The grasslands were originally purchased in the Dust Bowl by the government. So many of the ponds and terraces were constructed to keep further damage from occurring and stop the soil from blowing and eroding away. To be sure, I for one am glad they did.
A stand of Big Bluestem! Where? In this photo it was the curly lighter brown grasses that was laying over.
The Bobwhites left their mark with a small pile of scat. The little white spots are key to ID’ing it as a Bobwhite.
In an open spot, small holes left behind by insects. I wondered if they have been a type of ground bee.
Ground Plum (Astragalus crassicarpus) was scattered about!
We were a ways from any pecan trees, but here was the remains of a pecan. Perhaps a crow dropped it? Many times I have more questions than answers on the who done it. 🙂
The Bastard Toadflax (Comandra umbellata) was a cool find! Of course this always brings back memories of the sparkle in Shirley‘s eye when she told someone the common name. LOL
Indeed, the Weissia moss takes advantage of a bare spot!
A ground lichen in the genus Psora also appreciated the open bare spots as well! Psoras’ common name are scale lichens.
In fact, the lichens and mosses often hold tight while the soil washes the dirt further down the hill. In this example, it was more of the scale lichens. But this time they were left on their pedestals of soil.
A survey marker was completely out of the ground. In this instance, it was unclear whether erosion was the cause.
Finally, did any of you see the afternoon clouds today? In fact, they were awesome late in the afternoon!
Furthermore, when the clouds were directly overhead, a cold wind blew in. Additionally the temperature dropped ten degrees. Only moments before it was a warm south wind and seventy-six. However, not a drop of rain was had at our house. Certainly, some of you got some?
Have been in Far West Texas for the last week and just saw some rain last night. Fort Davis is expecting 2” of snow the next couple of days…glad we are making our way back to Houston. I did hear about a lot of storms in DFW last night from my parents. Love seeing the new blooms and quail scat.
Interesting about the quail poop. I did not know that. Thanks
Exciting to see signs of bobwhite! And very important little friends in the soil. Good neighbors to have.
I agree with Judy – I didn’t know bobwhite scat is easy to ID. And that was a gorgeous ground plum specimen!
Have been in Far West Texas for the last week and just saw some rain last night. Fort Davis is expecting 2” of snow the next couple of days…glad we are making our way back to Houston. I did hear about a lot of storms in DFW last night from my parents. Love seeing the new blooms and quail scat.
I love west Texas! Wow and snow. Crazy eh.