I spent a hot afternoon recently out at Aransas National Wildlife. There’s a small copse of oak trees near the bay where I set up my hammock and swing in the breeze while waiting for the sun to dip in the sky. Last time I was thrilled to receive a visit from a curious young deer.

This time I was fortunate to have a close encounter with a Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Though not nearly as cute as a fawn, this otherworldly-looking creature was fascinating to watch. The “little armored one” appeared unconcerned by my presence as it snuffled the ground for insects. That is some serious soil aeration!

I was mesmerized by these gorgeous berries the other day when I visited Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) certainly lives up to its name! Appropriately, the name is not yummy berry since the fruit is tart and astringent.

The berries are eaten by birds in the fall (after other food sources have dwindled) while the foliage is browsed by deer. The roots and leaves were used medicinally by Native Americans and the berries can be made into jelly (add enough sugar and anything tastes good).