The Rockport Beach fishing pier hasn’t been very busy lately. But I take it that will not be the case soon.
The Off Season
Oh, Deer!
I know most wildlife enthusiasts suggest getting out first thing in the morning but I’m not much of an early bird. No worms for me, thanks anyway. Happily, I find that late afternoon/early evening is also an active time. On my most recent visit to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge I came across five different groups of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
That should come as no surprise since Texas has the largest White-tailed population in North America, with an estimated four million of them. Interestingly, I noticed that mosquitoes were quite fond of the deer (note the dark spots on the face of the deer in the second photo). Pretty sure she wanted to borrow my bug repellent.
Humble Brag
A past co-worker of mine shared a recent news story with me. The focus of the video is a young girl from my old hometown who initiated a buffelgrass removal project. In case you don’t know, buffelgrass is an invasive species that is wreaking havoc in the Sonoran Desert ecosystem.
I’m incredibly proud of this young lady and her determination, she’s going to leave quite a mark on this world! It warms my heart to know that her inspiration for this project came from the Buffel Buster Activity Booklet (the coloring book that is mentioned in the fifth paragraph). I created that booklet* six years ago while working for the now defunct Southern Arizona Buffelgrass Coordination Center.
I felt it was an important piece necessary for the organization’s outreach efforts and thankfully, our executive director and program manager agreed. I know from personal experience how much of a positive impact educational pieces like this can have on a young life.
*Artwork by Dennis Caldwell.
Cute Little Face
I found a couple unusual specimens washed up on the Rockport Beach recently. Topping out at 10 inches long, the Striped Burrfish (Chilomycterus schoepfi) is a resident of coastal estuaries.
Just looking at their tiny fins one can guess that they aren’t fast or agile swimmers. It is thought that their ability to inflate (similar to a puffer fish) helps them avoid predation.
They don’t need to be fast to catch their prey of shellfish, barnacles, and occasionally, crabs. Their beak-like jaws help them chow down on their crunchy diet. Note to beachgoers, their spines can be hard on bare feet!
A Mud Tale
I enjoy attempting to decipher impressions left behind by animals in the mud. While I usually don’t get to see the animal, their marks tell me part of their story. This one took me a minute to process until I remembered where I was, gator country. Ah, yes a tale left in the mud by the tail drag of an alligator. I cautiously followed the progression of the drag to a small pond where mama was calmly positioned between me and her offspring. Was she smirking at me?
Overheard: Selling What?
A fourth generation Texan in the Coastal Bend area watched his girlfriend drink another beer and said to me, ” Man, she’s gonna be selling Buicks in the morning!”
I understand that he meant she was gonna regret it but I’ve never heard that phrase before. Couldn’t find it on Google either. Perhaps it is hyper-local? Regardless, it made me laugh.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Bottling Line, St. Louis, Missouri 2009
That Goldurn Brambly Vine
Don’t be fooled by the heart-shaped leaves or the slightly sweet, edible berries, Greenbriar (Smilax spp.) is a minacious, thorny, vine. Armed with tendrils and thorns, this vigorous bramble forms an impenetrable barrier as it twines through the live oak understory. While some property owners down here curse it, I admire the tenacity of this handsome plant.
Solitary No More
At one time, the Blue-headed, Plumbeous, and Cassin’s Vireos were considered the same species called Solitary Vireo. Using genetic evidence the species were officially separated by the American Ornithological Union in 1997. While touring Aransas National Wildlife Refuge I was captivated by this vibrant Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius). I watched it hop around the live oak trees for a good twenty minutes. Mercifully, it halted for a brief respite so I could capture this image. Thank you, little one.
Don Quixote’s Lance
Several of these yuccas, also known as Spanish Dagger (Yucca treculeana), were blooming during my recent visit to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. They are not only showy but every part of this amazing plant can be utilized.
The flower stalk and blossoms are both edible, as are the young leaves and the fleshy fruit. The fibrous leaves are a source of cordage, not just prehistorically but also during WWI when roughly 80 million pounds were collected in New Mexico and Texas to compensate for the jute shortage.
Lastly, the roots produce an excellent soap, called amole, which is prized as a shampoo. Oh, I mustn’t neglect to mention all the various decoctions and medicinal uses. Not just a pretty plant!
Puffball
This adorable little fungus reminds me of an upside down butternut squash. I’m lousy at identifying mushrooms so much so that I refuse to forage them. I’ll admit, I am wary of fungi. Especially after learning of the author Nicholas Evans’ horrific experience. He grew up mushrooming so no one questioned the contents of his basket before he sautéd them and served the whole family. Nicholas and his wife and two children had to go on dialysis for years. Yep, I’ll stick to just admiring them.
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