Winter temperatures in Central Texas can easily span 40 degrees as we move from warm afternoons to overnight freezes. I'm not sure how most local critters handle such abrupt swings, but individuals from a resident population of anole lizards have developed some distinctly different coping mechanisms.
Whenever it is sunny this guy takes full advantage of the warmed cement mass of this small saint's statue. Constantly adjusting his position relative to the position of the sun and his temperature, I don't know where the lizard shelters when it is too cold or dark, probably under some part of our house that provides a tiny (to us) access point.
I'd only ever meant the statue to stand in a planter by the front walk temporarily, but with such a chummy relationship developing, I don't have the heart to change things up. Check out Mr. Basking Robbins.
Occasionally we let our two indoor cats on the front porch to do a little basking of their own. The Audubon Society would have you believe every house cat is a predator simply waiting to be released. According to their information, cats allowed outdoors will instinctually wreak havoc on an unsuspecting population of garden wildlife.
I'm not arguing against their stance. But should she accidentally get out, the smaller of our two cats poses little threat. You'll note the anole (on the statue) is aware of and watching the cat, while the cat, well...
Protected from threats of predators or weather either one, two other anoles are full time tenants in the greenhouse, where things are a bit more on the climate-controlled side.
Often perched on support rails near various irrigation spray and drip hardware, these two have plenty of hiding spots should a nosy gardener with a camera get too close for comfort.
Taking into account the full spectrum light, controlled heat and moisture, the greenhouse is an idyllic winter hangout.
Other busyness on sunny days involves a plant I take for granted most of the year. Banks of rosemary are covered with tiny blue blossoms throughout January and February.
Whenever the sun comes out the bees soon follow. These are the only flowers to visit around here at the moment. Traffic can be brutal.
Funny. I used to watch
out for bees, now I watch out
for them.
Happy happy bees.
That's my
Wildlife Wednesday offering for February 2015. Warm ongoing thanks to
Tina at My Gardener Says for hosting, and for encouraging and supporting good native gardening by her example. Go read her thoughtful contribution first, and then be sure to check the Wildlife Wednesday comments section for links to other wildlife centric posts. See you there!
