Visions by Chery

06/04/2026

Somber Carpet Moth Caterpillar (Disclisioprocta stellata) | May 2026 | Rio Hondo, Texas

While I was sitting and waiting for a bird to appear for a photo, I noticed something swinging back and forth. To my surprise, it was an ant dangling from a strand of silk, probably left by a spider. The ant kept swinging, trying to reach what looked like a twig nearby. Suddenly, the "twig" began to move, and it seemed like it might eat the ant! It turned out to be a very well-camouflaged caterpillar, keeping the ant away. From a distance, that caterpillar looked like the other branches around the plant. You never know what you are going to see when you're outside in nature.

05/28/2026

Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) | May 2026 | Rio Hondo, Texas

While many people have seen horned lizards before, I’ve only ever seen them running away. After all this time, I finally got to see them up close and even photographed them.

At Cactus Creek Ranch, their conservation efforts have led to creative, unique ways to protect horned lizards. To keep them safe while they feed, the ranch places special shelters over some ant mounds. This gives the lizards a safe spot to enjoy their favorite meal without worrying about predators. The tepee is my personal favorite structure.

The Texas horned lizard is a reptile native to the south-central United States and northeastern Mexico, often mistakenly called a “horned toad” due to its appearance. Its body is round, with prominent cranial horns, and its coloration varies by habitat for camouflage. They usually can be found in open, sunny areas. It enjoys eating red harvester ants and possesses adaptations to neutralize ant venom. When threatened, it can puff up its body, use its horns defensively, and even sq**rt blood from its eyes to deter predators, especially dogs and coyotes.
Although listed as a species of least concern, the Texas horned lizard is considered threatened in Texas due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and competition from invasive fire ants that decimate its primary food source.

05/13/2026

05/12/2026

Gator Jake entertains while sharing alligator facts. A must-see attraction on South Padre Island!
Jake Reinbolt

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day♥️

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

05/08/2026

Water Birds | April 2026 | South Padre Island, Texas
During last month's bird fallout, we were thrilled to see not just one, but two Purple Gallinules and two Least Bitterns up close and in the open. We also saw a Magnificent Frigatebird soaring overhead at the convention center boardwalks. It was a fantastic day. If only those two gallinules chose to raise a family here. They are known to breed in this area.
The male and female bitterns found plenty of food. In image nine, you can see how far their necks extend to catch that food. Such wonderful sightings among all the migrating songbirds that came to visit the island.

05/02/2026

SPI Pontoon Boat Charters| April 2026 | South Padre Island
Part 1 of 2
It’s such a joy to connect with talented friends like TAC Imagery, Todd Council, Mika Geiger Photography, and Egídio Leitão. I had a fantastic morning on the island surrounded by creativity, laughter, and inspiring company. We shared stories, took in the beautiful views, and captured memories that will last a lifetime. Days like these remind me how lucky I am to be part of such a wonderful community. Texas Through Her Lens has connected many photographers who get together and explore new areas to photograph.
A heartfelt thank you to SPI Pontoon Boat Charters and the amazing Eddie & Lily for making this incredible adventure possible! Your hospitality, kindness, and attention to every detail truly made our day extra special. From the smooth ride to the friendly atmosphere, everything was perfect thanks to you.
Already looking forward to our next adventure together!

04/28/2026

Spring Migration | April 2026 | South Padre Island, Texas
More images from the bird fallout at Sheepshead Lots in the South Padre Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Seeing so many colorful and unique species stop by has been such a joy, and meeting other bird enthusiasts along the way has made it even more exciting. If you ever get the chance to visit during migration, it’s truly something special.

04/27/2026

Spring Migration | April 2026 | South Padre Island, Texas

More images from the fallout at the convention center. The last two are hummingbirds fighting. One hummingbird grabbed the leg of another, and it wouldn't let go as it swung the other back and forth. The last picture shows the one hanging upside down peeing as it was in the hummingbird's grasp.