Before I get to the Prairie Seekers adventure and training yesterday…
From Kathy in the Hill Country shared with us a Black-throated Sparrow! “I don’t know if this is the same individual from mid August that had juvenile plumage back then or if it moved on and this adult came. But on Friday morning I had the pleasant surprise of this gorgeous adult behind our house. Just had to share. It has been very exciting to have this species show up. I hope they move in for good. We are right on the edge of their year-round range.” Kathy I hope you get some more.
On my way to the Prairie Seekers outing in Ft. Worth. The fog hung low in few places near Greenwood.
The big tree sometimes hosts a hawk or owl’s nest. However, none took the tree’s offer this year. Maybe 2025? Once the leaves fall it will be the perfect time to look for last season’s nests.
Then just as I turned the bend in the road, a Caracara was dining on an armadillo. I had come to stop but they flew off. Next as I slowly moved forward they thought about dining on the dead skunk another couple hundred further. They was not pleased with me and left out of my sight.
A rich natural history beckons you to Tandy Hills. So it was the location for the fall NPAT’s Prairie Seeker training. Ft. Worth’s goal is to preserve 10,000 acres of open space by 2028. Tandy Hills Natural Area and Broadcast Hill are among those green spaces.
Please stay on the trails and designated areas if you visit.
The big rocks mark the area for no further tromping. Many photographers come for this view. One of the Prairie Seekers did too.
The group listens to Michelle tell about the plants and history of the park.
The Narrow-leaf Gayfeather (Liatris punctata var mucronata) has a new beautiful look in the fall among the grasses.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) shimmered in the sun! It is one of the many beautiful grasses at Tandy Hills.
As we were wrapping up the morning, I ran across this little one. A Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea) on a stunted Narrow-leaf Gayfeather (Liatris punctata var mucronata)!
Indeed it had been the perfect day to learn about one of Ft. Worth’s natural treasures! Watch for the next Prairie Seekers training in the spring!
Me too. I loved seeing them in Big Bend and Arizona and to have them show up here is so exciting.
An occasional Vermilion Flycatcher shows up here, sometimes a male but usually a female or a juvenile. And today I heard the prettiest warbling coming from a tall post oak. Had to get my scope out to see who it was. I watched it sing so I know that is where the singing was coming from. It was a Loggerhead Shrike. I didn’t expect that from a shrike.
What would make this winter perfect would be for a Pyrrhuloxia to show up. Haven’t had one since 2019.
That’s a beautiful sparrow Kathy. Sure do hope more come. And i love the indigenous stories.
Me too. I loved seeing them in Big Bend and Arizona and to have them show up here is so exciting.
An occasional Vermilion Flycatcher shows up here, sometimes a male but usually a female or a juvenile. And today I heard the prettiest warbling coming from a tall post oak. Had to get my scope out to see who it was. I watched it sing so I know that is where the singing was coming from. It was a Loggerhead Shrike. I didn’t expect that from a shrike.
What would make this winter perfect would be for a Pyrrhuloxia to show up. Haven’t had one since 2019.
Ah, the beautiful Tandy Hills! It was a lovely day for sure. And what a treat to spot a caracara pair on your way!
Kathy, the sparrow is so exciting! I’m always watching for them when we visit Big Bend. They are one of my favorite western birds.
Very distinctive and beautiful sparrow – ex sting to see it at your place, Kathy. Hope it comes back for you.
Great article on tarantulas – always look forward to seeing them around here. Those guys are pretty doggone focused!
Great trip!