Rascally Rodents

When you arrive at your campsite and are greeted by this kind of critter, you know you are in trouble. Firstly, because you realize that their cuteness will constantly pull on your heartstrings, tempting you to give in to their incessant begging for food, despite your conviction that it's bad for wildlife to feed wildlife. … Continue reading Rascally Rodents

Happy Birthday, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

2026 invites us to brush up on our rudimentary Latin (my apologies if yours happen to be fluent). While we might need to remind ourselves of the meaning of the words sesqui-centennial (1 ½ times 100), e.g. 150 years of Colorado statehood, or semi-quin-centennial (1/2 of 5 x 100), e.g. 250 years since the Declaration … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

On the Road–Texas Fauna

The main motivator for undertaking a Texas road trip this spring was to experience Texas’s avifauna. There are more avian-themed posts in the wings but today’s post highlights animals other than birds. I try to keep an open mind while traveling instead of having too many preconceived notions, in order not to be disappointed when … Continue reading On the Road–Texas Fauna

On the Road–Part 4

I have a new favorite reptile! No, not the American Alligator I reported on in last week’s post. But a much smaller, much less intimidating reptile the color of an emerald who also wears blue eyeshadow. On many occasions, I have admired photographs of this attractive lizard in posts by fellow bloggers. In Texas, my … Continue reading On the Road–Part 4

On the Road–Part 3

Our encounter with the Whooping Cranes was not the only memorable one at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Apart from visiting the observation tower and several boardwalks, we also strolled along the 0.5 mile-short Rail Trail near the Visitor Center. A narrow foot path paralleled and circled Tomas Slough, one of the few freshwater resources on … Continue reading On the Road–Part 3