Life in South Texas: 4/20/14

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Off the beaten path...

As most of you know I like to go on walks where there aren't a lot of people. I am always in search of these quiet peaceful spots and tonight I found one...

Tussock Moth Caterpillar

You just never know what you will spy...

I spy something yellow!

Old Railroad bridge over the San Antonio River

It is hard to take in but the San Antonio River is really really low!! Wow!

My favorite photo of the evening...I just love the colors!!

Even bugs don't like bugs...I sat and watched this caterpillar move away from the beetle...

And once the beetle was by him, he straightened back out and relaxed!

I love evenings like this...

I hope y'all are having a great week!!

There is a reason I wear snakeboots when cleaning up brush...

One of many venomous snakes in South Texas...

Copperhead!!

I got him moved out of the brush...

Took a few photos and then moved him over to some trees on the other side of the property from where I was working. I am sure I will find more. No worries, no problem. They aren't out to get me. In fact this one was moving away from me when I spotted it. Then it curled up next to a tree and tried to hide. They eat mice which carry deadly diseases so I leave the snakes alone and don't hurt them. I'd rather have snakes any day then fields full of mice with fleas, ewww!! I hate fleas!!

I am sure before I am done cleaning brush I'll find more!

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Here's hoping y'all had a good Easter Weekend!!

Michael and I had a great Easter Weekend.

Beautiful sunset Saturday evening. I never get tired of the sunsets!

This evening after I finished doing a little work at the property I stopped and watched the Bluebirds for a little bit!!

On our way home from Port Aransas...

We didn't want our trip to end...

On our way back across the shipping channel on the Ferry we saw a Mother Dolphin and a baby...too sweet!

Then we stopped at Lighthouse trails park...(Kayak trails) on the causeway between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas.

And saw another dolphin in the channel, awesome!!

Lydia Ann Lighthouse.

If you click on the photo you should be able to read the history of the lighthouse.

Beautiful day to Kayak...

Blue crab

Michael found some Hermit crabs and had fun playing with them...

After that adventure we headed up to Rockport and drove around there for a bit and then headed home!!

We had a fantastic Friday, so glad we were able to get away for a bit and have fun!!

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Port Aransas.

After a couple hours at the beach we headed over to my favorite pottery shop, Potters on Cotter. Here is her facebook link, click here (potters on cotter)

I love the pottery there and she also has handmade jewelry too! Brenda the owner told us about a great place to see birds and alligators. So after lunch we headed over to the Birding Center.

Michael and I both fell in love, we will definitely be going back. I hate to say this but we both thought it was better than Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and the other great thing is it's free.

Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center click here for more information.

Boat-tail Grackle

Hamming it up for the camera!!

Green Anole Lizard, Michael was amazed that I spotted it in the reeds. Like I tell him, if you pay attention you will see things move.

Preening himself...

Coypu, River rat and or Nutria...I know them as Nutria's. Michael was fascinated and I didn't realize he had never seen one before and didn't know what it was...(personally I was thinking good gator food)

Blue-winged Teal and his mate, there were a lot of these!!

My favorite photo from the Birding center...Blue-winged Teal

Afternoon Siesta...

American Coot

Michael got a chance to see a lot of birds up close and loved that. I've seen these birds but normally use the camera and 300mm lens...This time we were rather close and it didn't seem to bother them.