Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park is worth the trip. We have been there several times. We did not see the alligators this time. It was too hot for Gracie (our dog) to walk that far, but we have seen them plenty of times before at this park. We actually took a two mile trail early in the morning that Gracie could do and we had not walked this trail before. It was the Red Buckeye/Big Creek trail that runs along the Brazos River and Big Creek. It was nice and shady the whole way. And we only saw two other small groups that passed us.
The vines were huge! I could not see the leaves to know what kind they were. I forgot to bring my binoculars.
Vines and crustose lichens
Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var drummondii) was growing wild all over.
Turk’s Cap buds
False Mint (Dicliptera brachiata) is a plant that can be found in wet area here in North Texas too.
Usnea and Parmotrema species of lichens on a twig. Lots of cool lichens!
A species of a mantleslugs, maybe Philomycus virginicus.
When I touched it, it drew itself in.
Turkeytail shelf fungus
No clue what genus this mushroom belongs to but the underside was much more interesting than the cap.
This was the cap. Ok, it is cool too. 😉
Common garden snails on Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
Dwarf Palmetto (Sabal minor)
This armadillo was busy and took this tunnel to get to the other side. Also we saw plenty of deer.
Not sure what kind of insect made this cocoon, but sure was pretty bright green.
View of the Brazos River
A view of the 40 Acre Lake. This lake is the good spot to see the alligators.
We did see the Common Gallinule. It is a type of rail.
Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha) was the coolest fungus for me.
Another view of Dead Man’s Fingers
A group of Dead Man’s Fingers. I just love the common name.
Nice report, Mary. I haven't visited Brazos Bend for many years. Might need to plan a trip.
Looks like fun! Neat to see the speckled slugs