Not long ago, during a gathering at Babulya’s house to celebrate cousin Stella’s birthday, our family was unexpectedly serenaded by the untamed voices of the Texas plains coyotes. As dusk settled over the grass and trees, a chorus of howls echoed across the land. It was not a frightening sound, but rather something deeply stirring—a…
Tag: wildlife
The Black Grackle: Behavior, Diet, and Why They Thrive in Cities
This month, our family had more run-ins with grackles than ever before, and each one turned into a little adventure. The first happened at our neighborhood H-E-B. We were walking through the aisles when I heard the boys squealing and pointing upward. A shiny black bird was flying back and forth under the fluorescent lights,…
Backyard Wildlife: How to Attract (or Deter) Grey Squirrels Safely
Have you ever fed squirrels at a park? Recently, my sons and I went to Springwood park and fed the grey squirrels. It reminded me of when I was a child… I was fascinated by the Eastern Grey Squirrels that frequented our backyard. Their playful antics and bushy tails captivated my imagination, and I dreamed…
Short-Eared Owls: Identification, Habitat, and How to Spot Them
It was one of those sticky July evenings when the air felt heavy enough to drink, and our family was just finishing dinner. The ceiling fan was doing its best, the iced tea glasses were sweating little puddles onto the table, and the kids were halfway through convincing us that dessert should come before dishes….
Mexican Free-Tailed Bats: Fascinating Facts and Their Role in Texas Ecosystems
Our Family’s Bat-Watching Adventure On a warm October evening, our family decided to embark on a bat cruise in downtown Austin to witness one of the city’s most remarkable natural phenomena—the flight of the Mexican free-tailed bats. It was a perfect evening for a nature study, and we were all excited, especially my young son…
Moonprint Academy 