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It's always a thrill to see hummingbirds. I think this is a female or immature male black-chinned hummingbird. That is the species most commonly seen on our place in Montell, Uvalde County, Texas. July 2018
This green anole was keeping an eye on me. I think I was into his territory.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
My aunt's garden attracted lots of butterflies and on one spectacular day in October 2020, I had the pleasure of just sitting and photographing as many as possible. Her garden consisted of lots of zinnias with a spattering of lantana, sage, lavender and rosemary.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
A nice little flycatcher that seemed to always be following me around. May not have been the same one each time but it was fun to think so. It seemed genuinely curious about me and posed nicely.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas during July 2020
Males are a powdery blue color as shown. They blue eyes and white face are helpful ID markers, as are the flashy black and yellowish-white spots (stigmata) on the leading edge of the wings. They are reportedly common in the southwestern part of the US, including Texas. To my knowledge I have not seen or photographed a female of this species but they must be present.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in July 2021
Another common species of dragonfly in our region. The males are blue with a greenish face while the females are bold green with black markings. I did not see any females on this day but that di not keep the males from showing off.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in August 2021
One of the resident lesser goldfinches perching on a pedestal that needs a birdbath bowl mounted. She seems to like being on a pedestal.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
One of the few butterflies I found out and about during February 2022. This is a fairly common species. Red admiral
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
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In my opinion, the common grackle is not very common looking. The iridescent feathers give this blackbird hues of blue, green, purple and bronze. Other than that, they are generally nuisance birds that tend to take over bird feeders, parking lots, parks and any other space where they might find easy food. This one was seen in Dallas, Texas, in my sister's backyard.
this is a one frame shot of the distant moon and a close tree with lights, just in broad daylight just before sunset, the moon was at high noon just passing the tree with lights. Shot at Honor Heights Park 12/24/17
A very small skipper butterfly with a bright orange color. I'm not sure why it is called southern broken dash. It was resting on a curved blade of grass.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in September 2021
The queen is one of the species that uses milkweed as a host for the larva. I understand this makes the caterpillars and butterflies taste bad to birds and other predators, a handy defense. The underside of the wings are similar to the Monarch butterfly, but the upperside is more plain brown and the butterfly is quite a bit smaller than a monarch. This one gave me a view of both sides of the wings as it perched on a butterfly milkweed that was blooming in the yard.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas during November 2020
This apricot tree was growing in the yard when my family acquired the property in Montell, Uvalde County, Texas. For several years it has not been productive and my parents had talked of removing it to make way for a new one. Apparently it just needs the right conditions. After record rains during last summer and fall, and a mild winter that included a few freezing days, this tree bloomed like crazy during February and March and has put on lots of fruit.
A red zinnia from our garden. I'm looking forward the the next blooming period - around here it seems to be late spring through mid October, if we have enough rain. This was in Montell, Uvalde County, Texas during June 2021
Spring brings flowers, Summer brings the sun and Autumn seems to bring hoards of interesting fungi. For those willing to brave these damp days, delicate photographic details await. Such was the case for capturing the intricate curl on this tiny mushroom that was past its prime.
I found this description on the Audubon bird page:
A bizarre series of hoots, whistles, and clucks, coming from the briar tangles, announces the presence of the Yellow-breasted Chat. The bird is often hard to see, but sometimes it launches into the air to sing its odd song as it flies, with floppy wingbeats and dangling legs, above the thickets. This is our largest warbler, and surely the strangest as well, seeming to suggest a cross between a warbler and a mockingbird.
They spend summers, breeding and nesting, in our area. They come into the yard for bits of fruit, jelly and suet or to visit the bird baths.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in May 2022
Chipping sparrows are nearly as numerous on our property as house sparrows. They are smaller and less aggressive at the feeders. This one posed for a brief instant on a mesquite tree branch covered with ball moss.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
I think this is a pipevine swallowtail butterfly. It was enjoying the nectar of the blooming prairie verbena. A nice way for springtime to finally burst out.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in April 2021
Lesser goldfinches are a bit smaller than the American goldfinches but definitely are not less colorful! The male are black on top with a nice contrasting pattern of white on the wings, bright yellow below. Females and immature birds are yellowish-green up top and duller yellow below. Cheerful songs and bright colors to brighten up the day. This may be my favorite photo of this species to date. It is often difficult to get detail of with the black head and the contrast of the yellow and black seems to be difficult to balance. This day the light was right and the bird cooperated by posing perfectly on a strand of fence wire. Besides, I have a thing for barbed wire in my photos.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas
A beautiful little warbler, blue-gray above with some black and white marks, yellow below with a brown or rust-colored breast marking. They have a buzzy little song that often hear even when not seeing the little birds themselves. They tend to forage high in the tree canopy for insects but will come into my yard for mealworms or suet. Or to enjoy a shower in the sprinkler or dip in a birdbath.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in April 2022
Vireos are very small birds that usually have distinctive and loud songs/calls. This yellow-throated vireo definitely has a big voice. They usually forage for insects among the foliage high in the trees but occasionally come down to see what is going on or to check out feeders for suet. They also will come out to enjoy a birdbath or water sprinkler.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in July 2021
The White-crowned Sparrow is a large sparrow with a small bill and a long tail. The head can look distinctly peaked or smooth and flat, depending on the bird’s attitude. Adult birds have a distinct black and white head, showing a white stripe in the center of the crown. Immature birds have brown and white on the head. They are winter visitors in our area, and across much of the US - breeding in the northern most regions of North America.
These were seen from my friend's bird blind in Uvalde, Texas
Monarda citriadora: among other common names are Lemon mint, wild bergamot, purple horse mint, plains horse mint. Whatever someone wants to call it, this is a lovely wildflower that grows in abundance on our property during late spring and early summer months. Pretty purple or sometimes pale pink flowers grow in stacks up a tall stem. Bees and other pollinators are highly attracted. I have read that the plants are edible, often used for tea and have some medicinal value. I just like them for the beauty.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in May 2021
Another common species of dragonfly in our region. The males are blue with a greenish face while the females are bold green with black markings. I did not see any females on this day but that di not keep the males from showing off.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas in August 2021
Sometimes known as olive hairstreak or olive juniper hairstreak, this butterfly species is a small butterfly that is dark brown or green above, with lighter rust-colored patches. The hindwings beneath are green, with two white marks near the base, along with a white line edged inwardly with reddish brown. The life span is about one week. It overwinters as a chrysalis.
Montell, Uvalde County, Texas during September 2021