Little distractions while working outdoors

When we are working in the field, we are often distracted by frogs, butterflies, anoles and spiders. Right, Sandy?

Near a shelter in a pen for the Attwater's Prairie Chickens, we found at least three little tree frogs. One of them slurped a bug while Sandy moved in for a photo.

A dragonfly's resting place

This dead dragonfly was in a corner of an arbor at a park. I didn't realize it was dead until I got close enough to touch its fragile wings. A live dragonfly rarely lets me get within 5 feet.

It seemed like a fresh death, but what happened? Note the butterfly wing under the dragonfly. Dragonflies are known to eat butterflies. Was this a fight to the finish? Or did the dragonfly and butterfly die natural deaths and simply get swept into the same place by the wind?

Nighthawks and gators at Anahuac wildlife refuge

What are you stopping for?

This little Nighthawk was sitting in the middle of the paved one-way loop around Shoveler Pond at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

Actually I didn't know what kind of bird it was so I posted the pic to iNaturalist. Almost immediately three birders responded: Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor). I'm sure they also rolled their eyes when I listed it as some type of "bird."

This pic was taken from the driver's side of the car. When I got out on the passenger's side to see if I could get a better angle, it flew away.

Did it think it was camouflaged on the roadway? Bird guides say Common Nighthawks are usually hard to see when they land and like to nest on gravel roofs.

We also played spot the alligator while we were wandering the park.

This baby gator made a noise, otherwise it probably would not have been spotted.

It's pretty cute.

Short walkabout through Sheldon Lake State Park

One of these things is not like the others.

Sometimes you might see an alligator, but there are other things to catch your attention on a midmorning walk around Sheldon Lake State Park.

Confession: Wednesday was a workday for the Wetlands Team. While others went out to rescue plants (a hot job), I opted stay indoors to clean seeds. Then I realized I was the only one doing seed work. After about an hour, I got bored. Without anyone there to shame me into staying, I took a walk.

Next week I'll try to keep on task.

The American lotus are quite spectacular in the ponds.

Signs warn guests not to pick the flowers or leaves.

Gulf Fritillary

Pollinators love basket-flowers

At Baytown Nature Center

The basket-flowers are blooming and that makes the pollinators happy. These pics were taken at Baytown Nature Center, Sheldon Lake State Park and my yard.

Bumblebees collect honey for transport in the pollen baskets on their hind legs.

Monarch

Tiger Swallowtail

Carpenter bee

Honey bee adds honey to it pollen basket.