Seek the hidden
March 29, 2011
The sound of scurrying lizards is pretty unique. For a while on Saturday, it was all I heard. As I walked the trails in San Antonio’s McAllister Park, I heard the noise near every tree, but the creatures remained elusive. And then there was this guy.
Meet the Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus). This little guy was a model subject. Granted, it got a little freaked out when I kept staring at it through a lens, but I can’t say I blame it. Read the rest of this entry »
Exploring McAllister Park in San Antonio
March 27, 2011
In San Antonio, one of the first natural places that I’ve begun to explore is McAllister Park. Featuring miles of trails through varied environments, both paved and otherwise, it gives a nice mixture of scenery. The trails accommodate hiking, jogging and biking.
And if it’s your thing, it also features recreational areas for soccer and picnics.
Read the rest of this entry »
Update from down south!
March 21, 2011
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? The last time I blogged was in August of 2010. Hopefully I can start making up for that.
A lot has happened since last summer. I’ve left the beautiful state of Virginia and now live in San Antonio, Texas. To say the scenes are different would be an understatement. The days are longer, the air is drier, oh – and have you heard – Texas is a little warmer than Virginia. Read the rest of this entry »
Building a backyard bird haven
August 17, 2010
Several weeks ago I was visiting a friend in Rockingham County and was surprised to learn that she likes birds. A lot.
This crafty little lady has converted her backyard into a sort of bird haven. I’m sure many people do the same thing, but I wanted to point out a few clever things she’s done in case anyone wants to try it in their yard. Read the rest of this entry »
Great day, with an emphasis on beavers
July 30, 2010
Earlier this week I had a great outing in Huntley Meadows Park. Among the highlights were another green heron, adorable beavers and un-photographed raccoons/fox.
Recent rains have replenished the water supply in the park and the boardwalk area was active with a variety of life. Read the rest of this entry »
Good idea, bad idea? (VIDEO)
July 22, 2010
Well friends, my apologies for the delay in posting. I’ll be rolling out new posts soon, but here is a short one to tide you over.
The photos from this outing in Huntley Meadows, predictably, are a bunch of herons navigating slowly in the downpour.
As I fled, I noticed that the toads came out in mass along all the wooded paths. I’m not sure if they liked the rain, or just couldn’t hide for fear of drowning.
Molting cicada in the valley
July 13, 2010
As humans we don’t think about what it takes to grow. It just happens. For animals that molt, there is a very different process.
Over the weekend I watched this curious behavior with a cicada in the Shenandoah Valley. Read the rest of this entry »
Getting my bird fix at the JMU Arboretum
July 12, 2010
Saturday I was able to make a run on the JMU Arboretum in Harrisonburg.
It was great to be back. In the past, I’ve had luck at the venue with birding, and this weekend didn’t disappoint either. Read the rest of this entry »
Terror from the skies
July 9, 2010
While it might sound a little dramatic, it’s still true – on my Wednesday visit to Huntley Meadows, I was under attack. An aerial attack, to be specific.
My typical scan of the park began to turn into something else when I reached the main overlook. Glancing upward I noticed swallows circling. Without a second’s delay, one turned toward me from about 50 feet up and dove DIRECTLY for my head. Then another. And another. And another. Read the rest of this entry »
Water levels dropping with the heat
July 7, 2010
With the summer heat, the landscape of Huntley Meadows is changing.
The wetlands are drying out, but that environmental change has allowed for some new observations. Read the rest of this entry »
