I’ll go out on a bit of limb here and identify this as Cucumberleaf Sunflower (Helianthus cucumerifolius). It is no mean feat to pinpoint the species since sunflowers are in Asteraceae*, the largest botanical family with a mere 32,000+ members. I feel moderately confident in my choice since it is commonly found here, tolerates sandy soil, and blooms this time of year. Beautiful, no matter the name.
*Asteraceae- from ancient Greek meaning star, referring to the rays of the flowers.
My most colorful treasures from an afternoon at the Rockport Beach. Typically, I just find trash. Since my compulsion to pick up litter began in toddlerhood, I quickly realized I had to bring along a bag. It just isn’t in my nature to walk on by. My first few outings were defined by odd findings. One day I collected enough fake fingernails to make a full (non-matching) set. The following day it was adhesive bandages (gross). The next, elastic hair ties. I surmise they are all things that fall off in salt water.
Those items were dwarfed in number by bits of plastic and, of course, the ever ubiquitous cigarette butts. Recently, I’ve noticed the benefit of my efforts, as I am no longer filling my bag during my daily beach stroll. Thankfully, the barrier islands of San Jose and Mustang catch debris floating in the Gulf of Mexico, thereby, protecting Aransas Bay.
A bit further south the situation is much more grim. Since Padre Island National Seashore is located at the bend of the Gulf Coast where currents converge, the shoreline is constantly bombarded by floating trash. Two weeks ago the park held the 24th Annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup. Over 1400 volunteers pitched in to remove close to 75 tons (yes, 150,000 pounds) of trash. This is the same stretch of sand that endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles nest on. What a distressing juxtaposition!
Not sure if I understood the signs on the stairs at Rogue Ales Bayfront Public House. Perhaps a few more would make it more clear…
In an interesting coincidence I had two encounters with American Green Treefrogs today. I awoke this morning to discover a flock of White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) aerating my lawn. The hungry horde probed their long bills into the St. Augustine grass seeking out large insects and small creatures. This ibis was incredibly pleased to nab an American Green Treefrog. Don’t tell Kermit, he just lost a relative.
This afternoon while strolling through the Ivy Lane Nature Preserve I spotted this little one living up to its name. Found in America: ✓ Skin color green: ✓ In a tree: ✓ Is a frog: ✓. Nailed it!
This adorable American Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) has taken refuge in my outdoor laundry area. We didn’t get that personal but I believe this to be a male since he is so tiny and I think I saw some wrinkling under the throat (indicating a vocal pouch which would expand so he can loudly advertise for a mate). Oh, and their call? Sounds a lot like a cowbell. More cowbell, baby! This little guy can hang out all he wants since they are ravenous insectivores. Anybody that eats mosquitoes is good by me!
If I have identified this reptile correctly he is a Northern Mesquite Lizard (Sceloporus grammicus microlepidotus). That vivid turquoise splash on his throat is what distinguishes him from the females of his species. He lingered just long enough for me to snap a quick photo before dashing off into the underbrush. The white blotch on the back of his neck is a bit unusual, perhaps a bit of leucism?
Last week during the Whooping Crane Festival I had a chance to revisit the Amos Rehabilitation Keep (ARK). During my first tour a dozen years ago I was charmed by the charismatic and dedicated founder Tony Amos. With his British accent, twinkling eyes, and infectious enthusiasm it was easy to become a supporter of his efforts.
Sadly, in 2017, just over a week after Hurricane Harvey caused massive damage to the ARK facilities, Amos passed away. Thankfully, all the animals at the ARK survived the storm and the organization continues to fulfill Amos’ mission of rescuing and rehabbing sea turtles and migratory birds.
Though five of the world’s seven sea turtle species are found in the Gulf of Mexico the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the most common patient at the ARK. The nearby Aransas Pass is an incredibly busy shipping channel, Corpus Christi is the 4th largest harbor by tonnage in the U.S. So it should come as no surprise that many sea turtles have been struck by boats.
The damage to their carapaces can cause air to get stuck inside, a condition called bubble butt. The air bubble makes the turtles more buoyant making it harder for them to feed and avoid predation and other dangers. Sometimes, the issue resolves itself as the turtle gains strength and the animal is released. (Note the discolored bump on the top of the shell. Not the best photo, I know but they are faster than you might think.)
Caught the last of the day from the Lyndon B. Johnson Causeway on my way back from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
Spotted on a vehicle at the Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas.
Captivating mirror image in the slough at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
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