Chasing Butterflies

Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Carolyn Henderson


At just after noon on Saturday, I was standing on my patio when a Monarch butterfly flew by very close to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a camera to get a photo of it, but I probably wouldn’t have gotten it anyway. It flew straight by into my neighbor’s back yard. It did, however, inspire me to go chasing them.

I go to the Little River Basin Texas Master Gardeners Triangle Garden seasonally to take pictures of pollinators, and I usually see Monarchs, and many other types of butterflies, there. So I took my camera to see what I could see.

I found huge Giant Swallowtails eating from abundant Zinnias. The Fritillarys, both Gulf and Variegated, also were fond of the flowers. So was a Bold Jumping Spider that seemed to be after the Variegated Fritillary. I also found Gulf Fritillary on Tropical Sage. I am unsure if the Giant Swallowtails are Eastern or Western variety. iNaturalist thinks they are Western, but Eastern are more common here.

Giant Swallowtail
Queen (mating)
Bordered Patch
Variegated Ftitillary

One of my favorite butterflies is Queens. They were abundant on Gregg’s Mist. I can always find them on this plant. They also were mating. I’ve seen more of them there, but it may be early in the migration. Bordered Patch and Fiery Skippers also were enjoying the Gregg’s Mist.
What is not there, at least yet, are Monarchs nor Pipevine Swallowtails. The Flame Acanthas and Tropical Sage and Gregg’s Mist are ready for them. So is the cat in residence (see photo).

Skipper
Mantid
Gulf Fritillary
Feline Observer

I also found a few others at my house. My yard is inundated with Hackberry Emperors, and some Clouded Skippers are hanging out there. So are Carolina (or Arizona?) Praying Mantis and Spinybacked Orbweavers with an elaborate web, and grasshoppers that were abundant at the triangle garden, too. I also had a hummingbird that was interested in the Texas Purple Sage at my house.

Black–chinned Hummingbird

The iNaturalist fall project to submit as many pollinators as you can find is coming up in October. If you are participating, you might want to try the El Camino Real Wildscape which is usually full of butterflies in October – including Monarchs. Or, you also can try the Triangle Garden.

Spinybacked Orbweaver and web

Killing Time Leads to a Wonderful Find

Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Michelle Lopez

While killing time between doctor appointments in Temple, I found a store called Wild Birds Unlimited. I decided to check it out since I am an avid birder and struck up a conversation with the lady working in there. I found out that she is also a Texas Master Naturalist, and we had great conversations.

We talked about the different ways we get volunteer hours and different projects we are involved in. I really enjoyed meeting her. She told me about a nearby pond that had migrating Roseate Spoonbills and White Ibis, and that there is also a Bald Eagle that hangs out around there.

I got super excited and decided to check it out on my way home. She drew me a map on some scrap paper and I found the location easily. I was excited to immediately find the White Ibis. I keep binoculars in my car for such an occasion, and tried to get some good pictures to share. I didn’t see any Spoonbills or an Eagle but I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful find.

I had another appointment today and decided to take the long way home so I could revisit the pond and hopefully see something new. Well, it was even better than the day before! I saw some White-Faced Ibis, American Avocet, and a Bald Eagle!  This really made my day. 

Killing Time Leads to a Wonderful Find

Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Michelle Lopez

While killing time between doctor appointments in Temple, I found a store called Wild Birds Unlimited. I decided to check it out since I am an avid birder and struck up a conversation with the lady working in there. I found out that she is also a Texas Master Naturalist, and we had great conversations.

We talked about the different ways we get volunteer hours and different projects we are involved in. I really enjoyed meeting her. She told me about a nearby pond that had migrating Roseate Spoonbills and White Ibis, and that there is also a Bald Eagle that hangs out around there.

I got super excited and decided to check it out on my way home. She drew me a map on some scrap paper and I found the location easily. I was excited to immediately find the White Ibis. I keep binoculars in my car for such an occasion, and tried to get some good pictures to share. I didn’t see any Spoonbills or an Eagle but I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful find.

I had another appointment today and decided to take the long way home so I could revisit the pond and hopefully see something new. Well, it was even better than the day before! I saw some White-Faced Ibis, American Avocet, and a Bald Eagle!  This really made my day. 

The Cutest Ducklings

Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Carolyn Henderson

A few days ago, I was observing birds at Orchard Park in Cameron, when the juveniles of the resident family of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks decided to show off their synchronized swimming skills. One wasn’t quite as synchronized as the rest! This gave me a good laugh.

The duck parents were nearby watching the shenanigans. These beautiful and interesting ducks (they roost in trees) are great parents, as all ducks tend to be.