Overview Animals Plants Environmental Factors Natural Features and Ecosystems Other Life Forms Photo Gallery Natural Resource Management Documents Related Links PHOTO GALLERY Welcome to the National Seashore's Photo Gallery. Larger Version 920 KB The gallery is organized loosely from top to bottom. The first photos are the most recent additions. These are followed in this order by photos of scenery, birds, sea turtles, history and historical objects, public events, mammals, insects, plants, seashells and beach finds, reptiles, and shoreline trash and beach clean-ups. NPS photo Archaic dart point Larger Version 59 KB This dart point, only two inches in length and made of chert, is probably between 2,200 and 5,000 years old. It was found in the park by Mr. Jay Tabb of Nacogdoches, Texas. Should anyone find anything of archaeological value during a visit, please remember that removing archaeological objects from the park is not permitted. Please leave them where they were found and contact either the Visitor Center or the Resource Management Division to report the location of your discovery. In this way, we can conduct a proper archaeological excavation to learn more about the peoples who once inhabited the island. We would like to thank Mr. Tabb for his discovery. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Manatee skull Larger Version 1 MB Manatees once lived in South Texas, but their numbers have dropped so drastically, that they are now rare visitors from Florida or the coast of Mexico. This skull was found near the Mansfield Channel on January 4, 2005. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Christmas 2004-Malaquite Visitors Center Deck Larger Version 305 KB In 2004, the Corpus Christmas area had its first White Christmas in around 100 years. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Christmas Day 2004-Picnic shelter at Malaquite Beach Larger Version 253 KB Corpus Christi received 4.4" of snow between the evening of December 24 and Christmas morning 2004. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Malaquite Visitors Center sign on Christmas Day 2004 Larger Version 88 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Picnic Shelters at Malaquite Beach--Christmas 2004 Larger Version 82 KB These shelters are located on the beach in front of the Malaquite Visitors Center. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Grasslands on Christmas Day 2004 Larger Version 644 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Novillo line camp on Christmas Day 2004 Larger Version 630 KB This view is from atop a dune next to the park road and looks east. The line camp is in the top right corner. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sunset over Padre Island-December 30, 2004 Larger Version 764 KB Visitors may use the upper observation deck at the Malaquite Visitors Center to view sunsets (or sunrises over the Gulf) on any day of the year. The observation deck never closes. An elevator is available during business hours for those who have difficulty climbing stairs. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Area around old Malaquite Pavilion Larger Version 66 KB Typical island terrain is shown in this aerial view of the previous Malaquite Pavilion, which was demolished around 1989-90. NPS photo The Gulf entrance of the Mansfield Channel Larger Version 73 KB The Mansfield Channel forms the southern boundary of the park and is a popular fishing spot. However, it is accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle or boat and is sixty miles south of the Malaquite Visitors Center. NPS photo Beach evening primrose and dune field Larger Version 675 KB Beach evening primrose and dune field NPS photo by Phil Slattery Dunes in a blowout dune field downisland Larger Version 645 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery The Malaquite Visitor Center surrounded by flowers Larger Version 686 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Aerial view of the island taken in 2000 Larger Version 11 KB NPS photo View of the Gulf of Mexico from atop a dune Larger Version 688 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery The fore-island dune field Larger Version 672 KB The fore-island dunes form a natural dike protecting the island from tidal surges from the Gulf of Mexico. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Ephemeral lake near the Laguna Madre shore Larger Version 192 KB Lakes like this one, a few hundred yards long, exist for maybe only a few months. Called "ephemeral" lakes, they form during rainy periods and evaporate during dry periods. NPS photo by Phil Slattery The Eastern Shore of the Laguna Madre Larger Version 191 KB Most of the island's Laguna Madre shore is seldom seen by visitors. This photo, taken from the top of a back-island dune in May of 2004 shows some of the terrain including a mudflat in the distance. NPS photo by Phil Slattery View from dunes on the Laguna Madre shore. Larger Version 189 KB Although most people know the island only for its beaches, approximately 90 percent of the island comprises dunes, grasslands, and marshes as shown in this photo looking toward the Malaquite Visitor Center from the top of a dune on the Laguna Madre shore. NPS photo by Phil Slattery View of the Laguna Madre Larger Version 650 KB This view of the Laguna Madre was taken from a dune field north of Bird Island Basin. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Film crew in dune field Larger Version 718 KB This photo of a film crew shooting a new orientation video for the park shows the extent to which a fairly large dune field can reach. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Dune field down island Larger Version 656 KB Seen here are items many people would not expect to find among sand dunes: ephemeral ponds and vegetation. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Dune with grasslands in background Larger Version 669 KB In order to protect areas such as these, driving in the dunes, mudflats, and grasslands is prohibited. Fines for violating this prohibition may be heavy. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sargassum Larger Version 668 KB Because sargassum, a species of seaweed that may cover the beaches during spring to mid-summer, is important to the island's ecology, the National Seashore removes only the smallest amount possible, unlike many other public beaches. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Small channel Larger Version 678 KB The island's nature is to change. A few years ago, a storm cut this channel into the island. The channel has since disappeared and the beach has returned to its original state. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Exposed sandbar Larger Version 706 KB Lower-than-normal tides may expose sandbars such as this along the Gulf shoreline. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Dunes at Little Shell Beach Larger Version 644 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Mudflats at Yarborough Pass in the summer of 2004 Larger Version 658 KB This is typical of the terrain surrounding Yarborough Pass camping area on the Laguna Madre. The pool is only temporary, consisting of standing rain water. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Malaquite Campground picnic shelters in mid-November, 2004 Larger Version 698 KB The high temperature for the day this photo was taken was near 80 degrees Fahrenheit-about five to ten degrees warmer than normal for mid-November. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Malaquite Beach in November, 2004-scenic #1 Larger Version 669 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery View of South Beach on June 7, 2003 Larger Version 693 KB The brown/black material next to the water is decaying sargassum (a type of seaweed). Although some visitors find it unpleasant, sargassum does play important roles in the island's ecology, and therefore the park does not remove it from the beaches. Sargassum usually washes in from spring to mid-summer, but it can wash in whenever the winds are right. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Field of Seacoast Bluestem at the Grasslands Nature Trail Larger Version 433 KB When backlit by the sun, fields of seacoast bluestem seem to glow silver. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Grasslands dunescape Larger Version 697 KB Although famous for its beaches, probably over 95% of the island is grassland and marsh. Dunes such as these are created by sand that blows out from the beach and are therefore called "blowout dunes". These are covered with a grass called seacoast bluestem. NPS photo by Phil Slattery The Many Colors of Padre Island Larger Version 695 KB Grass is not always green; species can vary in coloration. A variety of grass species sometimes gives Padre Island the appearance of a patchwork quilt, as can be seen in this view looking toward the park's entrance station from the top of a dune west of the Novillo Line Camp. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Savannah Sparrow Larger Version 106 KB This Savannah sparrow is probably a migrant from a dark race of sparrows from the north. Savannah sparrows are common in the winter, but seldom seen. Two of its primary distinguishing features are the yellow lores (over the eyes) and the heavily streaked breast. NPS photo by Gary Carroll Peregrine flying Larger Version 10 KB Peregrine Falcon NPS photo by Phil Slattery Piping Plover (endangered) Larger Version 13 KB Black skimmer Larger Version 9 KB The black skimmer migrates every spring to the Padre Island area from South America to breed and rear their chicks. Photo by Phil Slattery Roseate spoonbills Larger Version 15 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Tricolored heron Larger Version 15 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Black skimmer skimming Larger Version 11 KB The black skimmer feeds by flying with its lower beak in the water and snapping the beak shut when it touches a fish. NPS photo White-tailed hawk Larger Version 9 KB NPS photo Least Tern on nest Larger Version 16 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Long-billed curlew Larger Version 13 KB NPS photo Laughing gull Larger Version 16 KB The laughing gull name derives from one of its calls which sounds like someone laughing. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Blue-winged teal male and female Larger Version 18 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Summer Tanager on Malaquite Visitor Center deck. Larger Version 10 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Painted Bunting near Malaquite Visitor Center Larger Version 17 KB Photo by Phil Slattery Sandhill cranes near Park Headquarters Larger Version 9 KB NPS photo Royal tern in flight Larger Version 22 KB Taken at Malaquite Beach, November 27, 2004 NPS photo by Phil Slattery Ring-billed gull Larger Version 27 KB Padre Island is a wintering ground for ring-billed gulls. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sanderling Larger Version 18 KB The sanderling is one of the most common shorebirds on the island. It is known for running along the shore, quickly picking up worms and tiny crustaceans uncovered by the receding water. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Profile of young hawksbill sea turtle Larger Version 565 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sea turtle patroller Larger Version 143 KB Every summer the National Seashore takes on additional temporary employees and volunteers to search for sea turtle nests. The eggs from these nests are incubated in the park and the hatchlings released back into the Gulf. This joint USGS-NPS project helps restore vanishing sea turtle populations to the Gulf of Mexico. -NPS photo by Phil Slattery Nesting Kemp's ridley sea turtle Larger Version 896 KB Kemp's ridley hatchlings being lined up at a release Larger Version 18 KB Close-up of a Kemp's ridley hatchling Larger Version 21 KB Dr. Donna Shaver-Miller with a nesting Kemp's ridley Larger Version 20 KB A turtle in the hand Larger Version 47 KB Sea turtle hatchling held in ranger's hand NPS photo Kemp's ridley hatchlings Larger Version 11 KB Kemp's ridley hatchlings dashing for the water at a sea turtle hatchling release in 1999 NPS photo Kemp's ridley with satellite transmitter attached. Larger Version 41 KB Every year the first three nesting sea turtles are fitted with transmitters so their movements can be tracked over the next year. NPS photo Kemp's ridley eggs Larger Version 583 KB These eggs are from a nest found on May 28, 2003 and have been packed for transportation to the park's incubation facility. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Digging up sea turtle eggs Larger Version 594 KB USGS biological technicians are digging up the eggs from a sea turtle nest found on May 28, 2003 NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sea turtle tracks Larger Version 779 KB A nesting Kemp's ridley left these scrapes in hard-packed sand. You can get an idea of how big the nesting mother was, by noting that the tracks are on both sides of the ranger hat. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Stranded sea turtle Larger Version 78 KB If you find a sea turtle on the shore, whether it is alive or dead, please report it to the nearest ranger. However, please do not report sea turtles still alive and in the water. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Bunkhouse at the Novillo line camp Larger Version 668 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery The Nicaragua Larger Version 230 KB The Nicaragua is a freighter that went aground on the island in 1912. It is located near the park's 50-mile marker, but all that remains are its boilers, which are visible only at a very low tide. The rest has rusted away. NPS photo The Nicaragua in the 1930s Larger Version 26 KB This photo is undated, but, judging by the cars, was probably taken in the 1930s. It shows how badly the ship had decayed in only 20 years. NPS photo Coyotes Larger Version 16 KB Coyotes are the largest mammal native to the island. Photo by Dennis Owen South Texas Pocket Gopher Larger Version 21 KB As they tunnel, pocket gophers push up mounds of sand, which form dotted lines when the island is seen from the air. NPS photo Coyote Larger Version 396 KB Coyote NPS photo Coyote in tall grass Larger Version 275 KB Coyotes are an opportunistic predator, preying upon anything available (including pets), but preferring rodents, rabbits, and carrion. NPS photo Coyote in underbrush Larger Version 376 KB This photo from the park's early years shows a coyote making his way through underbrush. Please remember not to feed the coyotes. Feeding them is potentially harmful to their health and yours. NPS photo man with stingray Larger Version 176 KB This photo from the park's early years shows a visitor with a southern Atlantic stingray he has probably just caught or has found. NPS photo Beached whale Larger Version 156 KB Although common in the Gulf of Mexico, whales seldom beach themselves on the island. This photo from the park's early years shows one that did however. NPS photo Kangaroo rat Larger Version 455 KB Kangaroo rats are nocturnal, live on very little water, and leave distinct footprints often found in the dunes. NPS photo White-tailed deer in the grasslands Larger Version 15 KB Spotted Ground Squirrel Larger Version 13 KB Spotted ground squirrels are often seen near the visitors center and are frequently mistaken for prairie dogs. NPS photo John Eckrote (front) and Buzz Botts (back) during the rescue of a stranded dolphin on November 13, 2003 Larger Version 63 KB Photo by Cynthia Rubio Nov 13, 2003 - (left to right) Katie Morris, John Eckrote, Buzz Botts, and Darrell Echols after rescue of stranded dolphin Larger Version 63 KB Dolphins sometimes strand themselves on the National Seashore. Any found still alive are taken as soon as possible to a facility that can care for them properly. Photo by Cynthia Rubio Giant Swallowtail Butterfly Larger Version 632 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Scorpion Larger Version 533 KB Scorpions may be found on the island. This one was found in an office in the Malaquite Visitor Center. Although scorpions can inflict a painful sting, very few species in North America are potentially lethal. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Monarch butterfly on cucumber-leaved sunflower, November 27, 2004 Larger Version 94 KB The park is on a migratory route for Monarch butterflies. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Bushy Bluestem Larger Version 688 KB Bushy bluestem is one of the most common grasses in the National Seashore. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Seacoast Bluestem Larger Version 719 KB Seacoast Bluestem is one of the most common grasses on Padre Island. When backlit by the sun, its influorescence seems to be made of glowing silver threads. As the sun sets, entire fields seem to be increasingly encrusted with a glowing silver frost. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Tiny Tim Larger Version 662 KB This common flower is found in the grasslands. The width of the head, including petals, is less than that of a dime. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Stalk of sea oats Larger Version 225 KB Sea oats are common on the island and are usually found growing on dunes across the island. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Railroad vine (ipomoea pes-caprae) also known as Goat's-foot Morning Glory Larger Version 651 KB Railroad vine is well adapted for growing in areas of blowing sand. Because it has several long runners (sometimes up to 30 feet in length) sand can bury only parts of the plant, never the entire plant. Thus the plant can survive even though one or more of its runners may die. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Five pointed phlox Larger Version 649 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Cucumber-leaved sunflowers Larger Version 29 KB NPS photo by Phil Slattery Sea Beans Larger Version 2 MB A "sea bean" or "drift seed" is any seed, nut, or fruit that is carried by the ocean currents and is washed upon the shore. Shown are some of the sea beans most commonly found on Padre Island. For scale, the Calabash gourd is almost exactly four inches across. Photo by Phil Slattery Southern Atlantic Stingray Larger Version 7 KB Stingrays can occasionally come close to shore and may inflict a painful wound if stepped upon. To avoid this danger, when wading, always shuffle your feet instead of stepping. A standard-size ballpoint pen in the lower center of the photo provides a reference for size. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Portuguese Man O' War Larger Version 251 KB Found at the water's edge, man o' war can give a painful, but not lethal, sting. If stung, rinse the wound with sea water ( fresh water intensifies the pain), then seek first aid at the visitors center or from a patrolling ranger. Interior of crucifix fish skull Larger Version 171 KB The hard head catfish is also known as the crucifix fish because of this design on the inside of the top of its skull. The skulls are often found washed up on the shoreline. -NPS photo by Phil Slattery Moon jelly Larger Version 662 KB Moon jellies can inflict a painful sting. Do not touch anything on the beach, if you do not know what it is. First aid for jellyfish stings can be found at the Malaquite Visitor Center. Photo by Phil Slattery Lightning Whelk egg string Larger Version 704 KB These long, odd string are sometimes found along the shore in spring and summer. They are the egg cases of a marine snail known as the Lightning Whelk, which is the state seashell of Texas. Each string is made of a few dozen parchment capsules strung together and each of which contains maybe a few dozen baby lightning whelks identical to their parent. A quarter in the center of the photo provides a reference for size. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Lightning Whelks Larger Version 551 KB The Lightning Whelk is the state seashell of Texas and can reach up to over a foot in length. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Seashells often found on Padre Island Larger Version 342 KB Although finding seashells on the National Seashore can often be difficult, time and effort pays off. These are some of the seashells that can be found here. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Ghost crab Larger Version 624 KB Ghost crabs are nocturnal and hide in burrows in the beach during the day. The burrows are small holes in the beach and often have a fan-shaped pattern of piled sand to one side, which is sand that the crab has excavated from the burrow. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Woodhouse's Toad Larger Version 670 KB Woodhouse's toads are common in the Bird Island Basin area. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Massasauga Larger Version 662 KB This small, nocturnal rattlesnake is one of only two species of poisonous snakes found on the island. The other species is the western diamondback rattlesnake. Fully grown massasauga can reach up to two feet in length. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Visitors cleaning the shoreline Larger Version 648 KB Almost all the trash found on Padre Island beaches washes in from the Gulf, where it is placed by a variety of sources. The National Seashore sponsors or participates in many beach clean-ups during a typical year. The Malaquite Visitor Center distributes free trash bags and light rubber gloves to anyone who wants to clean up around his or her campsite. For more information on joining in a clean-up or how to have your own, call the Malaquite Visitor Center. Photo by Phil Slattery Mike and Elaine Smith with collected trash. Larger Version 191 KB Many people work as volunteers at the park for many reasons. One way some volunteers help the island environment is by picking up trash along the shoreline. If you would like to help the environment by volunteering to pick up trash, contact the Malaquite Visitor Center. NPS photo by Phil Slattery BSA Pack 11 at Fall 2004 Adopt-a-beach clean-up Larger Version 65 KB Boy (and Girl) Scouts frequently participate in our beach clean-ups to earn community service hours for merit badges. Photo by BSA Pack 11 BSA Pack 11 after the Fall 2004 Adopt-a-beach clean-up Larger Version 151 KB Boy and Girl scouts frequently earn community service hours for merit badges by participating in our beach clean-ups. The next adopt-a-beach clean-up will be on April 24, 2004. The one following will be on September 18. Call the Malaquite Visitor Center at (361) 949-8068 for more information. Plastic sheeting with sea turtle bites Larger Version 24 KB Plastic sheets and other trash containing diamond-shaped holes often drift ashore from the Gulf. These holes are the bite marks left by sea turtles, which sometimes mistake the trash for jellyfish, which is a secondary diet for many sea turtle species. If enough foreign material accumulates in a sea turtle's system, it may die. The bite marks illustrate one of the dangers of trash to wildlife. NPS photo by Phil Slattery Search Search this park Search nps.gov Home Accessibility Activities Education Programs For Kids History & Culture In Depth Management Docs Nature & Science News Plan Your Visit Special Events Bookstore » Employment » Volunteer » Contact Us »

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