Cibolo Nature Center 6/28/23

     My girlfriend and I visited Cibolo Nature Center on June 28th, 2023. It had been on my list to visit after hearing of it from a iNaturalist user, and today the weather was just right for us to be able to. We arrived to a lovely pollinator garden where we saw beautiful flora and fauna. Bright Texas Lantanas and large Turk's Caps and American Beautyberries. Pollinating the flora of the garden were two species of butterfly, Gulf Fritillaries (1) and Queens (2). After taking many pictures we headed out, seeing a Hummingbird come perch over the garden on our way out.

(1) Gulf Fritillary 

(2) Queen

    The main trail passed through a gorgeous tall prairie, we turned onto the creek trail to escape the beating sun. Massive Bald Cypress trees crowded the canopy and shaded out the sun. We were left in awe by the sheer size of the trees. The peaceful creek was clear, allowing us to view the fish that inhabit it. Inhabiting the surrounding trees were many birds. The noisiest and most abundant were Black-crested Titmice. I tried but failed to lock onto one and capture a photo, they were just too active. A bird I was able to photograph was a lifer and one I had on my bucket list. As soon I saw it hopping up the tall cypress I knew what it was, a Black-and-white Warbler (3). Seeing its distinctive plumage filled me with joy. I stayed for a while to watch this charismatic warbler species as it climbed higher.  Motivated, we trekked on. There was a trail but it would cut over large cypress roots or be blocked by branches, so we had to climb and duck our way through. Perched on these branches was a massive Dragonhunter (4), we admired its great size with awe. The trail lead us into the creek, where we took off our shoes and wet our feet for while. As we rested, we admired the beauty of Cibolo creek. Joining us was a Horace's Duskywing (5). I'd like to think that it was doing the same.

(3) Black-and-white Warbler

(4) Dragonhunter

(5) Horace's Duskywing

    The trail continued on the other side of the creek. After crossing, we found ourselves hiking up a steep hill. Beyond the hill was the forest edge where we came face to face with a White-tailed Deer (6). The untrusting deer held its gaze, not breaking contact even for a second. This was good for us as it allowed us to snap some photos. We left the deer alone and followed the trail past the forest edge and into the prairie. The sun had weakened and so we roamed the tall grasses peacefully. Frolicking in the grassland was a male Painted Bunting (7). He hopped from shrub to shrub, standing out with his bright plumage until he flew off into the grass. Hidden within the prairie was an orchestra of insects who filled the air with their song. However a melancholic voice would join in on this song, the hoots of a Barred Owl. Its song immediately grabbed my attention. Its call echoed from within the forest. Wading through the grass, I gravitated towards the forest so I could hear its song better. Greeting us at the border of the the woods was a Pipevine Swallowtail (8). The forest had grown darker since we last hid under its canopy. Within this darkness was a Leopard Frog (9) floating in the pitch black. We ventured back before it would become too dark. Arriving at forest edge, the evening sun pierced its leaves. Also within the leaves was a male Northern Cardinal (10), preening himself before the sun's goodbye. 

(6) White-tailed Deer

(7) Painted Bunting

(8) Pipevine Swallowtail

(9) Leopard Frog

(10) Northern Cardinal

    We returned to the parking lot happy we came to this beautifully unique place. Cibolo creek and its surrounding ecosystem is a lucky space to have for those as passionate about nature as we are. My hopes to see a lifer that day were fulfilled and I left satisfied. Either way, I would be leaving satisfied having spent a lovely evening with a lovely girl. I look forward to exploring more new places with her and returning to old favorites.