Spring is here, according to the flowers that are popping up. The Texas Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is, quite fittingly, the state flower. I remember reading about bluebonnets as a child and yearning to see them. I think the name added a certain allure.
I was rather disappointed when I later discovered that they were just lupines (which we have several species of in my childhood state of Arizona). Not to detract from their appeal, they are still lovely splashes of color.
This female Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis) isn’t nearly as colorful as the males of her species yet she is still quite striking. One of the most common dragonflies in North America, they are another predator of mosquitoes (either larval or on the wing). Which endears them to me!
The city of Rockport bought this valuable piece of real estate in 2016 to protect a heron-egret-roseate spoonbill rookery (breeding colony). The property’s prime waterfront location, looking out over Little Bay, meant the roughly 9-acre site cost a pretty penny, just shy of $3 million. For the birds who rely on the safety of this oak motte to raise their young, it is priceless. The site is especially crucial after 2017’s Hurricane Harvey destroyed many other nearby nesting locations.
Bent Oak Rookery is bustling right now as the large birds are busily constructing and caring for nests. Finding just the right stick is a very serious matter.
Do not be fooled by this winsome, petite plant! Though Red Sundew (Drosera brevifolia) is minute, averaging just a little over an inch wide, it is an unforgiving carnivore. It lures insects in with a sweet scent, trapping them in sticky mucus, while releasing enzymes that dissolve the insect into readily absorbable nutrients. Here’s hoping the insect dies quickly.
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?
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