Summer Photos

STEM Camp campers cooling off at Austin Nature and Science Center.

STEM Camp once again cooling off but this time at Deep Eddy. It was HOT this summer!

Robot inspiration for STEM Camp with a robotics theme.

Newly put together from garden to counteract rainwater erosion. Cacti, Milkweed, grasses, standing cypress, etc.

Native Grass Garden with student seating.

Red-tailed Hawk sitting in our Cedar elms. Natural resident, but enjoys KFC.

NWF Schoolyard Habitat. Installed 2010-2011. Flame Leaf Acanthis blooming in back.

STEM campers looking through the glass bottom boat at Aquarena Springs in San Marcos.

STEM camper testing airplane designs on the PE staircase.

 

A STEM campers close call with a native Texas habitant at Austin Nature and Science Center.

Hawk vs. Chickens

During 7th period a biological event of avian proportions played out in the Back 40. Coach Moore noticed a Red tailed hawk perched on the chicken tractor. Mr. Brooks students were next on the scene. I noticed the hullaballoo outside my window as Dirk and some of his classmates were trying their best to protect the chickens. I grabbed my trusty digital and captured these images.

He (she?) patiently waited for another chance at the chickens. It was an amazing site as he would glide from tree branch to post to light fixture and back again. Except when Dirk flailed his arms, the hawk (quickly tagged Tony) seemed oblivious to the excited human spectators. I got within five feet- close enough.

 Journalism/photography teacher, Ms. Weber, noticed the commotion and came running. She shared these two great photos.

In the end two chickens suffered minor injuries, the hawk settled for a mockingbird, and a couple of dozen humans got a rare up close view of a top predator pursuing prey.