Ripening Acorns, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Tivoli, Texas September 2019
I am a day late for the Fall Equinox, but truly, when it is still in the 90s and sunny, can you blame me for failing to notice? While more northerly climes are already sporting reds and golds, this was the closest I could find down here. Still pretty in their own pale fashion.
Don’t over think this one, y’all, it’s pretty straightforward. Hint 2: Think of tunes from the tropics. Put your guess in the comments and I’ll see about cooking up something fun for whoever submits the correct answer.
Palapa, Rockport Beach, Texas September 2019
What a lovely spot to rest and unwind!
Teal hunting season opened in Texas this past weekend which started me thinking about ducks, which in turn reminded me of my burgeoning collection of duck heads. Not real duck heads, eww. The first one was from an old decoy while the bit of driftwood bears a striking resemblance to Daffy Duck, don’t ya think?
Mini Maid, Port Aransas, Texas September 2019
The ocean is teaching me a very important lesson about the nature of wishes. Apparently, I need to be much more clear about them. Years ago it would have been nice to have had the assistance of a maid, one is not necessary now that I’ve downsized so dramatically. Next time, I’ll not only clearly state that the maid be human but I’ll outline my desired timeframe as well. Lesson learned!
White-banded Fishing Spider, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Tivoli, Texas September 2019
While all the other species in this genus are semiaquatic, the White-banded Fishing Spider (Dolomedes albineus) stands out as the only arboreal member. The first part of the binomial is Greek for wily or deceitful. I imagine it has something to do with their freaky ability to walk on water (thanks to the hydrophobic hairs that cover their bodies). Some of the species have a leg span of three inches and are known to capture small fish.
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).
Sunflower, Copano Bay, Rockport, Texas September 2019
A cheery little flower to brighten up your day. Happy Sunday, y’all!
Balls of Sand, Port Aransas, Texas September 2019
I’ve wandered across lots of sand art on the beaches near me in the past six months but this was a first. I liked the display, someone had a fun morning!
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