Leaf-cutter Ants


Ok, it’s insect time. Here’s one of my top 3 insects — White-lined Sphinx. Found2 of these beauties at Lake Balmorhea. Interestingly, my camera on pretty high speed seemed to be exactly coordinated with the wingbeats. I always feel that these guys are mimicking hummingbirds to avoid predation.
More insects
Just back from a few days at Fort Davis. Stopped in at Sandia Wetlands (a nice stop just off I10) and Lake Balmorhea and had 9 species of shorebird. Killdeer, BN Stilt, Avocet, Wilson’s Phal, Spotted Sand, Western Sand (flyby), Upland Sand (several flyovers), Greater yellowlegs and my fav: fly right over the head 12…
And here are some additional pix from Davis Mountains in August 2023.
Banana slug in Pac NW.
Started off my morning here in Davis Mountains with some bad iphone pix of Montezuma Quail. Then did a walk on roads south of Davis Mountains — glad to hear lots of singing birds and see water where I’ve not seen it before!!! And finally I thought these (tentatively IDed) Velvet Mites were interesting and…