Vista Farm is a 30-acre small-wildlife habitat in Madisonville, Louisiana, where native plants and animals thrive in a flatwood (pine savanna) biome and we photograph their seasonal appearances. The soil is moist, acidic clay with sunlight and shade and the land is entirely flat and poorly drained. At home in your flowerbed and lawn weeds and grasses may be pests, but in our pond, meadow, forest and wetland habitats they are welcome. The biodiversity is amazing! Don’t Kill My Weeds helps gardeners and nature lovers identify native species through a gallery of plants and animals with articles on caring for a habitat where small wildlife are protected.
A Report on Weather Conditions & Species Sightings
December 30, 2022 -- After last week's Arctic freeze it's warmed up to a normal 60ish, but torrential rain has made for some slow Christmas shopping. Today it's again raining. Fireworks are expected and the dogs simply hate the sound and flashing. They will be in their pen for the next few nights.
Are You Sensitive to Nightshade Vegetables?
There is no doubt that pharmaceutical research into the healthful uses of even some highly toxic plants is valuable and in many cases leads to longer, healthier, more productive lives for people and their pets. Research has also led to the discovery that a person’s size, chemical makeup, gender and age are important in whether […]
Vista Farm Weather & Species Sightings in 2022
December 30, 2022 — After last week’s Arctic freeze it’s warmed up to a normal 60ish, but torrential rain made for some slow Christmas shopping. Today it’s again raining. Fireworks are expected and the dogs simply hate the sound and flashing. They will be in their pen for the next few nights. December 20, 2022 […]
Hurricane Ida
Hurricane Ida swept though St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, and Vista Farm on August 29, 2021. The eye passed just east of Hammond, LA, putting us on the east side where no one wants to be. Sustained winds were around 100mph with at least one gust reaching 111mph. The devastation is everywhere, but not even close […]
What’s In My Bag?
Lenses:
Zeiss Batis 18mm, 2.8
Zeiss Batis 135mm, 2.8
Nikon 24-85mm, 3.5-4.5 ED, G
Nikon 50mm, 1.8
Nikkor Micro 60mm, 2.8 ED, G, AF-S
Filters:
B+W 77mm graduated ND 0.6
B+W 67mm ND 3.0
Nikon circular polarizers
Tripod:
Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4
Manfrotto 322RC2 Ball Head with Quick Release Plate
Nikon D810 with 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 Nikon lens.
