Uncovering creatures in the compost pile

Found this fat grub at the bottom of the compost pile.

When I decided to move the compost pile to the back of the yard, I didn't expect to disturb so many critters.

In addition to earthworms and smaller grubs, I found a couple of giant grubs and some reptiles when I invaded their winter home.

These big grubs are larvae for Rhinoceros beetles.

I relocated the sluggish Gulf Coast toad under a rock ledge and put compost on top if it. I expect to hear its croaks in a couple of months.

The rough earth snake slithered under some leaves after I uncovered it.

The Skink was so fast I couldn't get a good pic.

Bottom of the pile. Yes, that is a headless giraffe that was stuffed behind the compost bin.

Driving along the Texas City Dike

Found a handful of Moon Snails aka Shark's Eye along the Texas City Dike.

When was the last time you drove down the 5-mile road that juts into Galveston Bay?

Many people from the area have memories of visiting the Texas City Dike,  which got a roadway in the 1930s. As improvements were made it became more popular as a recreation area.

According to Texas City Dike history:

In 1957, the City of Texas City leased approximately 13 acres of land on the eastern tip of the dike to Clyde Ragsdale, who formed the Texas City Dike Corp. for the purpose of developing the area. A lighted fishing pier, a bait camp, a warehouse and a refreshment stand were eventually built in the area.

Alas the dike was damaged by Hurricane Ike in 2008 and was closed two years for repairs.

The fish camps are gone, but the fishermen are still there.

And if you get into to the water, be aware of the currents. They can be treacherous.

Fishing is popular along the dike.

On a 78-degree mid-February day, visitors had plenty of room to wander.

The turn-around at the end of the Texas City Dike.

Gator gazing at Sheldon Lake

An alligator about 6 feet long suns along the far bank of Pond 2 at Sheldon Lake.

Alligators are enjoying the sun this week along the banks of Pond 2 at Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center. 

If you want to go gator gazing there, you have to keep your distance. At least 30 feet is recommended.
 
The birds seem to know the rules and stay clear of them.

White ibis watched a gator settle into place at the base of their tree,  but they didn't leave.

Can the gator see the birds in the tree?

After a few minutes the alligator crawled onto the sunny trail that is closed to the public, while the audience in the tree looked on. They were still in their places when I left.

Happiness is having Surfside Beach to yourself

On the Friday before Valentine's Day, the temp is in the mid-70s at Surfside Beach. Is it still winter?

We had lunch on the beach and looked for shells. We saw maybe 15 others along about six miles of beach that day.  A couple of power walkers, some beachcombers and a few who had staked out fishing spots.

I got my first back-of-the-neck sunburn of the year.

Found some shells I like. Yard art!

When you pick up a shell that is occupied, say 'excuse me' and put it back.

Tube casing for a Plumed Worm. The worm is gone, and its tunnel of shells washed onto the beach.

Parts of a Plumed Worm's home.

American Goldfinches return to my yard

American Goldfinches are cleaning out the sunflower seeds in the feeders this winter. I didn't see many last year.

Some speculated that we didn't see them last year at backyard feeders because there was plenty of wild food for them. Also the migration numbers vary from year to year.

I'm happy to see them return although it means filling the feeders more often.