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Large alligator - about 11 ft. (3.3 m) long - lounging beside the trail around Elm Lake in Brazos Bend State Park
40 Acre Lake at Brazos Bend State Park, early in the morning before the wind has set up ripples on the water
This bird seemed half asleep. Perhaps night herons don't wake up until the sun is a little lower in the sky.........
It was foggy when I left the house and the fog got denser as I drove to the Park. I decided to leave the big lens in the car and go out with a tripod-mounted short zoom. I was so peaceful out there!
Brazos Bend State Park, SE Texas
This yellow-crowned night heron looks a little worse for wear beside Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park
Somewhat easy to mistake for a monarch butterfly, particularly if you don't see it up close
Taken during the annual butterfly count at Brazos Bend State Park, Texas
Though it looks as though these two alligators were about to get into a fight, they weren't. The one on the right most likely had its mouth open for thermal regulation. They stayed this near each other for quite some time, enough to make me think that one was male, the other female. February is close to the time they begin to pair off before mating season starts, and we don't normally see them in such close proximity otherwise.
Last Sunday morning I was pleasantly surprised to come across a pair (I assume) of bald eagles at Brazos Bend State Park. It was early, and I was alone on the trail. What a thrill it was to watch the sun rise on these birds, Later in the morning, they returned and gave several people good looks. 11/2019
A bit early for the leaves to start turning, especially in this part of Texas - however, sometimes the summer heat will do that.
Great egret in an uncharacteristic pose in Elm Lake, Brazos Bend State Park
The water here is not particularly deep, and it surprised me to see this bird so low in the water. Standing on its long legs would hoist its belly above the water surface, so I wondered if it had an injury.
These critters often appear to be grinning.
From a safe distance at Brazos Bend State Park in SE Texas. 3/2018
This heron took forever to get the fish down. As you can see by the condition of the fish in image 2, it was pretty hacked up before it was swallowed. It was a bit nasty to watch.
Very typical pose for a great blue heron, as it watches the water, waiting for an unexpecting fish or other water dweller to swim by. When it spots one, its head darts into the water like the strike of a snake, allowing it to grab its prey and satisfy its hunger for just a little longer.
Adult Little Blue in the spillway at Brazos Bend State Park. The rushing water carries fish and crustaceans which make easy meals for wading birds and gators. This was a few weeks ago. Brazos Bend State Park in SE Texas - 02/2024.
Alligator - probably a female, as there was another, larger, gator hanging out nearby - sprawled across a hiking trail at Brazos Bend State Park
I have probably seen these ducks before, but this is the first time I've ever identified one in Brazos Bend State Park.