Birder’s Lounge

This is the second in a series of articles based on my trip to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. We had a fairly constant companion while enjoying the shaded pavilion at the marsh boardwalk. It was this Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens): UPDATED 7.22.08: Thanks to Laura for her comment suggesting that this might be an Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe). I’ve checked around and the consensus is that Laura is right. Thanks!

I have to admit that I had to work pretty hard with my various field guides to identify this bird. That’s embarrassing - I should probably know this one. What would be more embarrassing is Read the rest of this entry »

I spent a lovely day with a new friend at the Forth Worth Nature Center & Refuge. It was a hot, July day, but we spent the better part of it at a shaded pavilion located off the shore of a marsh area. It was fantastic! This article will be the first in a series, since I have so much to share from this one trip.

This is a Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), commonly called a Blue Swallowtail. Gorgeous! Apparently the larvae feed on plants that Read the rest of this entry »

I went on a field trip yesterday with a nice group of people to explore a native Texas prairie. It was great! The Bear Creek Ranch is owned by Dixon Water Foundation and is located in Aledo, Texas. The purpose of the tour was to focus on the native plants and grasses of the prairie. While I soaked up as much information as I could from the three great and knowledgeable guides, I found myself drawn to the birds and even the bugs. While others had their field glasses out Read the rest of this entry »