I met Stephanie at the new headquarters this morning so I could do this year’s orientation. The building of the headquarters was finished last year after I left, so I got the grand tour today. There is a new visitor’s center located there, and I may work there occasionally this year. I prefer the VIS that is actually located on the refuge. In slow times, I can easily step outside to observe wildlife while keeping an ear out for approaching visitors. That’s not so easy to do at the new facility. It’s a wonderful facility, though. I’ll post more about it after another visit.
As Stephanie and I stood on the bridge crossing the pond, we noticed this frog and many dragonflies laying their eggs in the pond. It was next to impossible to photograph the constantly moving dragonflies. I tried, but just couldn’t do it. Then we headed down the path to Lake Anahuac.
When you’re out for a walk with Stephanie, you just don’t saunter along. Sometimes you have to get down and personal with the wildlife. 
After her inspection, she was thinking it was a rough green snake, but I’ll send her my close-up just in case. As we headed further down the path, I was swarmed by hundreds of mosquitoes while Stephanie only had one or two around her. They were eating me alive, so I had to call a halt to the walk on the wild side. I was afraid I might need a transfusion.
Later in the afternoon, Emma and I took a drive down refuge roads and found a couple of white ibis giving us a look. I also had a great encounter with a little blue heron, but I’ll save those pics for tomorrow.
I’m sure some of you know what happens when you feed a dog some turkey. Well, I haven’t given Emma any turkey, but she’s about gassing me out this evening as I write this post! OMG! 
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
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Emma, Emma, where are your manners? Beautiful shots, you really got close to that snake, you brave woman!!
ReplyDeleteSnakes! Why is it always snakes:)
ReplyDeleteYou give enough blood to those 'skeeters and they won't be able to get off the ground. You'll then earn the eternal gratitude from all the visitors... ;c)
ReplyDeleteI'll have some of whatever it was Stephanie was wearing to dispel the mosquitoes! They love me too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Emma got some cheese. That'll do it too.
So glad u are where u are supposed to be & want to be & nothing untoward is happening. There is no trepidation about opening your e-mail with something else wrong :). Love the frog, but can do w/o the s****, can't even write it out!
ReplyDeleteHas she been able to grab any garbage from the grounds when on your walks? One of my labs was a real stinker too. The other not so much.
ReplyDeleteWhat are you using as a mosquito repellant?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures again! grass snakes don't bother me much unless I'm startled by one... same as with any wildlife...
ReplyDeletethey were there first! ;) good for Stephanie... what fun
oh Judy!..what's a little flatulance problem amongst the 'girls'..better open a window or get a fan going!!
ReplyDeleteIf you would have been back a few more feet, you could have used Stephanie as the last picture.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a little dog gas will ward off the mosquitos!
ReplyDeleteThat frog photo was a little too up close and personal for me. Scary.
Hope you were on "zoom" for the snake photos. Actually it was a pretty snake - can't believe I just wrote that. I like that shade of green. Emma surely doesn't appreciate you making comments on the blog about her gas problem - I bet her feeling are hurt.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful snake. Thanks for not being 'freaked out' by it. I like the ibises too. They look so serious.
ReplyDeleteYou managed to get a photo of 2 of God's creatures I just cannot handle..frogs and snakes...Snakes are the worst...they make me nauseous..Your weather looks great..FYI..Dog farts are the WORST!!
ReplyDeleteJudy, have you considered one of those "thermocell" things? Not sure I spelled that right but Karen in the Woods raves about how they protect from mosquitoes--you might check the device out--I found them on Amazon once and I think Karen said she got hers at Wal Mart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place you are at. The picture of the frog is so detailed. What kind of camera do you have? I could live without the snake. But the Ibise are really beautiful. Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Emma needs some gas x
Thanks for sharing.
Yea, lots more nature pictures and many more to come! Glad you're back in the wilds for us to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture of the snake such a beautiful colour. I think maybe you will be going through a bit of insect repellant while you are there.
ReplyDeleteKevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
The frog and snake pics remind me of a funny song...LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI got silly and I found a frog
In the water by a hollow log
And I shook it at her
And I said "This frog's for you"
she said, "I don't like spiders and snakes...
Remind Emma there is a thing called PAYBACKS!
Cheers! ~M
First time visiting your site. I love the pictures! I am not so sure I would get that close to any snake...poisonous or not! That picture of the frog is a great one. You have a great eye! Enjoyed the blog. I will be back.
ReplyDeleteOh, Emma, Emma. Has she ever gotten up and walked away giving you a dirty look? I've had mine do that when I was ready to pass out from their "upset tummies" and I have 3 so if a couple have the same problem. Wow! Great photos.
ReplyDelete