So this post should have been yesterday’s post. Indeed I was so excited to show you the Gordian Worms that I hit the publish button too quick. LOL Thus these were our first stops from that outing (2023-07-28).
After the exploring grasslands by foot, we made our way by vehicle. It was a drive-about with some stops at drainage ditches and creeks.
First stop was at a dry creek. The Anglepod (Gonolobus suberosus syn Matelea gonocarpos) had climbed up from ten feet below the bridge. I took a small sample of the vine to confirm its identity. Neither of us had ever noticed or remembered the yellow before.
What we knew was the greenish petals. A very interesting plant!
Second stop was another dry drainage ditch. A huge old Sycamore was magnificent!
A branch had fallen to the ground. We marveled at the beautiful pattern and subtle colors of the bark.
The nearby Mustang Grape (Vitis mustangensis) was loaded! Yum! I tried one. It was sweet with a hint of tart.
Third stop was a real bridge. As we approached the edge a raccoon quickly scurried into the brush. The herons and egrets flew further up the creek. As you can see only small pools of water remained.
An unknown vine used the top rail of the bridge.
Looking straight down off the bridge, Jeanne saw the snake. It was either a Gartersnake or a Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis).
Note: This was the first sighting of the Gordian Worms that day. Using my binoculars I spotted the Horsehair worms or also called Gordian worms (Nematomorpha or sometimes called Gordiida)! That was exciting! However there was no good way down to get a closer look.
So tomorrow’s post will conclude the July 28th outing at the last stop.
Speaking of Ribbon Snakes, a friend down here had a Texas Patch-nosed Snake. I wasn’t aware of this species and on first glance of her pic I would have thought ribbon. Next one I see I hope I can photograph it. I don’t know which one we have going off memory.
Forgot to add I had a light colored 3-4 ft long Coachwhip in my backyard a couple days ago. Startled me as it was under my faucet where I go often to turn on watering for one thing or another. Man they move fast. They are a blur!
It was just starting to get shade there and no water drips so I think it was just passing by. Every year we find a 4 ft long shed skin by the old chicken house, which is near our cabin. But the new build area is even closer to the old chicken house and very likely the activity has disturbed many things away from that area. Oh and inside the old chicken house we have a bumblebee nest. They nailed Gary on the head last week. That is how we found out. Too much stored stuff to actually see the nest but the bees are coming and going constantly. FYI Tecoma stans var. angustata is a great bumblebee nectar plant. It is also very drought tolerant and I have never seen it wilt.
Cicada wings. Who would have thought it. Love the snake.
I love your deep dive looks at the roadside attractions. I think the snake is a western ribbon snake.
Good to know. I was hesitate to put the exact species not being as familiar with snake species without a closer look.
I’m by no means an expert, but I think I’ve been told that the orange dorsal stripe is an important indicator.
Sounds like a good field mark! THanks!!
Speaking of Ribbon Snakes, a friend down here had a Texas Patch-nosed Snake. I wasn’t aware of this species and on first glance of her pic I would have thought ribbon. Next one I see I hope I can photograph it. I don’t know which one we have going off memory.
That sounds exciting….a new species to keep an eye out for!
Forgot to add I had a light colored 3-4 ft long Coachwhip in my backyard a couple days ago. Startled me as it was under my faucet where I go often to turn on watering for one thing or another. Man they move fast. They are a blur!
Neat! Do you think it was cooling off?
It was just starting to get shade there and no water drips so I think it was just passing by. Every year we find a 4 ft long shed skin by the old chicken house, which is near our cabin. But the new build area is even closer to the old chicken house and very likely the activity has disturbed many things away from that area. Oh and inside the old chicken house we have a bumblebee nest. They nailed Gary on the head last week. That is how we found out. Too much stored stuff to actually see the nest but the bees are coming and going constantly. FYI Tecoma stans var. angustata is a great bumblebee nectar plant. It is also very drought tolerant and I have never seen it wilt.
Sorry Gary. 🙁 Does he have a big head now. 😉 You had that in the alley at your Carrollton right? It was so pretty.