Roadside Attractions

On our way out to the Hill Country, we stopped at a rest area that has beautiful gardens of native plants. The butterflies were out in force, and my camera cooperated, and I… Continue reading

A Little Farther West

This past weekend I got to spend some time out in the Texas Hill Country. Depending on who you talk to, Texas can be divided into seven to eighteen different ecological zones, and… Continue reading

Looking Good in the Garden in October

I am jumping into Gillian’s weekly blog event, Looking Good, celebrating the things that look good in our gardens and neighborhoods. I am not much of a gardener, because the wild plants do… Continue reading

Ultimately, Unconvincing

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Change.” Walking along near the creek, I saw this Eastern Hognose snake… I see Eastern Hognose snakes every now and then around here, and… Continue reading

Down by the Creek in Late September

The weather has been cloudy but hot and still the last few days.  We are supposed to be getting moisture blowing in from the Gulf of Mexico, and I am ready for the… Continue reading

Camping Out on Camphor Daisies

The camphor daisies (Rayjacksonia phyllocephala) have just started blooming.  They are a pretty nondescript plant, tall and skinny, with long tough stems that look like leggy geranium stems, rough thick leaves, and small… Continue reading

Bird Books – Don’t Leave Home Without ’em!

Yesterday Neighbor Liz and I went to volunteer at a Hummingbird Festival at a local nature center.  The festival is planned to be at the average date of peak hummingbird migration, but you… Continue reading

Galveston Island

My husband had a trade show to attend on Galveston Island, and I tagged along.  It’s about 2 1/2 hours from where we live (if traffic is good).  We have been there dozens… Continue reading

Breezy Green

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Monochromatic.” The first cool breeze of fall brought in a Great Egret. The tip from Jen Hooks’ photo prompt that helped me the most was… Continue reading

Distinguishing Swallowtail Butterflies

—and one mimic. I am not a person who can readily identify birds, dragonflies, or butterflies “on the wing”, at least at first.  I need to take pictures, and then sit down with… Continue reading