About once a month I stop at the Botanical Gardens to walk the grounds. There are two lakes there [for my birding photo ops] and trails and boardwalks to the Oso Bay creek [it's been out of its banks for some time now because of the flooding rains and just now, finally receding]. The Gardens are preparing for the holidays with lighted palm trees and decorated Christmas trees. It was another beautiful, sunny day. This is what I saw:
Butterflies-
On Gator Lake-
From the Bird Tower, I spotted a few waterfowl: Coots and Ruddy Ducks. And turtles.
The larger lake, to the left of the boardwalk had, literally HUNDREDS OF American Coots. The covered observation deck faces both the larger lake AND the Gator Lake. It's called a palapa....actually palapa grande. Which, translating from the Spanish, means an open sided, usually thatched roof [frequently palm fronds], outdoor building. The Gardens' staff is re-thatching it right now, so the roof is not existent except for the center support...
And lastly...
The Gardens has been given a grant to begin building several topiary projects. As I walked, I saw a few...still not completed, but it'll give you an idea of what they're accomplishing. A butterfly with pansies, what looks like a roadrunner, and a caterpillar...
The start of the Christmas Tree Decorations...
The roadrunner is so cool, I LOVE it!! Who would have ever even thought of making a roadrunner? And the butterflies, you captured them flying!! I love those shots, they look absolutely magical!
ReplyDeleteLots of roadrunners here.
DeleteThe huge Christmas tree is amazing. Must look great when fully decorated. The nature there is stunning as well.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Thanks. Glad you walked with me today.
DeleteI haven't seen a sunny day in a while. I miss them. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteThose topiaries are amazing. I bet that tree will look spectacular all lit up
I'll have to get into town & get pictures of the new tree on the bayfront.
DeleteHello, pretty views of the garden. I love the butterflies. The Ruddy Ducks are so cute.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Happy Friday, enjoy your day and weekend!
The male ruddies are comical!
DeleteLove that roadrunner too. What a great idea! And I too am looking forward to seeing the tree all decorated. :-)
ReplyDelete...If I can get back there to see it finished.
Deletespecial mention for photo number 13, I love it. and the dancing/dating butterflies are amazing, so beautiful... love that big old tree to...
ReplyDeleteI hope to see the Christmas tree downtown this year. I didn't get there last year.
DeleteOh wow! What fun pictures!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed them!
DeleteMuch needed pictures here as we are having a number of gray cloudy days....waiting for the Sun to return and start another year!
ReplyDeleteSunny Texas!
DeleteThe shot of the stairway up to the bird tower caught my attention as did the fluttering wing pictures of the butterflies. Topiary progress is fun to see so far...
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to see what they'll do with the ithers.
DeleteIt looks so warm and sunny there and I just could imagine Christmas with summer like.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on
It is forecasted to be a drastic change in weather next week!
DeleteSuch beauty all around! I love the roadrunner!
ReplyDeleteThese are quite a huge undertaking.
Deleteaww...turtle... your camera could capture this reptile.
ReplyDeletegreat shots.... happy weekend
Turtles are very abundant in Texas.
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