Backyard Safari

After 3 miles on the walking path Tuesday, I decided to go home via the back way. That means I bypass La Vista Park (hasta!) and keep going south to where the walking path intersects with the drainage canal behind our house.

As I left the path and headed for the dirt road along the canal, my presence disturbed a trio of turtles sunning themselves on the concrete canal bank and they ran (yes, ran!) for the safety of the water. I think the slope of the bank aided their descent, but they moved faster than I've ever seen a turtle go.










A couple of herons hang out around the canals. They take my breath away every time I see them, but they were gone by the time I got back with the camera.

Flocks of butterflies make their winter home in South Texas. Those little airborne divas don't hold still for photos, either. I'll keep trying.


I stopped to look around the garden and found this guy chomping on one of the plants. (See: everything's bigger in Texas).






Further investigation turned up other leaf damage and wriggly culprits.











I guess that's the price one's garden pays for the butterflies. At least they're not eating my basil.