Springtime has come to the swamp

This ol' turtle was making his rounds through the swamp.  There were squirrels, snakes, lots of birds; and trees are quickly opening their buds.

The swamp is awakening

There were signs of Spring in the swamp.  Trillium was coming on with its bud, turtles were sunning on a distant log, and I even saw a snake enjoying the sunshine.  The nature center hosts an art show, this time of year; pictures that always amaze me.  These interpretations of swamp wildlife were done by local elementary- school kids.

Lovesick and Foolish

The deer, I mean; he was following a doe. Behind a veil of vines and at a steep downhill angle, I missed him, clean. He stood looking for the doe, ambled a few more feet, and I was able to connect.

I had headed to the hills Thursday night after work and, when I stepped out into the chill there were several coyotes howling back- and- forth nearby. It was clear and still, nearly midnight, with lots of stars overhead. A pretty evening and quite a chorus, but after shirt- sleeve weather all day, the falling temperatures made me too cold to stay. Pine knots and oak splits soon had a fire kindled in the stove, and I was too comfortable and lazy to go back outside for the rest of the serenade.

Geminid Meteors

Sneaked off for an overnight at the hunting camp.  We got an interesting sky- show in the bargain, the Geminid meteor shower.  Funny thing, though:  I couldn't spot any meteors until AFTER the glass of Scotch.

Book Tree at Bluebonnet Library

December in the Swamp

The calendar has turned, but I'm still in short- sleeves.  A pretty evening in the swamp; it's cool and still, and the waters mirror a background of trunks, limbs, and leaves.  The drought seems to have given us a bit of leaf- color this Fall.  Birds and squirrels were busy in the trees; owls and woodducks were calling.

Haunted Hikes

I've been helping at the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center.  Their program for Halloween is a great alternative for kids.  Hundreds of people come for the festivities.  Hehe, there are "animal eyes"  along the trails for kids to count; closest count wins a prize.