By Eric Duran When people think of fall, they think of changing colors, falling leaves, pumpkins and sweater weather — but they don't normally think of butterflies. Yet along the Gulf Coast and throughout much of the south autumn is a wonderful time to watch butterflies. With fall wildflowers are blooming, migratory species from up north fly down to join us in the south. … [Read more...] about Butterflies are a-flutter over our balmy autumn
Wired to Nature
Aliens in your yard
By Eric Duran Many common backyard animals found in your garden are actually from another continent. You may have grown up with them as part of your outdoor landscape, but they didn't originate here in North America. Some creatures have been introduced accidentally in the soil of potted plants, others were introduced purposefully to help with agricultural problems, and some … [Read more...] about Aliens in your yard
Lizards and salamanders: A who’s who
By Eric Duran As a naturalist, I get questions about a lot of different animals. People are often curious about the small creatures they see crawling around their yards, but they don't always know how to describe or label them. One of the misnomers I hear repeatedly is the use of the word "salamander" to describe many small lizards. There is a lot of difference between … [Read more...] about Lizards and salamanders: A who’s who
For outside-the-norm winter birding, do go near the water
By Eric Duran One of my favorite winter wildlife occurrences along the Gulf Coast of Texas is the appearance of winter waterbirds. The lakes and other bodies of water in our area receive millions of ducks, but we also get a variety of other non-duck water birds, like grebes, loons, coots and cormorants. To view some of these birds, you need to head down to the coast or out … [Read more...] about For outside-the-norm winter birding, do go near the water
Brrrrrrrrrrilliant! Creatures’ coping strategies for the winter
By Eric Duran Winter is almost upon us, such as it is in Houston. Though we may not have the long severe cold winters that are common to the North, it does get cold enough here to warrant certain behaviors and lifestyle changes among our native animals. For the most part, fruits, seeds, and insects are less available as a food source, so winter strategies are called for. … [Read more...] about Brrrrrrrrrrilliant! Creatures’ coping strategies for the winter