As the Texas state reptile, Texas horned lizards, also known as “horny toads,” are among the most recognizable species of wildlife across the Lone Star State. The fact that once abundant “horny toads” have all but disappeared from parts of the state has not diminished their popularity among Texans.
Category: Blogs
Saturday, July 22, 2023, marked the first event celebrating night pollinators during Moth Week held at the South Texas Ecotourism Center (STEC) in Cameron County. When I received the email asking if I could help with this first-time event, I was excited to be able to help STEC! Before I agreed, there was one key phone call I needed to make.
Congratulations to all for reaching their milestones this year.
The long-tailed, striped lizard, its limbs splayed out like a gecko’s, suddenly materialized on the porch as I swiveled back from watering the birds.
We lifted a small log, one with critter-enticing voids and cracks, exposing an expected assortment of busy creatures—beetles, ants, silverfish and roly-poly’s. But, amid them, to my surprise, squirmed a dark, glossy worm. What is an earthworm doing in a Harlingen yard in this arid climate? I thought. I rarely see worms here.
Living near the Gulf coast as we do we have a large assortment of interesting shore birds living around us. One of these is the Green Heron. The smallest of the heron family, these little birds are found throughout the eastern U.S. wherever there is water with plenty of fish available. They are dark in color with greenish-gray backs and bright chestnut fronts streaked with white. A black cap on the head and just a dash green eyeliner, long yellow legs and a straight, sharp bill completes the picture. Both male and female are dressed alike.