Day 2: We decide to pick up where we left off yesterday and head back to Anahuac first thing in the morning to see if there are any different critters. We are also excited to check out the butterfly garden and trail at the entrance. I realize it is late in the year, but you never know what migratory birds are still hanging around. Not everyone is in a hurry to leave once they get to Texas.

Before we get to Anahuac’s main area, we stop at one of the annex areas which was on the way as there are supposed to be a few trails there. When we pull into the parking area and get out, I notice this ominous site in the trees. Were these Turkey Vultures trying to warn us about something?

We head into the trail after once again “Offing” ourselves. We don’t get far before we are getting swarmed by the same flying critters that were attacking us yesterday. We are farther away from the water, but they are still just as vicious. Was this the warning we failed to heed?

We head back for the car and drive to the entrance of the main Anahuac area where there is a butterfly garden and another trail. We exit the vehicle and begin walking the trail, only to be attacked by these flying demons again! I “document” photo one on Karen’s hat before we turned and ran in hopes we could ID this thing later. Any ideas on what it is? Whatever they are, they bite/sting and make for a miserable walk in the woods. And kudos for Karen standing still long enough for me to take the shot while these things were swarming us both.

We did see one small critter on the trail before we sounded retreat–a small bunny. At least it made us smile.

Back to the car to follow the motorized trail through the park again.

Once back on the drivable path, Karen spots this bird in the tall grass. At first, I thought it was an Eastern Kingbird, but the more I look at it, I think it is an Eastern Phoebe. What do you think?

Next stop, we ventured out onto a boardwalk/observation deck that they have set up there. It is a nice way to get out among the critters a little farther away from the roadway. However, Karen observed this site.

Upon seeing this photo, I had to hang my head and declare that Karen has been right all these years…I have no butt. And my pockets are nearly down to my knees! Maybe I should rethink the wearing of the “relaxed fit” jeans. But then again, at my age, comfort is a much higher priority that it once was.

While on the boardwalk, we were able to see several Black-bellied Whistling Ducks which were perched on the railing.

We also saw a Black-necked Stilt wading in the water looking for some breakfast.

And finally, as we were walking back to the vehicle, there was a Great Egret incoming for a landing.

Back on the trail, our attention turned to gators once again.

There’s one!

And another!

And another!

This one looks like it is smiling at me. Maybe it’s time to leave them alone for a while. We decide to take the road to the back side of Anahuac to see what else is in this preserve. As we are leaving the “Shoveler Pond” area, I notice this Neotropic Cormorant making with the bat-signal. There must be trouble nearby! And me without my cape. Even superheroes need vacations now and then.

We make our way to the exit of the pond area and head deeper into the area, but that will have to wait for part 4 as this is already getting long-winded.

Until then,

Michael & Karen

All words and photos copyright 2020 MHampton Photography 
Equipment used: Assorted Canon bodies and lenses