Anahuac NWR Wildlife

Driving in on the entrance road, we had our first Close Encounter of the Cottonmouth Kind

Others had related other such meetings at various locations around the Refuge, but our first happenstance was today. A very aggressive resident, he is not one to be messed with. I took my pictures from the safety of the car, regardless of how dirty the windshield might be.  

The entrance sign greets all visitors. 

Great Blue Heron was exhibiting a strange behavior, posing like an American Bittern just seconds before this shot. 

Shoveler Pond is full of water and sporting more Waterlilies than I've seen before. That's the appeal of this place, the constant change while remaining the same. 

The gazebo was infested with bees again. 

Reminds me of "THE BLOB".

Marsh Fleabane? Maybe

Widow's Tears, a Day Flower. 

Nothing's more inspirational than an American Flag in the wind.