One thing that Central Texas gardeners can count on during September into October is the termination of the long hot of summer with a very welcomed re-introduction of our second spring. Compensating for our brutal summers is the reliable flush of new growth, open, exuberant blooming, and gifts of rain–sometimes too much–to gardens and the critters who rely on those gardens.
Typically, we enjoy our first cool fronts at this time, and while the cool is fleeting, it certainly takes the hot edge off of our days and nights. You’d think wildlife would be appreciative of any small portion of relief, but this past month hasn’t necessarily been packed with wildlife happenings, at least that’s so in my garden. Nevertheless, here are some offerings for Wildlife Wednesday.
Blooming perennials, reawakened with softening temperatures and gulps of water from the sky, have given pollinators of all stripes, scales, and feathers plenty in their search for pollen and nectar. This honeybee worked the flowerets of Garlic chives, Allium tuberosum. The same bee worked the neighboring bloom of Rock rose, Pavonia lasiopetala. As well, tiny native bees also partake of both kinds of blooms.
Typically, September sees the beginning of autumn migration from northern parts of North America to Mexico, Central America, and South America. Early in September, a pair of Yellow warblers, Setophaga petechia, spent several days visiting my pond. I couldn’t get a shot of them together, or a lone shot of the female, but the male sat still long enough for a couple of quick shots.
Each warbler hopped around the limestone rock which borders the pond, with nervous flutters into the oak trees. I never actually saw any bathing in the bog, or splashing the the waterfall, but both birds were clearly interested in the water feature.
I see this species each spring as they head northward, but don’t recall ever witnessing an autumn visit before. That said, I haven’t observed any other migratory birds through my garden this past month, which is odd. The autumn migration season spreads out over a longer period and isn’t as intense as the spring migration, but I’m surprised that I haven’t seen other passers-through at my pond or in the garden. I hope the migrants are finding enough in rural areas to forgo urban gardens.
My pond toads, Gulf coast toad, Bufo valliceps, are croaking their way to the end of their breeding season. I’ve seen itty bitty, baby toads in the garden, but this grown fella was willing to pose for me at sunup one morning.
The neighborhood squirrels are up to their usual antics, like the actions of this female Eastern Fox squirrel, Sciurus niger, who was bound and determined to have the birds’ seeds for lunch.
Balancing.
Vertical tight-rope manuevers.
The big stretch.
Success! Who knew that noshing on the ground is easier?
Finally, in a nod to the end-of-October scare, is this gorgeous spider who’s been hanging out at my back patio. I’ve identified her as a Spotted orbweaver, Neoscona crucifera.
I don’t find her scary and in fact, I think she’s quite beautiful. She’s also large; her abdomen is about an inch in diameter–a big girl! I’ve only seen her at night and she’s shy, so she scuttles up her web into the ceiling of the patio cover when she notices me. I was fortunate to catch this shot of her. I wonder if she was drowsy with digestion?
What’s winging or singing in your garden during this predictable season of change? Please post about your wildlife happenings and remember to leave a link when you comment here. Happy wildlife gardening!
