Butterflies

The Virginians are in town for a few weeks, and thanks to the explosive thistle crop this year, we're learning all about butterflies (mostly from catching and releasing them from the tent). The arthropods page is quickly filling up with the colorful winged creatures.

Spring rains have made Gault lush and green. Several new flower species have been added to the list and photo pages, as well as the butterflies and other insects that feed upon them. It looks like we will have some nice Mexican plums later this year...

It's been a wet March, so we have a very green Gault this Spring. Bluebonnets and all.

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...