Rebels first trip to Arnasas Wildlife Refuge

After Michael's dentist appt. I decided to head over to Aransas Wildlife Refuge in Austwell Texas. Michael loves looking for Alligators and other wildlife and I wanted to see what the Rebel could do...we arrived at about 4:30pm, the lighting was still a bit harsh but with a 4 yr old you aren't able to sit around and wait for long...So I took photos knowing that most were not going to turn out...I think possibly a morning at the refuge sounds like a better idea! It was also very Hot and very Muggy, not my favorite kind of weather!

I was also a bit shocked as to how dry everything was at the refuge. Our favorite places to visit are Jones and Hog lake but they were almost dried up and instead of lakes large mud pits.

Dagger Point, at one time there used to be a house out here.

Yellow Lotus at Jones Lake.

Button Bush Bloom at Jones Lake

The view from the observation deck. We could see a lot of wild hogs, racoons, and birds but again just to far for my camera and lens to get a decent photo.

This is a juvenile Egret or Heron I am not sure what type as the photo was not the greatest. At this point I was a little disgusted with my son. We were walking out onto the boardwalk and there were tons of birds and Michael started running and yelling...well kiss all the birds goodbye! Michael is normally so good about being quiet but NOT this time! He is forgiven though as I was still proud of him about his dental check up, lol.

Whistling ducks in the muddy water at Hog lake.

At Hog lake we finally saw Alligators. The lake itself is pretty much dried up but there is still a little swale hole by the boardwalk. Michael was whining and caring on when an 8 to 9 ft alligator came swimming up...That got Michael to hush up pretty quick, especially when it swam right up to the deck.

Then an even bigger gator came up behind the boardwalk, 10 to 12 footer. I think it was dinnertime and they were looking for a free meal. We also saw a baby alligator and it was chased by the 8 footer. Not sure if it was going to be dinner or what? There wasn't a lot of water there and I am sure not enough room for everyone. The 8 footer finally turned and started stalking the whistling ducks. We left soon after so not sure if the gator had duck for dinner or not.

This is a new boardwalk/pier they put out over the San Antonio Bay. Michael wanted to stop and get bird photos for Momma as Momma wasn't able to get many herself. I decided to switch from wildlife photos to Michael photos at this point.

Black Vulture sitting in some Grape vines. Not one of my favorite birds but it is a bird, lol.

This is the whitetail deer up near the front office and homes of the conservation officers. Every evening they come out and surround the area.

There were wild turkeys out too...

And more deer...Small buck with fawn.

This was the same buck above and he was being chased by one of the does...soon after this photo he jumped the fence (blurry photo for me) and ran away...Not sure what he said to that doe but she was not Happy and didn't want him there, lol...

We saw quiet a bit of wildlife but with the wind, heat and humidity I wasn't having to much fun with the camera...ahh well there is always another day and time.