Oh goodness was it nice out today. So of course, I just had to go the grasslands. And I know you are dying to know what the bird was. 🙂
Well, I will get right to it! A Crested Caracara was new for the LBJNG for me.! Amazingly I was able to pull the camera out in time to snap a shot. The Caracara’s range seems to be expanding. I have seen it once or twice in Wise County in the last year or so. Plus others have reported as well.
Plums are blooming! My mouth is already watering for the sweet taste of wild plums!
A beautiful fresh looking spines of a Spinystar or Foxtail Cactus (Escobaria vivipara var radiosa)!
The above cactus will have a similar colored flower as this Redbud. The cactus will flower in May.
Horace’s Duskywing!
A Variegated Fritillary stopped long enough at the plums for a quick sip!
Cymopterus (Vesper macrorhizus) on the barrens.
Last season’s Eryngo.
Possumhaw’s leaves are sprouting. However, a few berries were still hanging on.
Next, the winter form of a Sleepy Orange blends in with oak leaves. So with all the butterflies getting active, it is time to brush up on their IDs.
Last, but not least, the Johnny-jump-up (Viola bicolor) are jumping! Look for this annual in sandy soils.
Winter is still here, however spring is trying its best to get its foot in the door. 🙂
Super sighting on the caracara!!!
A wonderful blog. So many cool things. Especially the carara. I haven’t seen one here yet.
Glorious spring! Love the giant clam too.
I loved that you can count the layers. Pretty cool.
Spring is popping up all over! I didn’t know the sleepy orange has a winter form. Woot for the caracara sighting!
Indeed!
Oh wow that is definitely a range jump for a caracara! Impressive!
For sure!