We were out before dawn at the grasslands. It was quail survey day. Indeed our hopes were high. But alas no bobwhites were detected that Sunday morning.
A beautiful predawn sight at the grasslands!
Sometimes the cows are entertaining. A young bull had tried to get in on breakfast. Mama, certainly was not going to let that happen.
After the survey, we continued on for a few hours on the grasslands. Here is some of what we found. Wand Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) was so colorful!
Three amigos, Foxtail Cactus (Escobaria vivipara var. radiosa)!
Looks like a laughing and happy Salvia texana – Texas sage ( Thanks Suzanne for the correction!)
The Skeleton Plant’s (Lygodesmia texana) teeth were highlighted in the early morning light.
Blister Beetles were seen on several of the Skeleton Plants!
Munch, munch!
Many had gone to seed! We collected a couple of seeds to add to our prairies. So now I will drop the seeds to side of my limestone gravel driveway. Fingers crossed.
We had never noticed that the Skeleton Plant had white sap as seen here. Yet it says as plain as day in the flora that it does LOL.
However, the most interesting one was this one. It was pooping pink frass! Guess you can tell what it had been eating, eh!
They also do a yearly deer survey. I have only done that once. I don’t like going out late at night 🤷🏻♀️It starts around 10pm and last a couple of hours.
Another survey I have done with/for them was the Prairie Bird survey. That was for 5 years in a row about 15 or so years ago.
I think all milkweed is pretty. And the skeleton plant flower is beautiful when close enough to really see it which i would never have done without your picture. Thanks.
I wasn’t aware of quail survey day – is that done for the Forest Service staff?
Yes for the Forest Service at the grasslands. I do it for them usually every year.
They also do a yearly deer survey. I have only done that once. I don’t like going out late at night 🤷🏻♀️It starts around 10pm and last a couple of hours.
Another survey I have done with/for them was the Prairie Bird survey. That was for 5 years in a row about 15 or so years ago.
I think all milkweed is pretty. And the skeleton plant flower is beautiful when close enough to really see it which i would never have done without your picture. Thanks.
Huh interesting about the beetle frass! Looks like a good day.