January through March is the perfect time to look for the iconic bald eagle. It's their nesting season, which means there's a lot of activity. Bald eagles reuse the same giant nest year after year, which makes it easier for you to find them.
To locate eagles nearby, use iNaturalist bald eagle observations, where you can also report your own sighting. Help biologists keep track of active nests with Texas Nature Trackers project Texas Eagle Nests.
Bald eagles were on the endangered species list from 1966-2006 due to pesticide poisoning. A conservation success story, they're now thriving. Take the time to see these magnificent birds in the wild, and share your observations.
You may have smelled a mountain laurel before you saw one. In spring these little trees are covered with long clusters of purple flowers that smell like grape bubblegum – and butterflies find it irresistible. Once established, mountain laurels endure heat, freezes and drought, so they're grown in Texas from the southeast to the Davis Mountains.
A mountain laurel transplanted from the wild rarely survives, so get yours from a reputable garden center or raise your own from seed. Be patient – they take a few years to bloom. Find out more in the video Texas Mountain Laurel | Plant of the Month.
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