Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 18:52

Last week my Dreamer and I took some time to meander through some of the smaller town in Texas. We spent some time in Granbury. It's a lovely town with a beautiful town square. Lot's of fun shopping and delicious shrimp tacos!

We actually had a tornado warning while we were there and so we were keeping our eyes on the sky!

God put on quite a show and, thankfully, the worst of the weather went around us. 

Many of Texas' small towns boast impressive courthouses and Granbury is no exception.

The clocktower is impressive in its own right.

The next stop was Hico, Texas (pronounced HY-koh) where we found this gem of a back street awaiting us.

Hico, Texas

I love their town motto: "Where everybody is somebody!"

Then on to Hamilton County and another impressive courthouse.

Road trips are fun but I'm always glad to get home! where my sweet little hummers await!

Black-chinned Hummingbird and Mexican Bush Sage

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Our Gray Fox was back the other night and I was able to get some better pictures to share with you. Isn't he gorgeous!

I know there are a lot of pictures this week, but hopefully, you're still with me! 

As I was working at my desk the other day I kept hearing this sweet song outside my window. When I finally went to investigate I was thrilled to see an immature male Summer Tanager in the tree top!

These beauties are very hard to spot as they typically stay high in the canopy. They are bee and wasp specialists, catching the insects in midair and then killing them by beating them against a tree branch. Before eating a bee the Tanager will rub them against a branch to remove the stinger! Texas and the south-eastern states are a summer breeding ground for these neat birds.

Nest Update:
I didn't realize how short the Carolina Wren nesting period was - only 10-16 days! Needless to say, these wee ones grew fast and fledged before I had a chance to get more nest pictures.

Carolina Wren Fledgling

This is one of the two fledglings - almost as big as his parents already! But don't worry, another pair of wrens has started a nest in one of my birdhouses and I'll be sharing those pictures next week!

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Have a wonder-filled day,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 16:52

After culling my photos from this last week I realized I had far too many that I wanted to share with you for one post. So you'll have to come back next week to see the rest!

These first pictures are awful as far as quality goes. I took them through our side windows after the sun had set. My poor camera had no light to work with. But it was so exciting to see this Common Gray Fox! I just had to share them with you!

Despite his name, these foxes are anything but common. This is only the 2nd time in the five years I've lived here that we've seen one.  I think you can tell how beautiful he is even though the pictures are so poor. He usually only comes after dark but I hope I can get better pictures to share with you in the future.

I added a new bird to my life list this week. This lovely Eurasian Collared Dove.

Sadly, the white-winged doves were not welcoming, so I haven't seen her since.

Does this look like a likely place for a nest?

I didn't think so either, but those crazy wrens . . .

You can barely see the little pink babies inside. I'll post updates as they grow!

I've mentioned before that we have a variety of flycatchers in the area. I've seen the Great Crested Flycatcher in years past, but this year it seems he has decided to stay. He may have a mate and a nest - I'm still watching and investigating!

We finally got all the plants in the garden! I stick mostly with Lantana, Sage, and milkweed varieties. Partly to discourage the deer but they are also wonderful plants for butterflies! 

And we've already had visitors!

I've seen two monarchs already! So far, only the pipevine swallowtail [battus philenor] has lingered long enough for me to capture. Always a favorite!

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in--what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.” ― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

What are you seeing through your lens this week?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday;
Life-N-Reflection