Unfamiliar bluebonnet associations
On the way back south from Flat Rock Cemetery in Llano County along TX 261 on April 5th, we stopped by a highway bridge over an inlet to Lake Buchanan. Last year’s drought had dropped the lake level enough to reveal land that would normally be submerged, and bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) were quick to colonize that land. Looking west from the bridge I saw bluebonnets together with cattails (Typha sp.), a combination I don’t often see. Another unfamiliar pairing (at least for me) came into view when I looked east from the bridge and saw a group of ducks near a large “river” of bluebonnets.
We walked a ways into the colony on the east side, where a third unfamiliar combination came my way: a fuzzy caterpillar on one of the bluebonnets.
© 2024 Steven Schwartzman
Portraits of Wildflowers 
Speaking of colonizing, those cattails certainly took advantage of the water left to them. In both the first and second photos, the variety of flora (and fauna, in the case of the ducks) is really interesting. That would have been a fun spot to explore.
As for the caterpillar, that’s a fine shot of it enjoying the bluebonnet in its own way. I’ve seen more caterpillars this year than ever before. I don’t know if they’re having an especially good year, or if I’m more aware of them.
shoreacres
April 25, 2024 at 6:33 AM
We might have done more exploring, given that it was easy to get onto the properties on both sides of the bridge. But it was well into the afternoon and I’d already spent hours walking around taking pictures near and in Inks Lake State Park and then at Flat Rock Cemetery.
As for whether caterpillars in the places you’ve been are having an especially good year or whether you’re more aware of them, I can add my evidence: I haven’t seen more caterpillars than usual in Austin and vicinity. Of course I might have been less aware of them than normal for some reason—perhaps besotted by dense mixed wildflower colonies.
Steve Schwartzman
April 25, 2024 at 6:54 AM
Thank you, Steve, for more of the beautiful spring photos, especially the handsome caterpillar!
Joanna
gabychops
April 25, 2024 at 8:49 AM
I don’t know how many people would describe a caterpillar as handsome. Maybe you’ll start a trend.
Steve Schwartzman
April 25, 2024 at 10:45 AM
It does look like water!
Eliza Waters
April 25, 2024 at 8:58 AM
Yes, floral water.
Steve Schwartzman
April 25, 2024 at 10:46 AM
Ooh, I really like the scalloped edging the Bluebonnets created in that top field. Lovely scene and finds all, Steve.
circadianreflections
April 25, 2024 at 9:21 AM
Good observation about the bluebonnet colony’s scalloped edges. I assume (but don’t know) that the underlying configuration of the land has a lot to do with it.
This was three weeks ago already, and we’ve kept on seeing great wildflowers.
Steve Schwartzman
April 25, 2024 at 10:51 AM
Love the top picture – such a beautiful scene!
Ann Mackay
April 30, 2024 at 5:59 AM
One of many impressive scenes we’ve been seeing for weeks now. This spring has been excellent for wildflowers.
Steve Schwartzman
April 30, 2024 at 6:52 AM
Blue beauty .. that caterpillar sure looks like he is enjoying the blue bonnet
Julie@frogpondfarm
May 1, 2024 at 4:49 PM
Happy blue from Texas to you.
Steve Schwartzman
May 1, 2024 at 4:53 PM