We had no chores today so we elected to go exploring. We decided to head east about 35 miles to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The roads are nice, two-lane blacktops all the way to the Refuge and we were able to drive substantially slower than the posted limit. We were attempting to spot unique local species but soon found we would not need to look hard to see kestrels. There were lots of them perched on the power lines awaiting creatures too stupid to remain motionless around these predators. They are not large but they maneuver like fighter planes and seem quite well fed.
We finally pulled up to the Refuge’s Claude F. Lard (no kidding) Visitor Center and showed them our Federal geezer access card and were told to move along without coughing up the $5 entry fee. We had just driven away from the Lard Visitor Center when we spotted our first alligator lounging alongside a big pond. He appeared to be grinning, maybe awaiting the next sucker.
We continued on the big loop road that passes through the Refuge, stopping at some viewpoints and a massive observation tower that allows vistas over the oak forest to be seen. From the tower we could see some distant whooping cranes, ruddy ducks, egrets and great blue herons. We noted a few cara-caras, some of them dining on formerly slow prey. Deer were browsing along the loop. Many northern mockingbirds perform aerobatics in and out of the surrounding brush, frequently under the gaze of the kestrels. Black Vultures patrol the skies. More alligators relaxed near ponds next to the road. It was a nice drive.
On the way out of the Refuge, we spotted a nice nine-ringed armadillo rooting around for tasty bits in a pasture next to our route. These are truly bizarre, albeit well-armored, creatures. Aransas NWR is a great place to spot critters and we had a great time.
See some pix by clicking here