Photos / Sounds
What
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)Observer
tewilsonDescription
It is hard to see because these snakes are wonderful at camouflage, but you can see a bit of the snake in the center of the bush. We had someone studying these guys point it out. We stayed away and did not disturb the snake. I couldn't believe how well it blended in while hiding in the shade to stay cool in the 27C weather.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Another wonderful view from the botanical gardens. The flowers seemed really happy to be enjoying the slightly damp soil and the 30C temperatures. Couple butterflies had been flying around them but they were too fast to get a picture of.
Photos / Sounds
What
Large Carpenter Bees (Genus Xylocopa)Observer
tewilsonDescription
As stated in previous observations it was about 30C with the sun shining. It had rained a couple days prior so activity at the botanical gardens was high.
Photos / Sounds
What
Genus StagmomantisObserver
tewilsonDescription
I'm not sure what species this is, but it was first thing in the morning outside the window. Most of the ones I've seen in el paso are brown, I assume since there was a little bit of ran fall this guy was able to come out of hiding since plant life was green. Thought it was funny while I was trying to get the picture the mantis looked like it was boxing to get me away.
Photos / Sounds
What
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found on fort bliss chasing some smaller birds around a parking lot. One of the few I have seen that are beat up looking. It was about 21C and despite the picture it was bright and sunny out. The bird was hiding out in the shade.
Photos / Sounds
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Tarantula-hawk Wasps and Allies (Tribe Pepsini)Observer
tewilsonDescription
For whatever reason this tarantula hawk didn't want to fly away. It wasn't injured and flew away with a little coaxing. First time seeing one up close, don't really have these where I am from. This was at indio mountain research station. It was about 27C this evening after a long day hiking the desert it was nice to almost be done.
Photos / Sounds
What
Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)Observer
tewilsonDescription
One of the first lizards we saw. Apparently they don't usually fall into the pit fall traps to be cataloged, so we got extremely lucky. It wad getting close to the rain hitting so some patches were gloomy from cloud coverage. About this time it was close to 22.7C with temperatures dropping the closer the storm got.
Photos / Sounds
What
North American Narrow-mouthed Toads (Genus Gastrophryne)Observer
tewilsonDescription
It was evening time and the sun was just starting to go down. We identified him by is croak and we're able to locate from following that. First time anyone had been able to catch one at indio mountain research. You can hear them most nights out by the water, is only full after it rains.
Photos / Sounds
What
Texas Blind Snake (Rena dulcis)Observer
tewilsonDescription
First time ever holding a snake. These are hard to find since they stay underground for the most part. Once again this was out at indio mountain research station on a warm summer day with temperature around 26.6C. This was our first day out there just after it rained. With the land still a little moist and cool this guy decided to come out and explore.
Photos / Sounds
What
Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found at indio mountain research station this cutie was found trying to be a rock. A team member watched as it ran past and was able to see where it stooped. These guys are incredible at blending in with patches of desert rocks. It was pretty bright and hot out this day, 26.6C.
Photos / Sounds
What
Texas Banded Gecko (Coleonyx brevis)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found at indio mountain research station. He fell into a trap the night before. When we found him out was just starting to become light out and was about 16C.
Photos / Sounds
Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found at san antonio Texas. Walking around the strip mall and noticed this guy walking on a bush. It was pretty sunny out with few clouds. 29C out with the start of a couple rain drops.
Photos / Sounds
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White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found at van Horne estates apartments in el paso, tx. It wad evening time and slightly chilly although it was sunny with a temperature of 21C. The bird seemed to have no fear, walked by with my dogs and it didn't fly away.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mountain Sage (Salvia regla)Observer
tewilsonDescription
A little green butterfly had landed on here right after taking the picture. It blending in very well with the leaves. It was 30.5C outside.
Photos / Sounds
What
Desert Yaupon (Schaefferia cuneifolia)Observer
tewilsonDescription
30.5C outside and sunny. Rained a couple days prior. Located at utep botanical garden.
Photos / Sounds
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Thompson's Yucca (Yucca thompsoniana)Observer
tewilsonDescription
It was about 30.5C outside. Found at utep botanical garden a after a rain storm couple days prior.
Photos / Sounds
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Silver Ponysfoot (Dichondra argentea)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Found at utep botanical garden. 30.5C and sunny. Rained a couple days prior.
Photos / Sounds
What
Mealy Blue Sage (Salvia farinacea)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Couple days prior it had rained, I assume this helped the plants to be brighter. It was bright and sunny about 30.5C out. Found at utep botanical garden.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Checkered Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tesselatus)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Aspidoscelis marmorata found after a rainstorm a couple days before at 16C. It was sunny. Found at indio research station near headquarters.
Photos / Sounds
What
Marbled Whiptail (Aspidoscelis marmoratus)Observer
tewilsonDescription
Aspidoscelis tesselata. It was sunny day, couple days before a storm came in. 16 C outside. Located at Hudspeth county: indio mountain research station near headquarters.
