Bochica and the Bird

Even though I normally dislike brown headed cowbirds, today was the exception. I was sitting in the rocking chair on my front porch, taking a break, when I noticed a little brown headed cowbird just behind Bochica's front foot.

Any bugs for me?

Then I noted that the little bird went around just to the front of his nose.

Hurry up and scare up some bugs!

Then it went even closer, right up to his nose!

Hi There!

Just as it touched his nose, Bochica ever so gently pushed him back a little.

Too close, huh?

The little bird came right back. I sat there a good 15 minutes, just watching the two of them. My sweet little horse!  Just one example of the joys of living in the country!

Butterflies, Butterflies, Butterflies

Wow--this year the butterflies are abundant! I literally have had hundreds flying around. These are just a few photos of these beauties:

I wonder if this one is laying eggs--she (or he) has been resting in the petunia for three days. Moves just a little each day.

Viceroy

This little beauty landed on my golf cart to say hello.

Question Mark

Can you spot this tiny one?

Haven't identified yet

This is my favorite.

Red Admiral

But the best is to come:  I looked up at the barn, and to my surprise, there was a line of butterflies hatching! Wow! This is just one of the twenty+. One of the children in my nature group, Library Learning Patch-Children Discovering Nature,  gave a report in which he educated us about butterflies. Apparently, they hang on like this until their wings dry. 

This one was just sitting quietly, shortly after hatching.

Resting for a while

Then, later, one spread his wings for me.

Mourning Cloak

There is still one I haven't been able to photograph--a tiny yellow one.

I can't end the post without showing you my favorite moth:

Luna Moth

Stay tuned--maybe I'll capture the yellow one yet--on film of course. :)

A Visit to a Texas State Park

A couple of weeks ago a friend took me to Daingerfield State Park. I didn't even know it existed--but what a nice place to spend the day. There is a swimming beach, paddle boats and canoes for rent, camping areas, and easy walking trails. We opted to walk one of the trails. Nice! I saw my first shortleaf pine--believe it or not, I recognized it right away--the bark was different!

Different bark than my loblolly pines

It was a beautiful day--perfect shirtsleeve weather. I snapped a few photos along the way: This anole lizard was easy to spot.

This little fellow posed for me.

The butterflies just would not be still and pose! At times there was a large group of them. I wonder what the correct term is for a group of butterflies. Anyone know?

I wonder what they are doing.

Pretty lily pads

          This little park is a jewel. I would love to go back and stay for a couple of days. Now I want to check out other Texas State Parks!

Stay tuned!