This Eastern Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is very similar to the Western Coral Bean (Erythrina flabelliformis) I grew up with in Tucson. Interestingly, the Eastern has been found growing in isolated populations in Southern Arizona, believed to have been imported through trade by the Mogollon culture. Both species owe their common name to their vibrant red seeds. The plant is full of toxic compounds that can cause paralysis when ingested.

The seeds have been used to make personal adornments, like necklaces, for thousands of years. I once read that Spanish missionaries made rosaries out of them and when they kissed the beads they inhaled the powder and were sickened. Perhaps poetic justice for forcing Catholicism and fealty to the crown onto the indigenous cultures?

I discovered this egg rolling in the waves on the beach a few days ago. Based on a bit of research, I’ve determined it came from a Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla). They are the most prominent birds here and we are smack in the middle of nesting season. In fact, part of the Rockport Beach peninsula is closed right now to protect the nesting area. Several stages of the season were observable.

Mating Laughing Gulls, Rockport, Texas May 2019

Is it just me, or does she look irritated?

To actual nesting:

Laughing Gull Pants in the Heat While Nesting, Rockport, Texas May 2019

The pair will take turns tending the nest during the three to four week incubation period. I have yet to see any hatchlings but I hear that they are exceedingly well camouflaged so it will prove to be a challenge.

Of the many pretty wildflowers around here, the Argemone albiflora is a showstopper. It towers above the others, reaching heights up to five feet (though averaging closer to half that). While sporting a palm-sized (4-6 inches across) white inflorescence. Pollinators adore it but most herbivores eschew the pokey stem. The plant was valued by Native Americans for its many medicinal uses and the oil from the seeds was used as a lubricant during WWII.

This Wild Poinsettia (Poinsettia cyathophora) was a bright surprise today at the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary.  At first glance, the flower appears to have red petals. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll find the actual flowers are tiny yellow florets surrounded by red-splashed bracts (modified leaves). Which makes Paintedleaf a very accurate common name. And yes, it is a native relative of the colorful plant that decorates many homes for the holidays.

This was not the best of days for this Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). But molting will do that to you. Poor baby, it looks like quite a painful process. I’m sure he will soon be rivaling the other handsome males. Their bright yellow eye is good trait to distinguish them from their close relative, the Boat-tailed Grackle which is also found along the Gulf Coast.

Great-tailed Grackle, South Padre island, Texas March 2019

Gafftopsail Catfish, Rockport, Texas April 2019

Don’t let the shiny surface of the Gafftopsail Catfish (Bagre marinus) fool you – this fish is adorned with long, venomous spines (hiding in the dorsal and pectoral fins). Fishing websites recommend caution when dealing with this species as one wrong move can send you to the emergency room in horrible pain. Interesting factoid, the male is a mouthbreeder, meaning after fertilizing her eggs (up to 55 of them) he carries them in his mouth until they hatch. He must forgo food for the entire 65 day incubation period. What a good dad!

Texas Spotted Whiptail, Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco, Texas March 2019

When I glanced down to find the source of the rustling noise in the leaf litter I caught a blur of color. Intrigued, I followed my fast moving subject through the detritus. Finally, he paused and I snapped a couple photos before he zipped away.

A bit of online research helped me identify my speedy fellow as a Texas Spotted Whiptail (Aspidocelis gularis). The species sports an exceptionally long tail, roughly three times their body length, but I was too busy concentrating on the colorful stripes and spots on its body to catch the tail.

Gularis is Latin meaning throat which is an appropriate feature to focus on since the reddish throat is so prominent (females of the species sport a lighter pink throat). Here’s a better photo of the back: