What Did We See? Critters!

No matter how few possessions you own or how little money you have, 

loving wildlife and nature will make you rich beyond measure.”
― Paul Oxton

Of course the boys will be introduced to Texas wildlife on our adventures. They live somewhat in the country and have already experienced quite a bit (scorpions, centipedes, tarantulas and the like). And we have already noticed that WE see more creatures when we are with them as they are on a slightly different eye level and they are moving along faster than we are. This is going to be a great partnership in the wild.

Here are a few of the observations from our few days in the summer heat. Except for the lizards, most of these observations are from Dinosaur Valley State Park. So, let's just say these are from Bell, Somervell, Hamilton, Coryell, and McLennan Counties.

Insects

Question Mark

Hackberry Emperor

Reptiles

Cooter (we rescued it from the middle of a country road)

Common Spotted Whiptail

Another Common Spotted Whiptail

And just one more Common Spotted Whiptail

Birds

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

Great Blue Heron

Northern Mockingbird

The resident Greater Roadrunner greeted us as we returned the guys home.

Mammals

Fox Squirrel

Plants

Greenthread

Meadow Pinks

Texas Thistle

Lemon Beebalm

Roots of trees along the river at Dinosaur Valley. I needed someplace to put this shot. These would be challenging paths.

Mustang Grapes

The grapes

Purple Leatherflowers - these are favorites of mine.

Leatherflower detail

Inland Sea Oats

Whitemouth Dayflower