In late spring and throughout the summer, I shift my walks with the dog to a crepuscular pattern, to avoid the worst heat of the day. Evenings after 8:30 are best, as the humidity is low, and there’s usually a refreshing breeze (though occasionally it’s tinged with malodor du skunk).
The twilight hours bring the night flyers, whose aerial acrobatics entertain me as I walk. Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) seem to swoop closest, within a few yards, as they gape and catch insects on the wing.
Purple Fountain Grass, and Common Nighthawks
Several other nightjars are found in South Texas; I’ve heard both Common Poorwills and Common Pauraques calling in the woods near my home (heard one of the latter just this evening), but I’ve never seen one.
Hi Kristi! Those drawings are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing! I find NCCs fascinating…I wonder why more med students don’t; I think they’re particularly interesting because of the evolutionary history. I’ve always been a cell/molecular person so it was so interesting to learn more about phylogeny, etc. I also started to read a lot about the neural crest stem cell model…seeing if they are more progenitor or more stem like. Anyway, your research sounds exciting. I didn’t bother applying to any UT schools because I’m out of state but they are certainly fantastic institutions!!