itsoctopuses

[itsoctopuses]

Week 8 Observations

2.19.25

Deceiver

Laccaria laccata

Observed at home on 2.11.25. It is native to Texas and found all over North America, Europe, Mexico and Costa Rica.

These are very young mushrooms and when they age they change color becoming more pale or washed out.

These are edible though some say the stem is tough to eat. They can be pickled or dried.

They range from small to large. All the different ways it can look is where it gets the name Deceiver.

#deceiver #Laccarialaccata #citizenscience #fungus #mushroom #edible #native #nature #outdoors #february #february19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day50

2.20.25

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 2.15.25

Is a year round resident in much of the U.S. and more northern birds will go south during winter.

It’s Latin name translates to “many tongued mimic” and are known to sing several hundred different songs! They mimic other birds, man made noises and even some frog/toad species!

They can be extremely territorial and will dive at anything that they deem a threat (including a poor, helpless golden retriever that just needed to go potty!).

#northernmockingbird #Mimuspolyglottos #citizenscience #bird #native #statebird #nature #outdoors #february #february20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day51

2.21.25

Evergreen Bagworm Moth

Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis

Observed on 2.21.25 at Galveston Island State Park…not on a tree.

I believe this is the evergreen bagworm moth. It is native to this region.

It forms a case from silk, fecal matter and debris.

#evergreenbagwormmoth #Thyridopteryxephemeraeformis #citizenscience #moth #native #nature #outdoors #february #february21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day52

2.22.25

Common chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Observed at home on 2.22.25. It has been introduced to Texas but is not considered invasive.

The flowers, stalks and leaves are all edible and have been used medicinally for thousands of years.

They are good at reducing indoor pollutants.

They are even used in some insecticides!

#commonchrysanthemum #Chrysanthemummorifolium #citizenscience #chrysanthemum #flower #garden #nature #outdoors #introduced #february #february22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day53

2.23.25

Asian Elephant

Elephas maximus

Observed at the zoo.

They are endangered and are the largest land mammals in Asia.

They are extremely intelligent, have self-awareness, show complex behaviors and can feel compassion and grief. They live in herds led by a matriarch and have very strong familial bonds.

They can live anywhere from 60 to 80 years.

#asianelephant #Elephasmaximus #citizenscience #zoo #conservation #endangeredspecies #family #nature #outdoors #february #february23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day54

2.24.25

Mexican Fan Palm

Washingtonia robusta

Observed at home on 2.22.24.

Native to Mexico and introduced here and other coastal regions.

Under perfect conditions these palms can grow upwards of 100 feet tall and live over 500 years. This one was about 6-7 ft tall so it’s got a long way to go!

The leaves just fold down instead of falling off and this creates a dense “skirt” that animals use to roost in.

#mexicanfanpalm #Washingtoniarobusta #citizenscience #palm #flora #introduced #nature #outdoors #february #february24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day55

2.25.25

Hoary bowlesia

Bowlesia incana

Observed at home 2.23.25.

Native to this area, most of the southwestern US and South America. It starts growing in winter and through the spring.

It’s in the carrot family along side parsley and cilantro. Used in salads or for seasoning. Reported to not have to the same molecule that cilantro does making it taste like soap to some (including myself).

#hoarybowlesia #Bowlesiaincana #citizenscience #green #flora #nature #outdoors #february #february25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day56

[itsoctopuses]

Week 7 Observations

2.12.25

Sinewed Bushy Lichen

Ramalina americana

Observed at home 2.11.25

Is prolific and native to the Midwest, southern Canada and eastern seaboard.

It grows exclusively on the bark of living trees.

Lichen have a plant part to produce food and a fungus part to absorb moisture and attach to the surface, it this case bark.

This lichen is sensitive to air pollution and will be the first of the lichens to disappear when pollutants are high in its natural habitat.

#sinewedbushylichen #Ramalinaamericana #citizenscience #lichen #nature #outdoors #february #february12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day43

2.13.25

Corpus Christi Fleabane

Erigeron procumbens

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 2.13.25.

Native to the Texas coast and other areas also along the Gulf of MEXICO coast.

It has one flower head per stem, can grow up to 16 inches tall, and is procumbent (instead of standing up, it lays on the ground).

It grows in wet areas between dunes and edges of salt marshes and mudflats.

#corpuschristifleabane #Erigeronprocumbens #citizenscience #flora #nature #outdoors #february #february13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day44

2.14.25

Lesser Flamingo 🦩

Phoeniconaias minor

Observed at the zoo. Okay, so it’s not my natural world per se but I love zoos when they do it right. So important for education and conservation.

This species of flamingo is mainly from sub-Saharan Africa with another population in India. They are “near threatened” so having them in zoos can bring awareness about their loss of habitat and population numbers due to pollution. Zoos also help the genetic pool stay diverse, adding to the wild population if needed.

They are the smallest of the 6 flamingo species.

They get their beautiful colors from the algae they consume. They are filter feeders with their heads upside down as shown here.

They are social birds, living in flocks called a flamboyance, and communicate using group displays.

Both the females and males produce nutritious crop milk to feed their chicks.

What’s not to love?!

#lesserflamingo #Phoeniconaiasminor #citizenscience #flamingo #juvenile #adult #zoo #conservation #nature #outdoors #february #february14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day45

2.15.25

Chocolate-band Snail

Eobania vermiculata

Observed at home 2.15.25

This species is native to Spain, Greece and Ukraine and was accidentally introduced to Texas, Louisiana and California.

It is considered a minor pest but could be a major problem for native snail species, human health, and agriculture and ecosystems as a whole. Especially if the populations are larger than they are currently thought to be now.

They can live up to 5 years and lay as many as 70 eggs over their lifetime.

#chocolatebandsnail #Eobaniavermiculata #citizenscience #snail #invasive #nature #outdoors #february #february15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day46

2.16.25

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

Observed 2.16.25 at Galveston Island State Park.

Native to South America and very invasive here in Texas.

They are very aggressive with a stinger and 3 teeth! Its venom is its main weapon and symptoms range from fire like stinging sensation and pustules all the way to anaphylaxis that if left unchecked could be fatal.

They build huge nests for the colony but you won’t see the entrances because the workers emerge far from the actually nest! A nest can hold up to 250,000 ants. Some nests can have multiple queens (polygynous) while others may have just one queen (monogynous).

It is one of the most studied insects in the world even rivaling the western honey bee!

#redimportedfireant #Solenopsisinvicta #citizenscience #fireants #invasive #nature #outdoors #february #february16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day47

2.17.25

Yellow jessamine

Gelsemium sempervirens

Observed near home 2.17.25

Native in Texas to Virginia and the subtropical/tropical Americas.

It has a few other common names including yellow jasmine but is not a true jasmine plant.

All parts of this plant are toxic and should not be consumed and is especially lethal for livestock. Even the nectar is toxic to honey bees and has been known to kill off entire hives.

And yet it’s pretty so it is found in many gardens.

#yellowjessamine #Gelsemiumsempervirens #citizenscience #native #flower #outdoors #nature #february #february17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day48

2.18.25

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

Observed 2.12.25 at Galveston Island State Park.

They are native to Texas, breeding and wintering here.

They will fly back and forth to the same perch while catching insects and will wag their tail while perched.

It was the first banded bird species in North America by John James Audubon.

#easternphoebe #Sayornisphoebe #citizenscience #bird #native #nature #outdoors #february #february18 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day49

[itsoctopuses]

Week 6 Observations

2.5.25

Henbit Deadnettle

Lamium amplexicaule

Observed on 2.4.25

It is native to North Africa, Europe and Asia and has been introduced and has naturalized in North & South America and some other countries. It is considered an invasive weed in Texas, producing thousands of seeds and can even self pollinate.

It is in the mint family and can be used in salads or tea and has medicinal properties.

Some call it Fairy Horns because you can pluck the flower of and blow into like a horn. I just used it in my mud pies 😂

This is one of the weeds that the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle was climbing over.

#henbitdeadnettle #Lamiumamplexicaule #citizenscience #weed #yard #henbit #invasive #nature #outdoors #february #february5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day36

2.6.25

Eastern Cottontail

Sylvilagus floridanus

Observed 2.4.25

It is native to North America and is the most common rabbit species found here.

They can run up to 18 mph and use a zigzag pattern to escape predators such as birds of prey and foxes (or me with my camera!).

They have a brief gestation period of about 27 days, up to four times a year, with no more than 8 babies each time. They nest in shallow holes covered with grass and hair. (I got to see one last spring, so cool!) The babies are born completely helpless and within 5 weeks are out on the own!

#easterncottontail #sylvilagusfloridanus #citizenscience #rabbit #native #mammal #nature #outdoors #february #february6 #2024 #picoftheday #project365 #day37

2.7.25

Common Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Observed 2.7.25

Considered invasive in Texas. It’s believed to have been introduced to North America from the Mayflower, brought on the voyage for medicinal purposes. Though it is adaptable to many environments it does not usually outcompete native species for resources. Most people find it a nuisance when in their yard but they can protect against erosion due to their long root system (up to 15ft), loosen up hard packed soil and aerate the earth. The roots can even draw deeply buried nutrients to the surface for other plants and they actually fertilize the grass instead of killing it!

Throughout history, the dandelion has been a beloved flower in the Old World for its beauty and healing qualities. Every part of the dandelion can be eaten or used in teas and tonics.

A single dandelion can live for years, producing thousands of seeds over that time making them nearly impossible to get rid of.

They’re also one of my favorite plants and for my birthday instead of candles to blow out I had these! So many wishes!

#commondandelion #Taraxacumofficinale #citizenscience #dandelion #invasive #wildflower #weed #nature #outdoors #wishes #february #february7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day38

2.8.25

Common Bladder Moss

Physcomitrium pyriforme

Observed 2.8.25

Native to every continent except Antarctica and South America. It is most commonly found in wet and disturbed areas such as river banks. This was seen along the side of apartments.

Moss is good for temperature control, cooling the ground in warm areas and warming the ground in cool areas. Because it is a survived it is seen as a symbol of resilience.

This would be a good moss to have in your home because it is an air purifier, soaking up pollutants like a sponge in exchange for oxygen. Outside it has the ability to enrich the soil for surrounding plants that are struggling.

These photos have been magnified.

#commonbladdermoss #Physcomitriumpyriforme #citizenscience #moss #macro #native #nature #outdoors #february #february8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day39

2.9.25

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Observed 2.7.25

They are native to Texas and most of the U.S. Numbers grow in the fall and winter when migration from Canada happens.

I’m not positive if that is a Robin nest that that one is in because they’re usually cup shaped (and seem to be neater in other photos I’ve seen). The males are the only ones that sing using it to find mates and protect nesting territories.

Cowbirds will lay their eggs in a Robin’s nest but studies show that the Robin is very good at spotting the parasite’s egg and getting rid of it before it can take resources from the robin chicks.

They eat insects, berries and earthworms. When on the hunt for worms they will tilt their head so they can get a good look at the ground and where to strike. That is what the other picture is showing.

#americanrobin #Turdusmigratorius #citizenscience #robin #birds #native #nature #outdoors #february #february9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day40

2.10.25

Shepherd’s Purse

Capsella bursa-pastoris

Observed 2.8.25

Invasive in Texas and is one of the most common weeds in the world.

It is in the mustard family and all parts of the plant are edible and has been used medicinally and in Chinese cuisine.

One plant can produce 2000-3000 seed pods! The heart shaped pods release the copper colored seeds and will wait to germinate when the soil is disturbed.

#shepherdspurse #Capsellabursapastoris #citizenscience #invasive #wildflower #weed #nature #outdoors #february #february10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day41

2.11.25

Hairy Hexagonia

Hexagonia hydnoides

Observed 2.11.25 at home

It is native to Texas and if found in more tropical areas of the Americas. It grows on dead hardwoods. It is a plant pathogen and decays dead wood tissues. This is called saprophytic.

It gets its name from the hard, hairy bristles on the cap.

And has been used for medicinal purposes.

#hairyhexagonia #Hexagoniahydnoides #citizenscience #fungi #native #nature #outdoors #february #february11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day42

[itsoctopuses]

Week 5 Observations

1.29.25

Saltwort

Batis maritima

Observed at Galveston Island State park 1.29.25. It is native to Texas and is found on sandy beaches, salt marshes, and mangroves. It is considered a pioneer plant which is a species of plant that is the first to grow in areas where natural disasters have occurred (like hurricanes) and enables the more complex plant species to take root later on. It is able to do this because it can handle harsher conditions with less nutrients than other species. Such an important plant for the health of our marshes!

Native Americans have eaten saltwort raw, cooked or even pickles! The roots can be chewed like sugar cane and boiled into beverages.

Fun fact: the ashes of saltwort have been used to make soaps and glass because the sodium levels are so high.

#saltwort #Batismaritima #citizenscience #flora #plant #heartyplant #pioneerplant #nature #outdoors #january #january29 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day29

1.30.25

Splitgill Mushroom

Schizophyllum commune

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 1.30.25. I spotted these tiny (~1-2cm) mushrooms on a decaying stick in the dunes.

The caps are covered in white hairs. This mushroom can stay dry for decades and then be revived by moisture!

It’s a tough, rubbery mushroom that has been eaten in tropical countries over tender mushrooms that rot so quickly in the humidity.

Yet they also can cause allergic reactions and fungal infections. Don’t go inhaling their spores!

These mushrooms have the highest amount of sexes than any other species with over 28,000!! This guarantees diversity of genetic material is much higher.

What a wild little mushroom!

#splitgillmushroom #Schizophyllumcommune #citizenscience #mushroom #fungus #nature #outdoors #january #january30 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day30

1.31.25

White-speck Moth

Mythimna unipuncta

Observed at Galveston Island State Park (moths seem to love our breeze way) 1.29.25

It is native to North and South America. Introduced to Africa, Europe & Asia. It is a nocturnal agricultural pest. Another name for it is armyworm moth and it gets this name from the caterpillars that line up in huge groups and move from crop to crop damaging them. Apparently corn is a favorite though they will eat a large variety of crops.

Fun fact: an adult can fly 62 miles in one night!

#whitespeckmoth #Mythimnaunipuncta #citizenscience #moth #nature #outdoors #insect #january #january31 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day31

2.1.25

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Observed 1.28.25 at Galveston Island State Park. It is not native to Texas but is a common winter visitor. It is believed that the ones visiting Galveston are most likely from Iceland or Greenland.

They are omnivores eating seeds, berries, eggs, chicks, small mammals & birds, sea stars, mollusks and fish, like this Atlantic Needlefish.

Their call is similar to the Herring Gull and sounds like a laughing cry.

#lesserblackbackedgull #Larusfuscus #citizenscience #bird #fish #animals #nature #outdoors #february #february1 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day32

2.2.25

Bushy Bluestem

Andropogon glomeratus

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 2.2.25.

It is a native prairie grass to Texas and is widespread across the Americas.

It provides food and habitat to song birds a some butterfly larvae.

In the growing season the grass is green but is this luscious copper color in the fall/winter.

Unlike other bluestem species the bushy bluestem thrives in moist areas, like wetlands and around ponds!

Some Native American tribes even use the roots to treat poison ivy.

#bushybluestem #Andropogonglomeratus #citizenscience #prairie #grass #nature #outdoors #february #february2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day33

2.3.25

Common Chickweed

Stellaria media

Observed 2.3.25

Native to Europe, invasive weed in Texas and most of America.

It is a cool weather annual that grows in dense mats. It out competes nature spring plants by taking nutrients and sun from them.

Each plant can produce 600-1500 seeds and those seeds can be viable for years! Not good when it’s an invasive species.

Besides spreading through seeds it also spreads vegetatively due to its fibrous roots. So if you are weeding make sure to dispose of the plant material because it will reroot if you don’t.

Interesting fact I learned is that it can store plant viruses and pests!

#commonchickweed #Stellariamedia #citizenscience #weed #invasivespecies #nature #outdoors #february #february3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day34

2.4.25

Seven-spotted Lady Beetle

(Coccinella septempunctata)

Observed 2.4.25

This species was introduced to North America 3 separate times and finally took hold in the 1970s. They’re used to control aphid populations on crops because it is a carnivorous beetle. It has since become invasive, taking resources from native species.

The bright color of this species is used to warn would be predators away and they will secrete a toxic fluid from their leg joints when threatened making them taste bad.

I watched this one climb all over leaves, grass and weeds. They’re quite nimble for being so bulky!

#sevenspottedladybeetle #coccinellaseptempunctata #citizenscience #ladybug #insect #nature #outdoors #february #february4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day35

[itsoctopuses]

Week 4 Observations

1.22.25

Fox Squirrel

Sciurus niger

Observed in the snow, eating a snack and licking ice on a tree limb at home on Galveston Island 1.22.25. You can see its tongue 😛

They are native to North America and is the most common of tree squirrels. They are on the invasive alien species of Union concern list in Europe.

Their whiskers, claws, abs and more help them navigate their environment. The habitat they thrive in the most are areas with tall trees and little to no understory. They live in leaf nests or tree dens (preferred).

Fun fact: they can jump 15 feet horizontally and free fall to a soft landing of 20 feet or more!

#foxsquirrel #Sciurusniger #citizenscience #mammal #outdoors #nature #squirreltongue #native #january #january22 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day22

1.23.25

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

Their native range includes the Southwestern US and down to Central America and has expanded to Texas and surrounding states due to humans providing a reliable food source. Before agriculture exploded they stuck to their native range because their primary food/water source was the saguaro cactus.

I observed this one and its friends in a tree at my home on Galveston Island 1.22.25.

Though this species has lost nesting colonies, is on the wild game list and suffered a population collapse in the 1960s & 1970s it appears to have bounced back and is good at adapting to life with humans.

#whitewingeddove #Zenaidaasiatica #citizenscience #bird #nature #outdoors #january #january23 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day23

1.24.25

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

Observed these non breeding adults at Galveston Island State park 1.21.25.

While they winter along the coast they migrate to the arctic tundra to breed.

The population is very big and have a status of “least concern” yet appears to be decreasing and there are some subspecies that are quite endangered.

These birds forage for food on coastal mudflats and sandy beaches in flocks by poking their slightly curved bill in and out of the sand/mud. What’s cool about this is that their bill become a sensitive probe when an area on the end of the bill fills with blood and works with nerve endings that helps locate food.

#dunlin #Calidrisalpina #citizenscience #birds #water #nature #outdoors #january #january24 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day24

1.25.25

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

Observed near Galveston Island State Park on 1.23.25.

They’re common to Texas and winter here. Then they fly north to breed.

This one was foraging for seeds and insects in the grass.

Their nests are usually hidden very well on the ground in grass or weeds.

Fun fact, they often return to the same area where they hatched from each year!

#savannahsparrow #Passerculussandwichensis #citizenscience #bird #nature #outdoors #january #january25 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day25

1.26.25

Common Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Observed on the east end of Galveston Island on 1.26.25. There’s a huge committee (collective noun) of raccoons that live there, probably because people feed them. Usually their diets consist of a mix of plants and different animals.

They are native to North America. They’ve adapted past their original habitats and can be found almost anywhere in North America.

The most important sense they have is touch with highly sensitive front paws. They’re are very smart and studies have shown they are able to remember a solution to a problem for up to 3 years!

#commonraccoon #Procyonlotor

#citizenscience #raccoon #mammal #outdoors #nature #january #january26 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day26

1.27.25

Firestick

Euphorbia tirucalli

My friend gave me a few cuttings from her plant. I am not a plant person so we’ll see how this goes. It’s very pretty though.

It’s native to Africa and not invasive here but makes for a pretty ornamental plant.

It’s interesting she has this plant because it thrives well in a low humidity area 😆 The more I learn about this plant the less I think I’ll be able to keep it alive.

It produces a latex (sticky plant fluid) that is quite toxic but is also used to feed cows in places. Makes me wonder about the cows!

#firestick #Euphorbiatirucalli #citizenscience #succulent #plant #outdoors #indoors #nature #january #january27 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day27

1.28.25

Giant Atlantic Cockle

Dinocardium robustum

This large, saltwater clam can be found all along the North American coast, the Gulf of Mexico and in the Caribbean. This particular shell was observed on Galveston Island beach 1.26.25.

We’ve been having extreme low and high tides and these beautiful shells are usually found when the tide is very low.

They use their foot to burrow into the sand and also “leap” away from predators like sea stars!

Though this shell was just one half I have been lucky enough to come across some that still had their inhabitants.

#giantatlanticcockle #Dinocardiumrobustum #citizenscience #shell #beach #nature #outdoors #january #january28 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day28

[itsoctopuses]

Week 3 observations:

1.15.25

Common Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus

Observed at home on Galveston Island.

This is not native but also not invasive to Texas. It’s found in gardens and is great for our pollinators, including hummingbirds. They are cool season annuals, come in a variety of colors, the florets are edible and they’re even deer resistant due to the bright colors and distinctive shape! The reason for the name, snapdragon, is because when you pinch the sides of the flower it looking like a dragon’s mouth snapping open.

#commonsnapdragon #Antirrhinummajus #citizenscience #flora #flowers #garden #nature #outdoors #january #january15 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day15

1.16.25

Channeled Duck Clam

Raeta plicatella

Observed all along Galveston Island beaches. I’ve only ever seen the empty shell halves but apparently the clam lives in the sandy shallows outside the surf zone. They’re native to Texas and I’ve seen them wash ashore year round, especially after drastic tide changes and storms. The shells are very thin and crunch like fall leaves. Crunched up shells add to the composition of the beach and it’s therapeutic!

#channeledduckclam #Raetaplicatella #citizenscience #clamshell #shells #crunchedshells #beach #nature #outdoors #january #january16 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day16

1.17.25

Milkweed Assassin Bug

Zelus longipes

Native to this area.

Observed at the beach on Galveston Island though it’s usually found in gardens and landscapes. It looks a little creepy but if you see one leave it be because it preys on pests like beetles, caterpillars and even mosquitoes. Its bite may hurt due to the salivary secretion it uses to dissolve the tissues of its prey but in a human it’s not serious.

#milkweedassassinbug #Zeluslongipes #citizenscience #truebug #nativespecies #insect #beach #january #january17 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day17

1.18.2025

Bur Clover

Medicago polymorpha

Introduced from the Mediterranean Basin and is invasive in Texas.

Observed at Galveston Island State Park at 1.18.25. It’s usually found in moist open habitats. This was taken in the middle of a trail at the park directly behind the dunes.

Is considered a pest due to the burs and can be toxic to livestock.

#burclover #Medicagopolymorpha #citizenscience #invasivespecies #nature #outdoors #january #january18 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day18

1.19.25

African Cotton Leafworm Moth

Spodoptera littoralis

My app actually identified this as an oriental leafworm moth, but under the description of that particular moth it hasn’t really made its way over to the US whereas the African cotton leafworm moth has, and the only way to tell the difference between the two is looking at its genitalia and I can tell you I did not do that. 🤣

Both species are considered pests and can devastate crops so different methods of control have been created.

Observed at Galveston Island State Park 1.19.25.

#africancottonleafwormmoth #Spodopteralittoralis #citizenscience #moth #insect #invasive #january #january19 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day19

1.20.25

American Coot

Fulica americana

Observed at home on Galveston Island on 1.20.25. The are common and native to North America. They live in Texas year round.

They are not ducks even though they look like them. Instead of webbed feet they have broad, loved scales on their toes and legs.

A group of coots is called a raft.

Fun fact, they usually build floating nests and lay 8-10 eggs per clutch!

#americancoot #Fulicaamericana #citizenscience #birds #bayou #nativespecies #outdoors #nature #january #january20 #2025 #picoftheday #project365

1.21.25

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

We weren’t the only ones out today! Observed at Galveston Island State Park on a snowy 1.21.25! Even saw them catch a couple fish!

These little guys are the smallest of the shore birds. They winter here on the coast and migrate north to breed. The females will leave early so the babies will feed themselves and are ready to fly in 2 weeks from hatching!

They will probe the muddy shores for invertebrates (and sometimes small fish…though I didn’t actually witness them eating the fish).

#leastsandpiper #Calidrisminutilla #citizenscience #snowday #marsh #shorebirds #native #nature #outdoors #january #january21 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day21

[itsoctopuses]

Week 2 observations:

1.8.25

Crimson bottlebrush

Melaleuca citrina

In the Myrtle family. Native to Australia and apparently one of the first plants to be taken from Australia. It is hardy and is on the federal noxious weeds list. I find that interesting since it’s been planted in my complex. Surely, native plants could look just as good 🤷🏻‍♀️

Observed at home on Galveston Island 1.6.25 & 1.8.25.

#crimsonbottlebrush #Melaleucacitrina #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #pest #january #january8 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day8

1.9.25

Blue-tailed Damselfly

Ischnura elegans

This might be an adult male. It is a European species.

Observed on Galveston Island Seawall on 1.5.25.

I stopped to get pictures of the front over the water and this little guy landed for a quick rest.

#bluetaileddamselfly #Ischnuraelegans #citizenscience #storm #beach #insect #nature #outdoors #january #january9 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day9

1.10.25

Prickly Sowthistle

Sonchus asper

Another invasive species here in Texas. It’s native to Eurasia, is in the same tribe as the dandelion and is edible though you’d want to attempt this with a young plant before it gets too spiny!

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 1.10.25.

I had fun capturing it’s reflection

#pricklysowthistle #Sonchusasper #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #invasive #flora #january #january10 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day10

1.11.25

Gulf Coast Toad

Incilius valliceps

They are 1 of 10 true toads in Texas. They are native to Texas. This could be a young female.

Observed at Galveston Island State Park on 1.11.25.

I picked 3 large fire ants off this poor toad!!

#gulfcoasttoad #Inciliusvalliceps #citizenscience #nature #outdoors #truetoad #january #january11 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day11

1.12.25

Sea Purslane

Sesuvium portulacastrum

It was raining all day so I didn’t get a chance to get something today. This was observed 1.11.25 at Galveston Island State Park.

It is native to Texas and much of the world. Also has naturalized in places it’s been introduced. It’s a sprawling perennial herb used in food and medicine around the world. They even pickle it in the Philippines!

#seapurslane #Sesuviumportulacastrum #citizenscience #beach #herb #flora #nature #outdoors #january #january12 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day12

1.13.25

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Observed on Galveston Island 1.13.25.

Because it’s in its non breeding winter plumage I don’t know if it’s a male or female.

They can travel great distances to their breeding grounds.

They run along the beach, “chasing waves” and feel on invertebrates buried in the sand.

#sanderling #Calidrisalba #citizenscience #bird #beach #nature #outdoors #january #january13 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day13

1.14.25

Surinam cockroach

Pycnoscelus surinamensis

This is an invasive species to Texas and other regions coming from the Indomalayan region. It is not considered an indoor pest though you might find one occasionally in your home. They are also referred to as the greenhouse cockroach. It burrows in loose soil and will come out at night to eat soft plants. They are almost all female having evolved to reproduce parthenogenetically, where the embryos develop from unfertilized eggs.

Some critters will show me getting out of my comfort zone and this is one of those times. I hate roaches but I want to show more than just the “pretty” side of nature. This was observed at Galveston Island state park 1.3.25

#surinamcockroach #Pycnoscelussurinamensis #citizenscience #insect #nature #outdoors #january #january14 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day14

[itsoctopuses]

Week 1 observations:

1.1.25

Mournful Sphinx Moth

Enyo lugubris

Sighted 12.28.24 at 1642 (I’m using it anyway because it was just a few days ago and I probably won’t see another) on Galveston, Island.

Range: from central South America to central North America

Hopefully the only thing mournful this year is this sphinx moth I observed!

This year’s theme is Citizen Science. I’m going to identity a different species each day and by the end of the year I’ll have a nice little guide to the natural world around me!

#mournfulsphinxmoth #Enyolugubris #citizenscience #moth #lookaround #outside #nature #january #january1 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day1 #year11

Observed again at Galveston Island State Park 1.30.25

1.2.25

Chinese or lacebark elm

Ulmus parvifolia

Observed 1.2.25 on Galveston Island at 1712.

Range: though you can find all through the US and other countries, it was introduced from East Asia.

This particular tree is in my complex and it is a favorite of mine because of the bark. Makes a really interesting detail to macro shots! Almost like puzzle pieces.

That being said, it is considered an invasive species here in Texas due to being a resilient tree so it can outcompete native plants.

Shame it’s so pretty.

#chineseelm #lacebarkelm #Ulmusparvifolia #citizenscience #tree #bark #nature #outdoors #invasivespecies #january #january2 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day2

1.3.25

I found 3 egg cases belonging to the Family of Mantids, though I’m unsure which species it belongs to. Possibly a Carolina Mantis or European (Thanks to my Aunt Peggy!).

The female needs a sturdy limb or structure to hold her while she creates the case. I found one on the curb and 2 on wooden support beams.

I’m sure it’s dependent of speeches but they could’ve been laid sometime between Sept and Oct, with a 4-8 week time before hatching. With our weather here I’m curious if they can lay the eggs later than Oct. Maybe I’ll get to see some babies here soon! Each case can hold 100-200 babies!

Sighted at Galveston Island State Park at 1345.

#mantids #mantideggcase #eggcase #citizenscience #outdoors #nature #january #january3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day3

1.4.25

Japanese honeysuckle

Lonicera japonica

Observed at Galveston Island State Park at 1355.

The range is quite extensive in America and Europe but can be found in most regions. It is native to Eastern Asia.

This plant smells really nice but it is a highly invasive vine and will out compete native plants for their resources.

It will be interesting to see how many species I identify this year that are invasive.

#japanesehoneysuckle #Lonicerajaponica #citizenscience #invasivespecies #outdoors #nature #january #january4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day4

1.5.25

Portuguese man o’ war

Physalia physalis

Observed off the seawall on Galveston Island on 1.5.25 at 0714.

Range anywhere subtropical but are most commonly found in the Gulf Stream.

Not invasive to the Gulf of Mexico.

Fun fact: Portuguese man o’ wars are NOT jellyfish! It is actually a siphonophore, a community of organisms, that float on the surface of the ocean. The name comes from looking like a sailing warship which is an apt name since the venomous sting packs a punch. It can kill fish and in a few cases even humans! I photographed one hidden by seafoam so watch your step!

#portuguesemanowar #Physaliaphysalis #citizenscience #notajellyfish #beach #sunrise #nature #outdoors #january #january5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day5

I posted this one on a Galveston page and have received over 650 reactions! Most I’ve ever received! I can’t wait to print some of these off. Love them!

1.6.25

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

Juveniles and adults

Observed at home on Galveston Island at 1228 on 1.6.25

Range: they are all along the Texas coast year round.

These guys were all hanging out in a tree out back and let me come pretty close and just hang out with them.

#yellowcrownednightheron #Nyctanassaviolacea #citizenscience #birds #herons #juvenile #adult #january #january6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day6

1.7.25

Black-Crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Observed at my home on Galveston Island at 1154 on 1.6.25. Adult and juvenile.

Range: widely found on most continents unlike the Yellow-Crowned Night Heron. Here it is found year round.

Unlike the Yellow-crowned ones I spent time with yesterday, this species is a bit more timid and they flew off as soon as I got close.

#blackcrownednightheron #Nycticoraxnycticorax #citizenscience #herons #birds #adult #juvenile #outdoors #nature #january #january7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day7

First week down, only 51 to go!

[itsoctopuses]

New year, new theme, new blog! This year I’m going to identify a different species each day. This will be a weekly blog to showcase what I see. I’ll be using Seek app and my guide books along with internet resources to add facts to go with my observations. I’m constantly learning and not everything is an easy id so if you see something that I may have mislabeled let me know! I will also have observations from other days but I’m trying to keep them close to reflect what I’m seeing in that particular season. At the end of the year I’ll have a little guide to the natural world around me. I’ll revisit old favorites like dandelions, oyster mushrooms, and cardinals but also observe many new species!