Citizen Science – Page 5 – The Hermits' Rest

It’s Texas—Everything Stings, Bites, or Pokes You

…or it gives you allergies (all the beautiful flowers). I know this, having lived in east-central Texas for nearly thirty years. But, you know what? I chose to stay here long after my reason for arriving (a spouse’s job—the job left him, then he left me) no longer was pertinent.

Texas is beautiful and dangerous. These Northern Shovelers are harmless.

Upon arrival, it was immediately clear that I wasn’t in the Midwest anymore. I recognized oak trees, but they were tiny. I recognized a couple of birds, but what were those grackles? And why are so many things trying to hurt me?

I could have chosen either of two options. I could have complained about how strange and awful it is here, nature-wise, or I could learn about why all the flora and fauna are the way they are. I chose to study the plants, insects, reptiles, etc., and figure out how to coexist safely. That’s why you see me wandering all over rural areas and parklands feeling safe and happy. I know what to look out for.

I will not stomp through that grass without appropriate footwear.

So, when I went into the hen house today to get eggs but didn’t find but one, I was not surprised to see my old friend the rat snake reclining above the nesting boxes. I asked it to go eat some rodents, please, and left. That’s because I know what a rattlesnake or cottonmouth or coral snake looks like. And copperheads aren’t common where I live. This snake is useful.

Here’s where I find myself being intolerant and judgmental. I apologize in advance. I live in a rural area and spend a lot of time outdoors. If I screeched every time I saw a rat or a bee, it would be really screechy at the Hermits’ Rest.

Or a worm-like insect. We sure have our share of caterpillars.

I just wonder why people choose to live here in the land of mesquite, greenbrier, cactus, and poison ivy without learning to identify them so they can avoid them, and dress safely when straying off sidewalks and manicured lawns. And why not learn which are the very few insects, spiders, or snakes that can actually hurt you and just let the others be? Or study them. Dang, this bold jumping spider is CUTE.

Look at that face! I know it’s a friend. Black widows don’t get to cruise around on my shoes.

There’s enough human-made nastiness right now that’s flooding us either fear (or sadness; I felt like weeping from the loss of hope today). It’s such a good feeling to know your place in nature and appreciate that every living thing has a “job” or reason to be in the ecosystem. Why scream at a rodent when you can deal with them and then observe them outdoors? Besides, cute li’l bunnies are rodents!

No rabbit photo, so here’s some rabbit tobacco. It’s a plant (Diaperia verna)

And those mean plants? Many are delicious! I’ve eaten greenbrier shoots every day this week, and anyone who’s tried nopales knows cactus is yummy. You just have to learn about it.

You can’t eat this, but isn’t it pretty? Wild indigo sepals after the petals fell out. Baptisia leucophaea

Yes, I’m judgmental about the squeamish. I’m probably lucky I wasn’t born with any phobias and learned to deal with my fear (flying roaches) pretty early in adulthood. Once I learned more about them, I’ve become very comfortable around the diversely defensive plants and animals I see. I hope more folks who are fearful out in nature can try this! You don’t have to become a Master Naturalist, just read about our world’s inhabitants, their habits, and how to deal with them safely.

On that note, enjoy White Pelicans, who are harmless except to fish.

I’m still working on that other topic from yesterday. I’ll get to it now that I’m in a very quiet campground on Lake Somerville. It’s pretty darned nice.

I Can Have a Theme if I Want To

The freedom is getting to me. I may have mentioned that I randomly decided to have a color theme for each month this year. January was black. I was pretty sad that month. The rest of the year is more cheerful, with pink February and purple March.

I had written orange down for April, but all last month I was planning for green. So I switched to green for April. Because I’m my own boss! Yes! I just wish I paid me more.

But not just nails, oh no! It’s hair, too. I’ve never had green hair before. It’s, um, green all right.

I will wear a lot of green, but I’m not gonna go nuts. Just some touches for whimsy. I just need fun right now to keep me going. This doesn’t cost much and I no longer care what people think about how I look (not that I ever did).

I indulged myself today by taking all the time I needed to tally up the birds I saw in March. I have a spreadsheet, you know. I keep track of birds I see at the Hermits’ Rest, elsewhere in Texas, and other states I visit. I share the findings for each month on the blog, too. You can see for yourself what the 84 birds here in March were. You can also see last year, too. I discovered that the only other time Merlin heard a Short-eared Owl was last March. This information alone spurs me on to make it until March 2026!

I really should see them in winter. Maybe they’re migrating in March. Photo from Pexels.

Speaking of green stuff and our ranch, the whole property other than pastures was mowed and trimmed today. It looks very neat. They accidentally mowed the wildflowers on the roadside, which made me sad. Maybe some flowers will come back. The wildflower strip that’s not mowed still looks pretty ragged, so we may just need to try again next year.

There’s good news, though. They moved the round pen to the little field in front of the house, so I’ll have a lot more space for horse training equipment. I can have a gate to practice on, my own cowboy curtain, etc.! Note that, as set up, the round pen is sort of a trapezoid. We will fix it.

I introduced Apache to the new location today. The goal was to just get him over there, but we made it in and did some circles and figure eights. He was not thrilled, but I handled it fine. Then we went back and trotted in the circle-ish area where the pen used to be. He’s such a creature of habit. He still balks at the higher jump. It’s okay.

No photos of the horse today, but, look! I have a blurry photo to show the Northern Harrier does exist here!

What’s the point of all this babbling? I want to encourage you to go and find your fun and indulge in what you love. It’s more important now than ever. The joy we can bring to ourselves is ours and ours alone. I’m not going to let my right to do silly things get taken away, because these little things strengthen me to keep fighting for my rights and the rights of people I care about. I think that’s true for us all.

I declare April to be not only the cruelest month, but also the greenest. So mote it be.

Exploring New Territory

Yesterday was challenging, so I didn’t get the gumption to write anything, which isn’t good for someone who’s supposed to be writing at least something every day. That leaves lots for today, though! A bit of traveling was just what I needed, once we were able to settle down.

There were many communication issues that made getting out of town a challenge for me and Lee–as it often happens with couples, each of us was trying to do our best to help the other, but not in ways that were appreciated. That left me unsettled, but we got over it.

The drive to Lake Brownwood State Park was pretty, though. All the redbud trees were blooming along the roadside, and we went by many properties that looked like they were being managed sustainably, with lush acres of long grass and a few cattle every so often. It’s nice to see that some of the effort our Parks and Wildlife folks (among others) are putting into education is working.

Wild redbuds in bloom make everything better

Lake Brownwood is very big, and I have to say that Brownwood and Early look like fun Western-themed towns to visit, too. I’m glad I decided to camp out here without knowing anything at all about this part of the center of Texas, because it was a pleasant surprise. We will have to come back, and as you’ll see, there’s incentive!

Here’s where we are. They call it the heart of Texas.

After we arrived, we had to clean up a lot of leaking water from a repair that doesn’t seem to have worked, no matter how hard we try to get the “shark bite” thing on. We now think there may be other water issues, so bletch, as I used to say as a teen, we have no water. But hey, we are close to restrooms and have plenty of bottles, so it’s not the end of the world.

I managed to get a couple of short walks around the lake in, while Lee went to the hardware store, etc. There are lots of birds, but it’s heavy on White-winged Doves, Cardinals, Bewick’s Wrens, and Red-winged Blackbirds. In other words, nothing to write home about. I did take lots of plant photos, so iNaturalist is happy, and I learned how many kinds of oaks bloom at the same time (lots).

Today I got up early because there was going to be a ranger-led hike called “Sneak Peek.” I wasn’t sure what that was all about, but I got in at the last minute and headed over to the park headquarters. It turned out that two families who all knew each other and I were to go look at the overs 800 acres that have recently been added to this park, thanks to sales tax funding. I was a bit apprehensive about doing the hike with all the children (all boys except one teen’s girlfriend), but it turned out they have been trained very well by one of the dads, who is a very experienced outdoorsman and is in the large RV extremely close to ours with many children.

The new land is just beautiful, with a few cabins already on it and lots of acres that have already been cleared of mesquite. Great views of the lake were everywhere, including the spots where they are considering adding camping loops. They even have a new park headquarters location scouted out. We just now have to see if funding for THAT gets passed in today’s nasty climate for anything educational or good for the ecosystem.

We saw deer, many raptors, much hog dung, and evidence of ringtails (thanks to the outdoorsman and his ability to read footprints). There was a cool boxcar in the middle of one field that seems to have been used as a hunting base, too. I took lots of plant photos and identified birds for the ranger, who is a herp expert. Actually, this guy, George, is a super skilled nature interpreter with loads of knowledge about the area, so I learned a lot.

I came back to rest, at which point Lee got attacked by a yellowjacket that had crawled up his pants leg. It got him at least three times, which is not good at all with all his allergies. Benadryl ointment helped, though, and he made it. That let me go back out and enjoy a snake and turtle demo by Ranger George, which was very well attended. We especially enjoyed one toddler who was completely taken with the snakes and was very happy to touch and look at them. Her little eyes were just shining, and she could not look away. The lady next to me said she must be a future biologist.

That was enough outdoor life for me, though I did wander around over a pedestrian bridge and pathway that had a hedge of dewberries leading to it. There were so many flowers that the air was perfumed. It made the bees and butterflies happy, too. You can’t beat that if you love nature!

I came back and had a nice conversation with our other next-door neighbors, who are friendly retirees from Cedar Park. We had the usual conversation about how the area has changed, and complained about the legislature wants to dismantle the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Grr.

Yeah, who needs nature, education, and recreation?

Tonight, rest. Tomorrow, hiking!

Visiting Aransas National Wildlife Reserve

Yesterday we reluctantly checked out of our cute and convenient hotel, and after I bought a new hat (my Master Naturalist hat is now part of the oyster beds), we embarked on the journey to the nearby wildlife reserve. We’d seen the water side of it when we went on the boat ride. Now was time to see the land parts (and more water).

The Inn at Fulton Harbor is a pleasant place.

We were somewhat hampered by the fact that the headquarters had no power. But we wanted to be outside anyway. There were many plants and birds to identify. I went over to some oak trees and saw a Couch’s Kingbird and Great Kiskadee. That was a nice switch from all the water and shore birds earlier.

The bonus was an alligator, conveniently located in the alligator viewing area.

We next drove to Jones Lake, a freshwater lake on the reserve. It was really low, so all the life was concentrated around it. There was a group of Blue-winged Teals and one Greater Yellowlegs off on one side, and a family of feral hogs on the other. In the middle, in what little water was left, was an alligator.

Only after a while did we realize there was another gator on the shore. It was huge. It looked like it had eaten a piglet. I bet it’s famous in these parts!

Next we ventured past the bay on our way to the observation decks and boardwalks. No one wanted to go up but me, even though there was a ramp to go up, not stairs. The view was beautiful across the islands and water. I saw herons and egrets, but that’s about it for birds.

After that we walked the boardwalk and trail with our cameras going like crazy. Watching Linda Jo and Ann discussing the plants they encounter is quite educational. They know so much about nature. I’m privileged to get to spend time with them.

Once we were done, we took the long way back along the nine-mile interior road. It’s not spectacular scenery but it’s certainly an interesting ecosystem for all the animals, plants, and fishies. one thing is for sure: this place is huge. I’m glad we made this trip.

There definitely was a lot to see in this unique habitat.

Whew. We were done! We chatted on the way home and it seemed like no time until we were back.

I was wiped out when I got home but of course took care of the horses. Then I collapsed.

Today I did chores and more chores, but it was such a pleasant day that I enjoyed it all. As a bonus I went out in our former woods to see if any of the interesting wildflowers were blooming yet. Yes! The spring beauties were where they were last year! I do love those stripey darlings.

I also verified that although it’s dryer than usual, both our springs are still flowing. That’s a relief.

I also found a few bluebonnets starting to bloom, just a couple weeks late. I feel more settled.

Apache didn’t feel settled this afternoon. I was proud of how well he handled many trucks driving around and a lawn mower attacking his area. He didn’t get upset until we were done and Lee pulled the lawn mower up. I wish I’d gotten a picture of the stink eye he was giving Lee.

Instead, enjoy Penney in a rare display of dignity.

I guess in summary we had a great trip to the coast and it was equally fine to come home. On to week 2 of unemployment. I mean, retirement.

Losing Myself in Birds

What activities do you lose yourself in?

There are many activities I enjoy. Right now, though, birding is what I lose myself in. Time stands still and I let myself feel at peace when I’m watching their antics. They are so different and fascinating to me.

Today was all about birds, starting with a birding boat trip where I saw eight new birds for my life list. We went into the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and were delighted by the variety of species good old Captain Tommy spotted (I spotted some, too).

The highlight, of course, was spotting many Whooping Cranes enjoying their crab fests. We lucked out and got to observe parents and a hefty juvenile fairly close. The crabbing was excellent.

We saw a couple of pairs fly off, too. Those massive aviators are so graceful.

We also got to see Oystercatchers nesting, many different gulls, Roseate Spoonbills, cormorants (both kinds), White Ibis, and young Great Blue Herons. The adults are all nesting.

You can’t see it, but an Oystercatcher nest is in that brush. We also saw many huge barges.

After the boat, we journeyed to Port Aransas, which was a longer ride than usual thanks to ferry delays (spring break). But the place we went was pretty darned impressive, even if it was right next to the sewer plant and garbage truck headquarters. It was the Leonabelle Turner Birding Center, with beautiful boardwalks overlooking hundreds of water birds.

The water was so clear you could see what the teals and shovelers were shoveling. Oh there were so many ducks!

There were also herons and egrets galore, who hung out with Ibises.

A flock of White Pelicans had camped out in the distance.

Also there were Long-billed Dowitchers, Black-necked Stilts, Coots, and Gallinules. So many birds. The stilts were hilarious and by far my favorite.

I’m too tired for more details, but we had a good day, especially when helping others or learning from more knowledgeable folks. We met many very cool people.

Whooping Cranes Don’t Make You Cough

My silly dear friend Mike said they do. Maybe that’s why they want you to stay a respectful Dusty from them.

Yes, I saw my first Whooping Cranes today, as two Master Naturalist friends and I headed to Rockport to see them. On the way down we “only” stopped three times to look at plants for iNaturalist. That was easier because there were still few wildflowers.

We did see a few pink evening primroses.

We only nearly lost our lives once when we were trying to turn left and a car didn’t notice I was stopped and signaling. I’m glad the other ladies couldn’t see in the rear-view mirror what I saw. But hey, flowers were seen.

We visited Goose Island to find the Whooping Cranes, which were hanging out with Roseate Spoonbills and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks. There was even a juvenile. We hope to see more tomorrow, but this was cool.

Even cooler to me was the incredible heron rookery we visited next. Oh my gosh, there were so many beautiful breeding Great Blue Herons! They were in beautiful windswept oaks.

I saw males bringing sticks to females, who would add them to their nests. They were very affectionate, rubbing necks and clicking one bill over another. I got to see mating and squabbling, too. This was truly awe-inspiring for me.

Later we visited another couple of places looking for birds, but mostly saw scenery.

Everyone else was in bed before 9 pm. I’m still here. More fun tomorrow.

Duck, Duck, Goose…Coot, Loon

Camping days always help me when I’m trying to figure out what’s next. I’m patiently waiting to do any big moves on the job elimination front until I talk to my boss on Monday. Thus, spending time with Jennifer and Lee was ideal. I was too busy to ponder. I just looked at waterfowl and went into the bowels of the earth to stay centered.

I got to sleep above the cab in the RV last night (and tonight) so Jen can use the bedroom. It’s really fun! I don’t know why our friends who don’t have bad knees refuse to sleep there.

This morning, Jen and I went to the bird blind, which wasn’t here at Inks Lake State Park last time I was here (over a decade ago). It was built by Master Naturalists, which made me proud. It was a big one, but there were no exotic birds. The Lesser Goldfinches and Black Crested Titmice were pretty, though, and fun to watch.

Too tired to label the images, but note that the squirrel is it a bird.

We next ambled over to the shore of the lake, where we were ridiculously delighted to watch groups of ducks, geese, coots, and such. There was also one Great Egret. Most of the ducks were Blue-winged Teals and Gadwalls, but it was exciting to see our first Buffleheads up (sorta) close. They were diving and popping up again and again. Gorgeous birds. Big ole buffly heads, too. Canada Geese were flying and honking as well, plus I heard a loon. Ah, loons. It was very hard to leave that spot.

We went and sat on the bird-watching benches for a while and got to watch Cedar Waxwings and listen to extra pumped-up Bewick’s and Carolina Wrens. They had a lot to say.

After lunch, Lee and I went to Longhorn Caverns, which is right down the road. It’s a beautiful road, Park Road 4, which is on the National Register of Historic Places AND goes by my favorite rocks. They are beautiful red granite karst formations.

The cavern is way up a hill, and has a fascinating history, having hosted dancing and other music, up until not that long ago (I went with my friend Jeff when he played there i. The early 2000s). The buildings are marvels of Civilian Conservation Corps work in the 1930s. The old visitor center has walls of calcium carbonate crystals and intricate stonework.

And, as with most caves, the caverns were beautiful. We also got to see tiny Tri-colored bats. Extra cute. The only negative experience was that Lee hit his head on a low “ceiling” and fell as he lost his balance. A family stepped in to help him, explaining that they’d just finished helping his elderly mother navigate on a visit. Lee took it all with great humor, but it was embarrassing, especially the second time he hit his head. The couple watched him like hawks after that.

We survived and made it back to the RV. Jen and I convinced Lee to go to dinner in Burnet with us, which was a good decision. The Mama’s Kitchen restaurant was excellent and we had fun! All in all, it was a good day. More to come!

Enthusiastic about Enthusiasts

Who are your favorite people to be around?

Great question, prompt writers! I have a response.

Tonight I attended the Master Naturalist training class on birds for this year. I was supposed to have a horse lesson, but it was canceled due to the nasty cold and winds. Thus, I did my other option and I’m glad I did.

Suna learned how we birds breathe and what our “wishbones” do.

The speaker was brilliant, a gifted teacher and master birder. Those in our group who feel like we know birds were learning so many details we didn’t want it to stop! (Okay, probably my friend Ann knew most of the stuff.) I’m very glad to have spent four hours learning from him.

He mentioned that woodpeckers have fat around their brains to protect them from all that pecking action.

What struck me as relevant to today’s topic was that he talked about how great it is to love birds, because anyone you meet will have a bird story. Birds give strangers a common topic to start out on (or stay with). It rang so true for me as I think back on how many interesting people I’ve met while birding on camping trips. I guess my favorite people are those with a passion to share.

We learned shore birds aren’t usually territorial. They have plenty to eat.

But it’s not just birds. I find horses often lead to great conversations, and when you meet a fellow equestrian, you practically have to force yourselves to stop talking. I have to also love horse people. Heck. Enthusiasts of all kinds can be most enthusiastic!

Finding common ground may save us if we make the effort. We all have things in common if we take the time to look for them.

I bet you have a bird story or two you could share with me!

Counting Birds and Holding Steady

What luck. This weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count.

This provides me with a perfect excuse to sit outside in my chair for hours and track what birds show up. I needed that healing time, and the peace of being outdoors. Since there was a break in the weather and the sun came out, I got a lot of healing time out of the break.

It was so green! But frigid air is returning.

Plus, I found 46 species of birds today, which will be great for the count. We’re so lucky here that I can see water birds, woodland birds, and meadow birds (like Meadowlarks!). Even a duck flew over, an American Wigeon. I wish ducks liked our ponds more, but they mainly attract shore birds. At least mostly all the winter sparrows and the Pipit showed up: White-crowned, White-throated, Savannah, Vesper, Field, Harris’s, Song, and House (technically an Old World species). So many little brown birds. I just love watching them, the Cardinals, the Chickadees, and the Titmice searching for tasty morsels.

Okay, so when I wasn’t birding I did my nails, which always distracts me for an hour each week as I try not to wrinkle the polish or put them on wonky. These look pretty cool.

I was writing up the Master Naturalist meeting minutes in my office and kept thinking I saw Goldie on the sofa. Or couch. I had to make it look different and not remind me so much of her or I’d dread going in there. So, I washed the cover I’d put on to try to prevent more damage to it. But, then I remembered how filthy she had gotten the upholstery by getting on it when dirty or skunked or bleeding.

Hey, I helped with that and am still here!

So I got out the upholstery cleaner stuff and went to town on that grime. I guess that was the equivalent of our nephew digging a giant hole for her burial yesterday —I poured my sadness into scrubbing. And it worked. The fabric looks way better and smells less “doggy.” I now remember how I’d decorated the room, too.

Hopefully tomorrow I’ll take my grief out on the muddy and bur-covered horses. They were pretty icky looking when I fed them.

Anyway, thanks for your good thoughts and kind words. I’m feeling very cared for today. If you ever wonder whether words of sympathy after a loved one (human or not) passes are helpful to the bereaved, I can tell you they are.

Welcome Light

Tomorrow is Imbolc, a celebration that light is starting to appear from darkest winter (among other things). Nature brought the light a little early, and provided us with a rare cool, sunny day. It was mighty pleasant.

I enjoyed a break from my very busy week by sitting outside after work, reflecting on how much I value my connections and wish I could cultivate them more.

I’m too busy sitting with birds, I guess.

At least I talked to my friend Donna yesterday, and she reminded me that the Purple Martins start to return this time of year. I also saw the bluebonnets getting bigger today, and I was happy, even though the speaker at last night’s Master Naturalist class informed us they are not native here, just in the granite areas of the hill country. Poo.

Lee was practicing with his camera so you can see what I look like when listening to and watching birds.

I know spring is coming, with turkey eggs every other day, calendar changes, getting my first new temperature blanket module done (tomorrow), and a new theme color for my journal and nail polishes. Stereotypical, it’s true, but February is all pink. I might even have pink in my hair. Ooooh.