The American Kestrel

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The American Kestrel is the smallest American falcon with a wingspan of about two feet. They have the ability, which is apparently unique among raptors, to hover in place while looking for prey.

The first three photos below of the kestrel perched in a tree were taken on my walk on the San Antonio River greenway on Monday, February 13. The rest of the photos were taken on Monday, February 10, also along the San Antonio River greenway. During the Monday walk, the kestrel flew across the river upwind (and upstream) from where I was, turned facing into the wind and hovered for several minutes before flying back across the river:

Eisenhower Park, Many Signs of Spring

Monday, February 20, 2012

Today's photos:

What better place to walk on President's Day than Dwight D Eisenhower Park. It was a beautiful day for a walk. By the calendar, there is still another month until spring begins. The butterflies and flowers obviously follow their own calendar.

Too Wet To Go For A Walk, A Few Photos From My Windows

Friday, February 17, 2012

Today's photos:

There was drizzle to moderate rain almost all day today, so I walked from window to window inside my house. As I have pointed out in previous posts, here in Olmos Basin one doesn't have to leave the house to take a wide variety of nature photos.

These photos describe the weather today very effectively. There is very heavy rain moving into San Antonio now as I post this. A flash flood watch is in effect through tomorrow morning. And a flash flood warning was just issued until 3 am. It looks like it might be a while before the unpaved trails in Bexar County will be dry enough to walk again.

The White-tailed Deer of Hardberger Park

Thursday, February 16, 2012

A very, very long time ago in a magical kingdom far, far away… Okay, not really at least in the literal sense. But it doesn't take much imagination to believe that opening line in relation to this series of photos.

They were, in fact, taken ten days ago on Monday, February 6 in the heart of the bustling urban development on the north side of San Antonio. The Water Loop Trail in Hardberger Park is one of the truly magical locations in San Antonio.

By way of editorial comment, given the current zoning dispute that would allow the construction of a Super Walmart on land adjoining Hardberger Park if approved, I hope the city leaders continue to have the same courage and foresight they had when this park was originally created.