Cattails and a Cat's Tails

Cattail Marsh in Beaumont, Texas is named after the abundant Cattail plants (Typha sp.) that grow in the marsh. In addition to the Cattails and other plants, it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Alligators and numerous species of birds. On this visit I would discover a resident, that I have never seen before in the wild.
While walking along one of the roads that border the individual cells of the marsh, I notice a gray shape at the edge of the high grass. It looked like it might be an animal but I wasn't sure, so I pointed the camera and zoomed in. I was amazed to see a Bobcat ( Lynx rufus ), laying in the grass, and watching me. When I began to try to move a little closer, it ducked down, trying to be a little less obvious. Eventually I got too close and it ran for cover, but I was thrilled to have seen my first wild Bobcat.

Cattails at Cattail Marsh, Beaumont, Texas

Bobcat keeping an eye on me.

Bobcat - Lynx rufus

Bobcat attempting to hide.

Bobcat shows me a cat's tail.

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Great Backyard Bird Count 2012

The Great Backyard Bird Count took place on February 17 - 20. This is the first year the I participated in the count and had a great time. I only had one day off during the count but I also made a quick count during my lunch break on another day. I chose Cattail Marsh and Beaumont Botanical Gardens for my count locations. Both are located in Tyrell Park in Beaumont. I had a total of 308 birds and 19 species. I also added 5 life birds to my list, bringing that to a total of 53 birds. Below are photos of the 5 life birds that I spotted during the count.

American Wigeon on the right.

Blue-winged Teal

Black-crowned Night Heron

Northern Shoveler

Red-Shouldered Hawk

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• The Great Backyard Bird Count