Second day of the Bobwhite survey today. There will be more but I’m waiting until July to conclude the survey.
This beautiful specimen of the Golden Dalea (Dalea aurea) was at the first stop!
Indeed the second survey point is always a favorite for the scenery. It has been be a good spot for Bobwhites in the past. However none have been heard here in several years. 🙁
And this was the best closeup bird I saw today, a Painted Bunting!
No Bobs here either.
Then Jeanne had decided to look at some Klinegrass (Panicum coloratum). She pointed out the pimples at base of the hairs. Of course before we looked at the grass closely, we took a look at our wonderful new friend, a Shovelhead Leafhopper (Spangbergiella vulnerata). Without magnification we could not see the beautiful colors!
With no luck on the Bobwhite survey this morning, we headed over to check nest boxes on private property.
So on the neighbor’s side of the fence these donkeys came towards us. They were a bit shy. And only one came to sniff my outstretched hand. My research suggested they are called Jerusalem donkeys.
Here was the WOW plant of the day, a Narrow-leaf Morning Glory (Ipomoea shumardiana). It was an exciting new location!
So no Bobwhites today, but I will be hopeful for July. In fact, a person who has a place near units at the grasslands, said there is covey that she sees quite regularly. Indeed that was a bit of hopeful news!
Certainly I will count the day as very exciting with the Shovelhead Leafhopper and even more, the Narrow-leaf Morning Glory!
What a lot of great finds indeed. Beautiful leafhopper
😌
Every trip a true adventure but some have more special finds than others for sure. This was one of those days.
For sure!
I’ve been taking pictures of leafhoppers lately because so many are so lovely when enlarged. This one is gorgeous.
They come in such amazing shapes and colors. Wonderful creature!
Hooray for a new morning glory location!
☺️