So it has been a while since we have had any substantial rain in North Texas. But Monday morning (28th) was fairly cool relative to recent mornings. So Jeanne and I headed over to the grasslands to check it out.
Mississippi Kite watched us as we slowed to watch back. One of the easier birds to recognize in flight with it longer fan shaped tail and slender pointed wings. While sitting it back and tail are dark with a white head, a black mask and a small beak. Soon they will head south to South America for the winter. In the air they will hunt and catch median to large insects with their feet. In fact they often eat in the air as well. Besides insects their prey includes frogs, lizards, and even small birds to mention a few. Snags are a favorite sitting perch.
Most of grasses are crispy and brown. However plants are still hanging on. Pretty much a testament to their survival strategies.
It is not going to be a spectacular year for the Gayfeather (Liatris punctata var. mucronata). This one was thinking about blooming soon. Most however will wait a few more weeks to bloom.
The Plantain (Plantago) had already dropped it seeds.
A few of the Daleas had greenish leaves. Of course they had finished blooming some weeks ago.
Brown on brown. 🙂 Tall Grama (Bouteloua pectinata).
Clearly the Queen’s Delight (Stillingia texana) was adding to the prairie’s color!
A closeup of the Queen’s Delight (Stillingia texana) seeds! This perennial species only likes the shallow soils on limestone barrens so of course it was doing ok. Not spectacular, but just okay.
More tomorrow!
Don’t forget there is a super duper blue supermoon tonight.
Kites are so beautiful and i will miss them when they leave