billarbon's Identifications

Mostly black, triangular head, green-ish white bottom part of head, coiled in a shady area right on side of trail.

I came within about 2 feet of stepping on this snake in Colorado Bend State Park, TX. It didn’t seem to notice me (or care about my presence) even when I was intentionally close - maybe 6-8 feet for pictures. It didn’t make any sounds (rattles or hisses) and only barely moved it’s head when I got close for pictures. I’m not confident about it’s size (maybe 4 feet long?), but it was enough to seriously startle me.

my first encounter with a wild Texas Indigo happened during my first visit to Lost Maples state park. the snake was ridiculously girthy and so large it looked like a giant plastic toy snake someone hid in the brush. As I scrambled to focus my lens with it in frame, it quickly departed into the underbrush far enough off the trail that I wasn't willing to pursue it. But it was amazing. I wish I had a better image to share.

Taken during the Great Texas Birding Classic on the Mustang Migrants team's Big Day with Warren Pulich and Beau Hardegree.

We ended our day at the south jetty where a large flock of Blue-winged Teal was in the surf! It looked like they were preparing to cross the ship channel and continue their northward migration. I've seen these ducks flying over the surf, but I've never seen them in the surf.