I heard them late in the afternoon, recognizing the territorial we’re here, this is our space calls of the resident pair of Red-Shouldered Hawks, Buteo lineatus.

The male is the smaller of the two, beak wide open proudly and loudly proclaiming his ownership of the back neighbor’s tree.

The hawks never actually left the neighborhood after last season’s chicks fledged late in summer. I’ve seen them winging through the trees and soaring overhead, but that they’re poised together in a show solidarity as a mated pair suggests that they plan to stick around and raise another family. I’m wishing them good hunting and safe nesting, with a gentle plead that they leave alone the over-wintering songbirds and native resident birds. They are welcome to snatch any European Starlings, European House Sparrows, and rats for their meals.

Also back, though only passing through, are migrating Monarch Butterflies, Danaus plexippus.

I’ve seen a few individuals recently as they waft over the garden. Today several are spending time in my garden, refueling for their travels.

I hope to see more Monarchs (and other butterflies!) as these remarkable insects travel to their wintering grounds in Mexico. There is plenty, the garden abloom with pollinators’ delights, the Texas second spring having arrived.