I’ve been very interested in how different the plant and animal populations are here in Southeast Texas from any other place I’ve lived. Here are some random observations.
Meep Meep: I actually saw a road-runner last week. (It’s a bird – catch up!) A pair ran in front of the car on a back road – which is how I saw them; they have amazing camoflage, and I lost track as soon as they hit the high brush. I’d never have seen them sitting still. So far, no coyote sightings, Wiley or otherwise.
Evergreen Oak Trees?: Among the most common trees I’ve seen is the Live Oak, so named because it stays green all year. It does drop leaves, just not all at once. It grows slowly and relatively close to the ground for a tree – most are about 10 – 15 feet tall around here (though I’ve read that they can grow to 50 feet) and wider than they are tall. In the Hill Country, the Live Oak trees grow in twists and turns creating a knarley appearance perfect for the front yard of the local witch.
Cypress Trees: You can tell that these beauties are related to the great redwoods – they tower
above all other trees in the region. The Cypress only grow where there is a constant source of water – which explains how they came to guard the banks of Cypress Creek near Jane’s property. This photo shows a trio of the big trees on the right – it’s hard to tell scale, but they’re about three feet in diameter each, and about 90 feet tall.
Crawly Things: For the first time in a long time, I’ve actually had to try to remember what snakes to watch
out for, as there are a couple of dangerous kinds here-abouts. The most scarey is the Texas Coral Snake, but we shouldn’t forget about the Copperhead and the Texas Cottonmouth. We’ve also got scorpions and fire ants, so it’s good to wear high topped boots out in the pastures. My favorite crawly so far is the Texas Spiny Lizard – including this good natured guy who hangs around in the pear orchard.
Domestic Stock: OK, I didn’t think I was an expert on domestic animals – but I had certainly seen a few cows and pigs in my youth. Turns out, I don’t know nothin’ ’bout no livestock! I’m finding out new things every day. Did you know that cows suck up water rather than lap it like a dog or cat? (Sarah says they ‘vacuum it up’.) I don’t know what made me think otherwise – I guess I just assumed that’s how animals drank. And boy, you should see the rate of consumption. I was watering the stock last week, and the hose – full blast – couldn’t keep up with two thirst cows. They kept having to take breaks to let me get some more water in the trough. Maddee is contemplating a year in 4-H (yes, they still have it!) and we’re considering a goat or two for her to raise. I’ll let you know how that conversation goes.
Big Old Deer: As in much of North America, the White Tail Deer is common here, and the sight of whole families grazing beside the road is not uncommon (of course, it’s not open season on White Tail right now) – I even scared up a group of about 10 while walking around Mary’s back pasture last week. Many people with some acreage feed deer to enjoy watching them from home. There’s another deer, though, that’s making quite an impact in the Hill Country. Known as the Axis Deer, it was introduced to South Texas in the 1930’s from India as a game species. It is closely related to the elk, and is impressive in stature – nearly twice as big as White tail, from the reports. Word is that the Axis is more damaging to crops than the White-tail, and meaner. I’ve not seen one yet, but I’m keeping my eyes out.
