Texas Critters

I almost hit a bobcat the other morning. Roadkill (or near) around here can be interesting. I got to thinking that could make an engaging and educational post, so I scrounged around the web for pix of critters with which cowgirls share rural North Texas. This list is by no means complete, just a snapshot. I did not take any of these photos. Some of them are from a guy named Van Vives web site — thanks, Van. Other photos are from Wikipedia.

First, is the aforementioned bobcat. I count myself fortunate to catch site of one every now and again.

Next is the coyote. They're pretty much everywhere, aren't they? No matter, I am blessed to hear them sing their wonderful songs.

I did not realize until the last year that these guys are all over Texas. I always think of them as from other parts of Texas and Arkansas, but I've seen 2 that were roadkill. I've never seen one alive in the wild. These suckers are large, dangerous, and they can tear up the land. I saw photos of the erosion of a mountain top from their rooting. They damage fences and crops and can kill a dog.

The most endearing varmint we've got — the Nine Banded Armadillo. For the longest time, I thought they were born belly-up dead on the side of the highway. They're basically armor-plated rodents that carry leprosy. They remind me of the singular uniqueness of Texans.

Cleaning up the roadkill is the Texas Turkey Vulture aka Texas Turkey Buzzard. These are BIG birds.

Not exactly wildlife, but nothing says Texas
more than a Texas Longhorn.

And where there are cattle, there are Cattle Egrets
around here, just cow birds.

Me and Mr. Fry, the Wild Turkeys

We had guests from the east coast come to visit. When I pointed out a Greater Roadrunner, one looked at me kind of funny and said something like, "Oh, is that all they are?" To which I replied, "Were you expecting them to be as big as a coyote and purple?"

We see a lot of Box Turtles because we're so close to the Lake. They really don't fare well on the highway, so I make it a point to brake for turtles. I'll stop, get out and move one to the side of the road. Hey, I had box turtles as a kid.

Another critter that appreciates our Lake, the Great Blue Heron.

Cotton Spider, or at least that's what we call them. Don't let her scare you. Although large, they are completely harmless. They build the most wonderful webs that are incredibly strong. And they eat lots of bugs. Every spring and summer one spins a web between 2 of the yuccas outside my kitchen window. I try not to disturb her.

I think I'll leave you on that note and not get into scorpions, snakes, fire ants, chiggers, etc. They all remind me of the just plain mean orneriness of all things Texan.

There will be a short quiz next period.