"Something's not right–" (Part 1)

Radio conversation overheard this morning:

International Space Station (ISS): "ISS to NASA. Something odd to report. Do you read us?"

NASA: "Yes, ISS, we read you. Hey, ya homies, whaz up? Havin' fun up there?" 

ISS: "Uh– We just passed over Blanco, Texas, NASA. It appears that something's not quite right down there–"

NASA: "Like what? Do we need to notify the White House?" [Chuckle]

ISS: "Uh, hold off on that for now–"

NASA: "Well, what do you see? Must not be that big of a deal."

ISS: "Moonscapes–"

NASA: "Moonscapes, ISS? Hey, is this your cocktail hour up there?" [Snicker]

ISS: "No. [Unintelligible words] YES, NASA. We repeat MOONSCAPES. LOTS of moonscapes. Especially in one area on Ninth Street."

NASA: "Okay, okay, don't get your panties in a wad. Got some images for us?" [More snickers]

ISS: Just sent. Should be in your inbox now–"

 

Radio silence–

ISS: "Hello? ISS to NASA? You still read us?

More radio silence–

ISS: "Hello, hello?"

Continued radio silence–

ISS: "Guys, I think NASA hung up on us–"

NASA: "No, we're still here, ISS. Images received. Uh, [cough, cough] we're on this like June on a bug. Have a call into the Blanco mayor and The President, too. We'll have this issue resolved ASAP. Good job, ISS."

ISS: Ten four, NASA. Thanks so much for your (unintelligible words) help. Over and OUT." 

 

UPDATE FORTHCOMING...

The Flies of Texas

After nearly two years in the works, my article, "The Flies of Texas," has been published in July 2023 issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife. According to my mother, who's kept meticulous notes from the start, this is my 115th article for the publication. My first stories were published in 1989 under then editor David Baxter, who gave me my first shots at magazine writing. Thank you, Mr. Baxter! (I recently wrote him a personal note.)

To date, I've documented 115 fly species in our yard using iNaturalist. Here are just a few of my fly images that didn't make the issue...

Cactus fly

Geron sp.

Fruit fly Trupanea sp.

Elephant mosquito

Eastern hornet fly

Clubbed mydas flies (making more)

Bicolored plushback

Australian sheep blow fly

Robbery fly (Efferia sp.) with fly cuisine

First bite!

The culprit

Okay, you're really gonna think I'm weird now. But yes, I got my first ever spider bite! About two weeks ago. In the tub. On my abdomen. 

(Apologies for being remiss in sharing this memorable experience.)

"YOWWW," I exclaimed after only sitting in the water for a few minutes. Reflexively, I swiped my hand over my stomach, then looked down. A SPIDER. And he'd bitten me. TWICE.

"You little rascal, what'd you do THAT for?" I said, scooping him onto the tub's porcelain edge. "Good grief. I didn't do anything to YOU."  

My first spider bite(s)! Of course, I wanted photos! I could use them in my spider presentation. Hurriedly, I finished my bath and dressed. Then I grabbed my phone and got some shots. Then – yes, dear readers, you know me well – I released my fanged attacker outside. 

Later, I learned he's in the genus Trachelas. And yes, like most spiders, he has a venomous bite. But, like I tell attendees at my spider presentations, it all depends on how much venom a spider injects at a bite site and your own reaction to the venom. My reaction was mild at first. Two red bumps about a quarter of an inch in diameter. A couple of days later, though, the sites ITCHED. But nothing worse. Check out the photo of one of my bites – you can see the two marks where the fangs pinched through my skin. Cool, eh? I thought so! Now I can say I've been bitten by a spider!

Do beetles have noses?

Short answer: No. 

Long answer: Instead of noses, insects have an ability called hygrosensation that enables them to sense a variation in humidity.

I pondered that question after spotting yet ANOTHER click beetle headed in the direction of our air conditioner drip bucket. Usually, they're already IN the bucket by the time I arrive. And because we've had so many beetles, spiders and other critters get trapped, I finally rigged a raft to prevent fatalities. It works! At any rate, this beetle was clambering on the brick exterior of our house. Nice me decided to help out. I scooped him up and dropped him on the raft. Right away, he started drinking. At least, that's what I assumed he was doing. Which made me ask my question...

Do beetles have noses?

Here's one interesting answer I found on Reddit (I wish I knew the author's name): Can any creatures smell water? Always learning!

He's done drinking!

Meadow mowed

 

 

More Arkansas wildlife

Last month, we made yet another trip to Arkansas. Along the way up, I observed this stunning io moth (Automeris io) on the outside of the entrance door to the Hico Koffee Kup. I tried to move it to a safer place, and it ended up flying up into some high tree branches across a nearby street. Relief!

In Eureka Springs, I came up this golden-backed snipe fly couple (Chrysopilus thoracicus) making more. They're just gorgeous!

At the King's River, this box turtle (Terrapene sp.) said hello....

And I finally caught a shot of a question mark (Polygonia interrogationis) that was sunning and flitting on the rocky river bank.

And this wrinkled soldier beetle (Padabrus rugosulus) shared the counter where we were enjoying drinks and views of downtown from the Basin Hotel's baloney. Another great trip!

I had to get photos of this sign (that's ribwort plaintain). Guin, a shop owner, posted several of these along her property. I loved it! We're nature sisters!

You never know...

 

Sometimes it's just so fun and cool to see how this blog reaches differnt people for different reasons AND helps them out. Below is an email I received May 25, 2023, from a reader. As requested, I did add the link of my resources page. 

_________

Hi Sheryl, I'm sending you a quick thank-you email for putting together your Texas Wildscape Online Resources page! My name is Mrs. M. and I'm the program director for the Lyndhurst STEM Club for Girls here in New Jersey. For the month of June, our club will be hosting a special Birdwatching seminar that's open to the publicand is part of our Environmental Education series. We did this last summer, and it was a big hit with the community!

In preparation, I'm compiling a reference guide for the attendees with the help of our members. You shared some wonderful birding websites to include, so our girls requested I reach out and let you know how much you've helped us! And to pay it forward, our member J. asked me to send you this 'Make Your Own Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder' guide that she found.

Not only is it a great way to recycle materials into something useful, but there's so much information on there for bird watching, bird identification and ways to help the birds. J. was very excited to share it with you! She thought you would enjoy it as much as we have.

Please let me know if you add it to your page. I know J. would be thrilled to see she could help, and share this with the rest of the club! I meet with her on Saturday, if you get a chance to add it by then!

Thank you again!
Mrs. M.