vegetation, and gentle evening light meet. A pale Brahman calf rests peacefully in the tall grass of an East Texas pasture. The calf’s loose hide folds softly under warm light, and its calm expression contrasts with the vibrant mix of native weeds and summer growth around it. The quiet, rural landscape embodies the slow rhythm of East Texas ranch country — natural, serene, and full of small moments of still beauty.
November 2, 2025 at 8:50 PM
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I thought the swamp was pretty in the #Autumn light so I took a picture for the #BlueSkyArtShow

#LakeSteinhagen #MartinDiesJrStatePark #BigThicket #EastTexas #TexasWetlands #BaldCypress #Duckweed #SpanishMoss #NaturePhotography #Photography #LandscapePhotography
Photograph of a bald cypress swamp at Lake Steinhagen in Martin Dies Jr. State Park, East Texas. Sunlight filters through moss-draped branches of towering cypress trees, their wide bases rooted in still, duckweed-covered water. Spanish moss hangs like lace across the forest canopy, and soft golden light ripples across the shaded wetland floor. This Big Thicket forest captures the atmosphere of a southern cypress swamp — quiet, timeless, and full of natural beauty. The image reflects the unique landscape and biodiversity of the East Texas wetlands, where bald cypress, duckweed, and reflected light create a serene, almost sacred sense of stillness.
November 2, 2025 at 12:51 AM
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Absolute unit of a swamp puppy (aka - American Alligator) sunning himself on a cool autumn afternoon.

#Photography #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #Autumn #BlueSkyArtShow #Texas #EastTexas #MartinDiesStatePark #Alligator #AmericanAlligator #AbsoluteUnit
An American alligator lies half-submerged in the still, golden water of a quiet East Texas swamp. Reflections of cypress trunks and Spanish moss ripple across the surface, blending the reptile’s rough, armored skin into the mirrored forest. The warm afternoon light glows over the bayou, capturing the untamed calm of southern wetlands where wildlife thrives unseen. This Texas nature photograph highlights the texture, color, and reflection of the alligator in its natural habitat — a serene moment of swamp life deep in the humid wilds of East Texas.
November 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
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Turkey tails on an old log. I know, it’s unique but really, there’s been a dearth of mushrooms recently. So was that in mind, here is my simple contribution to #FungiFriday

#Texas #EastTexas #TurkeyTail #Fungus #FungiFriends #Photography #NaturePhotography
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) spread like layered fans across a rotting log deep in the East Texas woods. Their rippling bands of brown, tan, and cream catch the soft forest light, showing the slow artistry of decay and renewal. Moss, leaves, and undergrowth surround the fallen wood, part of the humid Texas forest ecosystem where fungi thrive on old stumps and fallen trees. A quiet microcosm of woodland life, captured close-up in natural detail.
October 31, 2025 at 8:22 PM
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I’ve always thought Spanish moss was pretty. Yesterday I tried to capture some of its beauty.

#SpanishMoss #TillandsiaUsneoides #Bromeliad #Moss #Photography #NaturePhotography #EastTexas #Texas #Forest #Swamp #CypressSwamp #Nature #LandscapePhotography #SouthernGothic
A serene park path curves gently under the canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a dappled pattern on the ground and turning the scene into a nature walk full of southern charm. The lush greens and swaying moss create a perfect blend of landscape composition and forest canopy. A detailed close-up of Spanish moss hanging from the branches of a live oak tree. The strands of moss are fine and silvery-gray, gently twisting among the deep green leaves. Sunlight filters through, giving the moss a soft glow and highlighting the natural texture of the southern forest. In this image, tall bald cypress trees stand like guardians in an East Texas swamp, their trunks mirrored in shallow water. Spanish moss drapes gracefully from the branches, catching the golden morning light and creating a natural tapestry. The interplay of swamp forest reflections and the warm hues of autumn leaves turns this scene into a southern landscape full of natural texture. This close-up shot focuses on the intricate lacework of Spanish moss, backlit by forest sunlight. The delicate filaments glow as they hang in soft focus, showcasing the natural light photography and the forest’s fine detail. It’s a glimpse into the gentle glow of an East Texas forest.
October 31, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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Another picture from my Tuesday forest jaunt. It’s not much but pickings were slim.

#TurkeyTail #FungiFriends #EastTexas #Texas #Fungi #Photography #NaturePhotography #TrametesVersicolor
Close-up of turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) growing in layered rows along a decaying tree trunk in the woods of East Texas. The fungi form a sweeping diagonal across the frame, catching soft sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. Their tan and rust-colored caps curl upward from the bark, showing the texture of natural decay and woodland resilience. A blurred background of green moss and trees adds depth, highlighting the living rhythm of the Texas forest floor.
October 30, 2025 at 12:38 PM
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Until recently, it hadn’t rained here in a long time. Yesterday, I went to see what I could find. I didn’t see much but I did find these.

#TurkeyTails #EastTexas #Texas #FungiFriends #Fungi #Mushroom #Nature #NaturePhotography #Forest #TrametesVersicolor
Photo of turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) fanning out across a fallen log in the forests of East Texas. The fungi form layered semicircles of tan, gray, and warm brown, each edge curling delicately upward. The texture of the wood beneath shows soft moss and decay, part of the natural cycle of renewal found in Texas woodlands. Captured in natural light, the image highlights the intricate structure of native fungi and the beauty of forest ecology for fellow Fungie Friends and lovers of mushroom photography
October 29, 2025 at 1:57 PM
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A beautiful bright sunflower to begin your day.

#Photography #Photography #Photography #Flowers #Wildflowers #Texas #EastTexas
A close-up photograph of a bright yellow wildflower, likely a native sunflower or tickseed, glowing in dappled afternoon light. Its petals spread evenly around a golden center dusted with dark pollen. Soft green leaves and another smaller bloom appear in the background, with deep shadow behind them adding contrast. Keywords: yellow wildflower, native Texas flora, macro nature photography, woodland light, autumn bloom.
October 22, 2025 at 11:50 AM
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Tried my hand at photographing people the other day. I don’t like photographing people — or photos of people. I don’t even keep family pictures; when they’re gone, everything goes. So this is new for me — here are a few examples.
A man laughing and looking up at the night sky with festive lights behind him, a candid portrait capturing joy and event photography during an outdoor celebration. A group of women laughing together under string lights at a nighttime gathering, capturing a warm, candid moment of social photography at an evening event. A young girl mid-laugh at an outdoor table, capturing a lively, candid moment of family-friendly night photography at a social event. A young woman showing her phone to friends at a softly lit nighttime gathering, a casual moment of social photography capturing a friendly, candid scene.
October 19, 2025 at 4:45 PM
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Night geometry at the Waco Suspension Bridge

#BlueSkyArtShow #Vertical #Waco #WacoTexas #Texas #WacoSuspensionBridge
Black-and-white photograph of the Waco Suspension Bridge in Waco, Texas, captured from a low angle emphasizing its intricate truss structure and heavy suspension cables. The nighttime lighting creates strong contrasts between the bridge’s riveted steel beams and the smooth architectural archway behind it. The photo highlights industrial symmetry, texture, and perspective — keywords: architecture, bridge design, steel structure, Texas landmark, black and white photography, night photography, geometric composition, urban texture, historical engineering, minimalist art, fine art photo, perspective lines, modern contrast.
October 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
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A little color to brighten up your Saturday morning. I like this picture I think it’s pretty.

#PartridgePea #ChamaecristaFasciculata #Wildflower #NativePlant #TexasWildflowers #MacroPhotography #NaturePhotography #SoutheastTexas #Texas #BigThicket #FlowerPhotography #Flowers#WoodvilleTexas
A close-up of a wild Partridge Pea flower (Chamaecrista fasciculata), glowing golden-yellow against a softly blurred green forest background. The delicate red nectar guides near the stamens attract native bees and butterflies, symbols of pollinator diversity in the #BigThicket region of Southeast Texas. Its feathery, fern-like leaves and natural symmetry make it a favorite subject for #macro and #nature photography, capturing the quiet brilliance of native wildflowers in late summer light.
October 18, 2025 at 2:04 PM