They're not the best shots, but I finally got the red-shouldered hawk on camera. This one lit near the tent, so I was able to get this pic before it took flight (usually it takes off before you can get the camera aimed), and one in flight, which is posted on the birds page.

One of our watersnakes (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa) has a new favorite spot at the bridge.

First Gault blue bonnets of the spring were seen today, photo on the plants and trees page.

A pair of barred owls (Strix varia) has been heard calling back and forth at various points around Gault recently, but sightings have been limited to glimpses. Hopefully we'll be able to get a photo...

Jill Patton contributed this photo of a congregation of blotched plain-bellied watersnakes basking next to Buttermilk Creek, in April 2009.

Early Spring

Signs of an early spring at Gault: blooms on the wild plum tree (Prunus mexicana) on the lane (photo forthcoming), and a snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina). I was investigating the presence of a handful of turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) milling about the creek near the bridge, and noticed the decomposed remnants of an unidentified small mammal (opposum-sized) laying partially submerged on the edge of the creek. It was possibly a victim of the recent high water event. I was trying to identify it when I noticed movement beneath it in the water. Snapping turtles are 'vultures' of the underwater world, and this one was scavenging a meal. Unfortunately, I was only at the site to check on the pumps today, and I left my camera at home. Maybe the meal will last a few more days...

The Identified Taxa list has grown with the addition of a bird list compiled in 2008-2009 mainly by Byron Stone, with contributions from Jeremy Russell and Mike Rogan. Also, check out the screech owl pic by Clark Wernecke on the Birds page.